PHILIPPINES WRECK DIVING EXPEDITION

The Calamian Islands (often referred to as Coron) consists of over 80 islands and islets in the north of Palawan province. The main settlement of Coron Town on Busuanga Island is a lively fishing community geared heavily towards dive tourism, from here you can explore the spectacular islands and reefs of Coron Bay. Hidden amongst the jagged limestone cliffs are secluded lagoons and coves. Most divers come to Coron to visit one of the many WWII wrecks. These wrecks were sunk in the area during the air raid by 120 US aircraft on 24 September 1944. There are 14 wrecks which lie in the diveable depths between 5 – 40 metres deep. Most of the sunken wrecks in Coron Bay are between 100 to 200 metres in length. Most wrecks can be dived by beginners up to technical advanced wreck diver level.

History of the Coron Wrecks
At 6:00 am on 24 September 1944, 180 Grumman H6F Hellcat and Grumman SB2C Helldiver planes took off from carriers of vice-admiral William F. Halsey’s task force 38 and headed for Coron. At the time this was the longest-range air attack ever launched from aircraft carriers, 340 miles from target and airborne for more than 6 hours.

Several planes were lost after running out of fuel on the return trip; some were shot down by the Japanese fleet in Coron Bay. At 9:00 am the planes reached Coron and located at least 18 large Japanese vessels and started their attacks. After a 40 minute attack, the planes left, leaving a scene of devastation. Eight out of twelve of the Japanese supply ships sunk in the attack lie in Coron Bay.

Apart from the wrecks, there are beautiful dives along the walls of Coron Island, in Gutob Bay on the reefs between Busuanga and Culion with a variety of hard and soft coral, big fans, different nudibranchs, lionfish, crocodile fish and anemone fish. You can also dive in the warm, geothermal lakes on Coron Island.

AGENDA AND PACKAGE DETAILS

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW! NEXT TRIP

DATES 25 APRIL TO 07 MAY 2024    

EX AUCKLAND FROM $5,610 PER DIVER

• Return International Airfares Ex Auckland to Coron flying via Taipei to Manila with China Airlines & Phillippines Airlines

• New Zealand Departure Taxes

• 7 Nights TWIN share accommodation at Westown Lagoon Resort

• 1 Nights TWIN share accommodation at The Belmont Hotel – Manila

• 10 package Coron wrecks with Easy Diving. Based on two dives per day
Includes: tanks, weights and dive guide

• Return airport transfers throughout
• Wreck sanctuary fees
• Surcharge gasoline for wrecks in the Sangat Island region. ( note surcharge will apply to wrecks outside this region).

• Breakfast, daily whilst staying at the hotels.

Price does not include

• Travel insurance
• Personal spending money and any excess luggage fees
• Visa and passport fees
• Meals other than specified.

Group Airfares
Please be aware that this package has been based on a group airfare. To allow the use of a group airfare, a minimum of 10 passengers are required to travel.
Booking conditions and requirements:
To secure your place on this trip, please complete an online booking form and return it together with a non-refundable deposit amount of $1000 NZD pp. A second payment of $2000 will be required at the time of booking your flight. Please use the package price as an indicative price. Package subject to change at any time due to supplier rate changes and currency exchange rates.
See other terms & conditions as per the Dive Adventures website www.diveadventures.com.au

New Zealand Diving have available a wide range of diving courses that will help enhance this trip. Each course will be available to take prior to the departure date, allowing you to maximise your dive time potential whilst in the Philippines. Alternatively we can run the course on the trip itself for your convenience.