Highlights
- Uncover shipwrecks along Coron's thriving reefs
- Hop between islands on a traditional bangka boat
- Eat fresh-caught seafood with your toes in the sand
- Snorkel among Coron's underwater limestone landscapes
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cebu City, Free Time to Explore | Cebu City |
| Day 2 | Fly to Coron, Boat Tour of the Coron Shipwrecks | Coron |
| Day 3 | Island-Hopping Tour of Coron | Coron |
| Day 4 | Coron Island Ecotour & Snorkeling | Coron |
| Day 5 | Depart Coron |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cebu City, Free Time to Explore
Welcome to the Philippines! A driver will be awaiting your arrival after you touch down at the Mactan Cebu International Airport. Spend your first day getting acquainted with one of the largest towns in this archipelagic country, Cebu City. This bustling metropolis was the first capital of the Philippines and is the oldest city in the country. Filipino Christianity was born in Cebu City with the arrival of Spanish and Portuguese explorers like Magellan.
Kick off your first day by exploring the "Queen City of the South" through historic Spanish structures like the Basilica del Santo Niño, Fort San Pedro, or Magellan's Cross. You could also seek out the nearby beaches, but chances are you'll want to save your beach hopping for the creme-de-la-creme over the next few days—for now, enjoy your first look at the city and get an early night in preparation for tomorrow's flight.
Day 2: Fly to Coron, Boat Tour of the Coron Shipwrecks
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
It's back to the airport today for a 1.5-hour flight west to Coron. Look out your window to get your first glimpses of the islands below, scattered like emerald pebbles in the sea. Located in the Palawan region of the western Philippines, Coron is a world entirely different from the bustling Cebu City. Here small, colorful villages, dusty roads, and remote islands prevail. Your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation for the next few days. Settle in, grab your bathing suit and sunscreen, and hop in the boat—it's time to start exploring Coron's famous World War II shipwrecks!
You'll discover both the Lusong Shipwreck and the East Tangat Wreck by snorkeling or scuba diving, depending on your preference. These Japanese boats were marooned in the Philippines during a US airstrike that took place during World War II. Now tethered to the ocean floor, the shipwrecks took on a new life as a place for coral to grow and marine life to hide within. You'll also have the opportunity to snorkel along the Lusong Coral Gardens. The day will be broken up with a delicious seafood lunch at the beautiful and remote Pass Island.
Day 3: Island-Hopping Tour of Coron
Today you'll strike out on an island-hopping tour of the cerulean inlets, bays, and lagoons found on Coron's northern shore. Jump in the bangka, also known as an outrigger boat, to reach your first stop of the day, Siete Pecados. This is one of the most stunning snorkeling spots in all of Coron, and you'll have plenty of time to dive in and explore its underwater world at your leisure. Next, you'll make your way to both the Green Lagoon and Twin Lagoon, wreathed in jagged limestone cliffs.
You'll also seek out Kayangan Lake, touted as one of the most beautiful spots in the Philippines, and CYC Beach, known for its dense mangrove forests and shallow waters, perfect for splashing around. Skeleton Wreck, also known as the Irako Shipwreck, is on the docket although a bit farther afield than the other locations. Snorkel above these ghostly sunken ships, then break for a seafood barbecue feast, eaten with your toes in the sand on an idyllic beach. After more snorkeling, swimming, and beachcombing, you cruise back to the starting point and disembark.
Day 4: Coron Island Ecotour & Snorkeling
It's your last full day in the Philippines. Get an early start at 8:15 to fit in one last epic adventure. You'll be picked up for a Coron Island ecotour, exploring the island's plentiful coral gardens, submerged limestone landscapes, and secluded lagoons. You might recognize some of the destinations today from your island-hopping escapades yesterday, but it's well worth it to visit them again. Siete Pecados and its world-renowned snorkeling are on the list, as well as retracing your steps at Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon, where fresh and saltwater collide.
Soak up your last moments in Coron at the Twin Peaks Coral Gardens, keeping your eyes peeled for clown fish and sea turtles while you snorkel. You'll eat lunch on Kalachuchi Beach, known for its array of fragrant frangipani flowers hanging overhead, then head back to your accommodation this evening to rest, relax, and reflect on your incredible trip.
Day 5: Depart Coron
It's the last day in Coron, and time to make your way to the airport. Wave goodbye to the web of islands and turquoise waters of the Philippines as you fly above the Calamian archipelago on your departing flight. Safe travels!
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