Route Description - Apo Reef & Wrecks of Coron
Atlantis Azores latest exciting itinerary is to the sunken World War II wrecks of Coron Bay via Apo Reef. A typical charter starts with two days of exploring the 34 mile long reef system of Apo Reef, often referred to by many as a “mini-Tubbataha”.
Twenty four Japanese ships were sunk in Coron Bay on September 24, 1944 by the US Navy; you will have an opportunity to dive the best of these during our time there taking in both the unique history of the area and the amazing amount of fish and coral life that now cover the wrecks.
These charters go in and out of Atlantis Puerto Galera making resort combinations very easy.
Day 1 & 2 – Apo Reef and Tara Islands
The UNESCO heritage site of Apo Reef will be your destination for the first day. Shark Ridge is a great place to see white tip and black tip reef sharks. Manta rays are sometimes spotted here as well as hawksbill turtles and bumphead parrot fish. Binangaan Drop Off is another fantastic location with huge schools of snappers and tuna. Look out for spotted eagle rays in the blue as well as other pelagic species. On the end of our second day an optional visit to Coron’s hot springs is on offer.
Day 3 & 4 – Coron Wrecks
Coron is a mecca for wreck divers. You'll begin to explore the Japanese ships wrecks from Second World War, including the Okikawa Maru, a 160 metre long ship which was sunk by a direct hit on the bow area. You'll also dive the Olympia Maru, a massive 120 metre vessel , the East Tangat Gunboat, a shallow dive on this 140 metre long submarine hunter that is ideal for exploration. The two main boilers are a big attraction where hard coral growth is extensive, and plenty scorpion fish on the decks. You'll also explore the Akitsusima, one of Coron’s most famous dives a wreck of the sea plane tender, and Irako, a refrigeration ship for the Japanese Imperial Navy.
Day 5 – Nanshin Maru Dimipac Island
Dive the Nanshin Maru or Black Island Wreck; a small tanker converted to take fuels, is approximately 50 meters long and sits upright on a sandy bottom. You'll then dive Dimipac Island, offering relaxed diving, with sandy slopes on which you may meet turtles, dendritic jawfish, leaf scorpionfish and maybe a Dugong! The water around the island is warm, with a mild current, offering great photo opportunities!
Day 6 – Kyokuszan Maru
The 6th day will start with two deep morning dives at Kyokuszan in Maricaban Bay off the island of Busuanga Island, Coron. Kyokuzan was an auxiliary supply ship of the Japanese Royal Navy sunken by a US carrier-based aircraft. She is approximately 140 meters long, with beautiful corals grown over car parts, tires and the body of the ship. The boat will then cruise back to Puerto Galera.