Dive into one of the most iconic wreck-diving destinations in the world on Atlantis Adventurer’s thrilling Coron Bay via Apo Reef itinerary. This expedition combines pristine reef diving at Apo Reef, often described as a “mini-Tubbataha,” with historically significant World War II Japanese shipwrecks resting in the calm waters of Coron Bay.

Over the course of this charter, divers will explore massive WWII wrecks now completely transformed into artificial reefs, covered in hard and soft corals and surrounded by dense marine life. The itinerary also includes opportunities for pelagic encounters, shark sightings, manta rays, turtles, and a rare chance to dive with dugongs in a protected marine sanctuary.

Charters alternate between Sablayan and Coron, making this itinerary an excellent standalone adventure or an ideal extension when combined with a stay at Atlantis Puerto Galera.

Highlights

• World-class WWII wreck diving in Coron Bay

• Apo Reef National Park — one of the Philippines’ largest reef systems

• Massive, intact wrecks with exceptional historical significance

• Excellent fish life, coral growth, and pelagic encounters

• Rare opportunity to dive with dugongs at Caluit Island

• Optional visit to Coron’s natural hot springs

• Perfect combination of reef, wreck, and big-animal diving

Please note: A standard credit card processing fee will apply to payments made by credit card for this trip. Paying directly via bank transfer (ACH) incurs no additional charges. 

January water temperatures in Apo Reef and Coron Bay typically range from 80–84°F.

Most divers are comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit, some may be comfortable in rash guards, while others who tend to get cold may prefer to add layers.

A hood or hooded vest is optional but recommended for repetitive diving days. Gloves are not permitted in marine protected areas.

• Coron (Sibuyan Sea) water temperatures in January generally range from about 27°C to 29°C (80°F to 84°F), with averages around 27.5–28°C (81–82°F).

• Apo Reef water temperatures in January are similar, typically around 28°C (82°F) with small daily variation.

Atlantis Resorts and Liveaboards will request you to complete an on-line registration form. Please use your Legal Name just as it appears on your Passport as this is required if Atlantis is going to book your Domestic flights within the Philippines. This detailed information will help speed up the check-in process and better prepare for any dietary and other needs you might have. Please register individually online.  

The form will ask for your reservation booking number, and it is "Dolphin Scuba".

Click here for the Atlantis Registration Form. 

For all travelers joining us on international dive trips we recommend DiveAssure for dive accident insurance and travel insurance. Dive accident insurance can protect you in the event of a dive-related injury and is strongly recommended for all of our guests. In addition to medical protection for dive-related injuries, DiveAssure is one of the only providers that can reimburse you for missed dives due to circumstances such as weather events, sinus or equalization problems, delayed or disrupted travel, and other unexpected issues that prevent you from participating in planned dive activities.

This coverage can help you recoup the value of missed services, including prepaid dives, excursions, or portions of your itinerary affected by factors outside of your control. If you need guidance selecting the right plan, we’re happy to assist.

To set up an account or change your Dolphin Travel password just go to www.WETravel.com. Click on "Sign In" and enter the email you used to book the trip and send yourself a "Set Password" email. Go to your email inbox to find the latest email that will help you set a password. You will be able to manage all of your Dolphin trips and adventures under one account.   

Click to read the Atlantis Adventurer Pre-Arrival Information Packet.

The expedition begins at the UNESCO-listed Apo Reef Natural Park, a 34-mile-long reef system renowned for its biodiversity and visibility.

Key dive sites include Shark Ridge, where white-tip and black-tip reef sharks are commonly seen, along with hawksbill turtles, bumphead parrotfish, and occasional manta rays. Binangaan Drop Off offers dramatic walls, strong pelagic action, and large schools of snapper and tuna. Divers should keep an eye on the blue for spotted eagle rays and other open-ocean species.

At the conclusion of Day 2, guests will have the optional opportunity to visit Coron’s hot springs, a relaxing way to unwind after a full day of diving.

Coron is considered one of the premier wreck-diving destinations in the world. During these days, we begin exploring the Japanese fleet sunk on September 24, 1944 by the U.S. Navy.

Signature wrecks include:

• Okikawa Maru – A massive 160-meter oil tanker, sunk by a direct hit to the bow

• Olympia Maru – A 120-meter cargo vessel with expansive holds and rich marine life

• East Tangat Gunboat – A shallow submarine hunter ideal for extended exploration, featuring prominent boilers and extensive coral growth

• Akitsusima – A famous seaplane tender, with visible crane gears still intact at the stern

• Irako – A refrigeration ship for the Japanese Imperial Navy, where pots and galley equipment remain visible inside the wreck

These dives offer a remarkable blend of history and thriving reef ecosystems.

The Nanshin Maru, located near Black Island in Busuanga, is believed to be an American oil tanker that sank after WWII, likely due to a typhoon. The wreck lies upright on a sandy bottom at depths ranging from 70–105 feet (21–32 meters) and stretches approximately 165 feet (50 meters) in length.

Following this dive, we continue to Caluit Island, home to a protected marine sanctuary where divers may experience an intimate and unforgettable encounter with dugongs, one of the ocean’s most elusive marine mammals.

The final dive day begins with two deeper morning dives on the Kyokuzan Maru, an auxiliary supply ship of the Japanese Royal Navy sunk by U.S. carrier-based aircraft. The wreck is approximately 140 meters long and is beautifully adorned with coral growth over vehicle parts, tires, and ship structures.

After completing our final dives, Atlantis Adventurer cruises back to Puerto Galera, concluding an extraordinary wreck-diving expedition.

After breakfast, guests will disembark Atlantis Adventurer and transfer to their next destination or onward travel arrangements.