Coron Pukaway Cave Underground Lake Tour with Lunch

Pukaway Cave and its underground lake

Pukaway Cave is one of the newer stops on the Coron map and the reason for this Pukaway Cave tour. Rainwater and the sea have worked through the limestone for thousands of years, opening a chamber where a pool of remarkably clear water sits beneath a rocky ceiling. Light slips in through the opening and turns the water from deep green to glassy blue, while stalactites and smooth, rippled walls frame the scene.

Is Pukaway Cave worth visiting? For travellers who have seen Coron's famous lakes and want a quieter, more intimate setting, the answer is usually yes. The water is calm, so even hesitant swimmers can float in their life vest and simply look up at the rock. The guide explains how the cave was formed and how to move carefully on the wet rock, and you have time to swim, rest and take photos before the boat moves on.

Swimming inside the cave: what to expect

Reaching the lake involves a short walk over uneven, sometimes slippery rock from the boat landing, so water shoes or sandals with a good grip make a real difference. Once inside, the temperature drops a little and the sound of the sea fades, which gives the cave its peaceful feel. Life vests are provided and the guide stays with the group throughout the visit.

Plan on about an hour at the cave, depending on the number of visitors and the tide. Please do not touch the formations, as skin oils slow the growth of the rock, and keep sunscreen to a minimum before entering the water to protect it. Waterproof phone cases are useful for photos; flash is unnecessary in most light and spoils the reflections on the lake surface.

Coral garden snorkelling stop

After the cave, the boat continues to a shallow coral garden where hard corals, sea fans and anemones grow in clear water just a few metres deep. Clownfish, damselfish, parrotfish and colourful wrasse are common, and on calm days visibility is excellent. It is a gentle snorkel suited to beginners as well as confident swimmers.

Snorkelling gear is not included on this tour: bring your own mask and snorkel, or rent a set on site. Wear your life vest if you are not a strong swimmer, never stand on the coral and avoid touching marine life. The guide decides how long to stay according to sea conditions; in rougher weather the stop may be shortened or moved to a more sheltered spot.

Picnic lunch and time by the water

Lunch is a simple picnic served at the stop, where a shaded hut is rented for your group so you can eat out of the sun. Filipino picnic meals in Coron usually feature grilled fish, chicken or pork, rice and fresh fruit; if you avoid pork or need halal food, tell us when booking, because halal-certified meals are limited in Palawan while seafood and vegetarian dishes are easy to arrange.

After lunch there is free time to swim, relax in the shade or paddle along the shore by kayak, which is optional and paid on site. This slower part of the day is one of the pleasures of a Coron day tour that is not rushed: the boat crew and guide keep an eye on the weather and time, so you can simply enjoy the water before heading back.

Coron town and how to get to Coron

Coron town sits on the south-east coast of Busuanga Island, facing the dramatic limestone peaks of Coron Island across the water. It is a lively little port with markets, seafood restaurants and the Mount Tapyas viewpoint above the rooftops, and it is the starting point for every boat day in the area, including this one.

How to get to Coron: most visitors fly from Manila or Cebu to Busuanga airport, about 30 to 40 minutes by road from town; the flight from Manila takes around an hour. A seasonal fast ferry also links El Nido and Coron in about four hours. The best time to visit Coron is the dry season from December to May, when the sea is calmest; from June to November boat trips can be cancelled for safety when typhoons pass.