Coron Ultimate Island Hopping Tour with Kayangan and Barracuda Lakes

Kayangan Lake

Kayangan Lake lies on Coron Island, the ancestral domain of the indigenous Tagbanua people, who manage the site. From the boat landing a steep path of stone and wooden steps climbs for about ten minutes to a viewpoint over a cove of turquoise water framed by limestone spires, the most photographed view in Coron. The path then drops down to the lake itself.

The lake water is mostly fresh, cool and astonishingly clear, with underwater rock formations that drop away into deep blue. A floating boardwalk lines the shore, and life vests are required for swimming. Allow about an hour. Is Kayangan Lake worth visiting? Without doubt: it is the reason many travellers come to Coron, and arriving early on this tour helps you beat the busiest hours.

Twin Lagoon

Twin Lagoon is two lagoons side by side, separated by a wall of limestone. The boat anchors in the first lagoon, and you reach the second by swimming or kayaking through a narrow gap under the rock at low tide, or by climbing a short wooden ladder over it at high tide. Inside, sheer cliffs rise on every side and the water is calm and green.

Here fresh water from springs meets the sea, so in places you feel warm and cool layers and see a shimmering blur where they mix. Kayaks can be rented on the spot, while the swim through the gap is easy with a life vest. Expect about an hour of swimming, paddling and photos in this spectacular natural pool.

Barracuda Lake

Barracuda Lake sits inside the cliffs of Coron Island and is reached by a short climb over jagged limestone on wooden stairs. The lake is famous for its layers: fresh water near the surface, salt water deeper down, and a warm band below that can feel like a hot bath. The underwater walls and pinnacles make it a favourite with freedivers and divers.

For snorkellers it is a surreal float over grey rock canyons in very clear water, with few fish but extraordinary scenery. Life vests are required for swimming. The guided stop lasts about an hour. Please keep to the stairs, as the rock is sharp, and wear water shoes if you have them.

Skeleton Wreck and the coral garden

The Skeleton Wreck is the remains of a small vessel lying in shallow water close to Coron Island. Its ribs and hull are now covered in coral and visited by reef fish, and in good conditions you can see the whole outline from the surface. It is an easy, safe wreck for snorkellers who have never seen one before.

Nearby, the coral garden at Malwawey is a broad reef of hard and soft corals with parrotfish, clownfish and schools of tropical fish. Spend about an hour at each spot. Snorkel gear is not part of this option, so bring your own or rent it on the day. Please avoid touching the coral and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect these reefs.

CYC Beach and the island lunch stop

CYC Beach is a small island close to Coron town, with a crescent of white sand, mangroves and shallow, crystal-clear water that is perfect for a relaxed swim. It is a calm stop where children and less confident swimmers can enjoy the sea without depth or current. The low mangroves at one end are a nursery for young fish, which you can often spot in the shallows.

Lunch is served as a buffet on an island beach, typically grilled fish, chicken, vegetables, rice and tropical fruit, with vegetarian options available. Halal-certified food is limited in Coron, so tell us about any dietary needs at least a day ahead and we pass them on. The lunch stop lasts about an hour, with time to rest in the shade.

Coron town and how to get there

Coron town is on Busuanga Island in northern Palawan and is the base for every boat trip to Coron Island. Above the town, Mount Tapyas has a popular sunset viewpoint, and the surrounding bay is known for its sunken wartime ships, which draw divers from around the world.

How to get to Coron: fly to Busuanga airport (USU), about one hour from Manila, then drive about thirty to forty minutes to town. From El Nido a fast ferry takes about four hours when the sea allows. The best time to visit Coron is December to May. From June to November typhoons and strong winds can cancel boat tours, and the coast guard decides each morning.