The short answer
Coron Bay WWII wrecks: what visitors should know first
For divers, this is the reason to come. Non-divers can still learn about the wrecks and snorkel shallow sites, but entering a wreck needs advanced training and an accredited operator.
History and context
The story behind Coron Bay WWII wrecks
Wikipedia says American aircraft bombed Japanese ships in Coron Bay on 24 September 1944. A Commons photo names the Akitsushima Maru among the vessels. Wikivoyage describes six large wrecks and two smaller gunboats.
Useful facts
Coron Bay WWII wrecks facts at a glance
- Location
- Coron Bay and around Coron Island
- Sport
- Wreck diving and shallow snorkelling
- When to go
- Dry months, with calm seas
- Access
- Dive operators with boats
- Founded
- Ships sunk 24 September 1944
Why it matters
Why Coron Bay WWII wrecks is worth your time
On 24 September 1944, American aircraft bombed Japanese ships in Coron Bay, as recorded by Wikipedia. About a dozen wrecks lie 10 to 40 metres down, and they make the area one of the better-known wreck-diving destinations.
The wrecks are also war graves and historical sites. Treat them with respect, take nothing and follow your operator's rules. Even for non-divers, they explain why Coron became a diving destination. For many visitors, understanding the wrecks happens above water. Reading about the raid, seeing the sites on a map and talking to dive guides adds context to a bay that otherwise looks purely scenic, and explains the dive shops, boat traffic and tourism economy you see around the port.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The 1944 raid
Ships were bombed on 24 September 1944.
- 02
Depth range
Wrecks lie roughly 10 to 40 metres deep.
- 03
Safety
Wreck entry needs advanced training.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Choose an established dive shop and ask about group size, safety briefing, equipment and the sites visited. Most operators run day trips with two or three dives. Wikivoyage lists several shops and warns about crowded boats at some, so read recent reviews.
Non-divers can ask for snorkelling at shallow sites. Do not enter wrecks without training: it is dangerous, with silt, tight passages and low visibility.
Carry insurance that covers diving and medical evacuation. After diving, avoid flying for the period your operator advises, since decompression sickness is a real risk. Rest, hydrate and avoid alcohol.
Plan with confidence
Event-led places reward a little planning.
- Choose a licensed dive operator
- Confirm your certification and medical fitness
- Do not enter wrecks without training
- Buy insurance that covers diving
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Coron Bay and waters around Coron Island
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day
- Best time
- Dry months, with calm seas
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- Boat boarding and open water make this hard for many older travellers. Diving needs medical fitness and certification. Non-divers can watch from the boat or snorkel only at shallow sites with a guide.
- Tickets and access
- Book through a licensed dive operator. Check certification requirements, medical fitness and insurance; entering wrecks needs advanced training such as wreck-diver certification (Wikivoyage).
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Coron Bay WWII wrecks
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Boat boarding and open water make this hard for many older travellers. Diving needs medical fitness and certification. Non-divers can watch from the boat or snorkel only at shallow sites with a guide.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Can I see the wrecks without diving?
Some shallower sites can be snorkelled, but the deeper wrecks need diving.
Is it safe?
It is safe with a reputable operator and proper certification, but wreck entry is risky without training.
When were they sunk?
24 September 1944, according to Wikipedia.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.