Philippines Snorkeling in the Calamian Islands - 6 Days. You'll begin your trip on Coron Island, the third-largest of the Calamian islands and a snorkeling hot spot that's teeming with marine life. After exploring Coron's World War II-era shipwrecks and reefs, you'll transfer on to Pass Island, snorkel at Smith Point Coral Garden, and go swimming at Barracuda Lake. Then, go on one last snorkeling adventure in Siete Pecados Marine Park before spending one last night in a beach cottage.
Day 1: Arrive on Coron Island
Welcome to the Philippines! When you arrive at Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU), a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Coron. After you check-in at the hotel and drop off your baggage, your guide will meet you for a short afternoon hike up a nearby hill that provides great views of Coron Island and Busuanga. When you finish taking some photos from your vantage point, you'll continue hiking to a saltwater hot spring where you'll be able to take a relaxing evening dip. At the end of the day, a representative will return you to your hotel for the evening.
Day 2: Explore Shipwrecks & Coral Reefs - Transfer to North Cay
After breakfast, a representative will take you to the dock, where you'll board a boat for your snorkeling expedition. You'll have the opportunity to visit two shipwrecks: Lusong and Sangat, a Japanese gunboat from World War II and a Chinese cargo ship. At the shipwreck sites, you'll be able to see how coral and ocean life have reclaimed these ruins, and you'll see even more vibrant species in the Coral Gardens. Next, you will snorkel Coron's Coral Garden before taking a break for lunch. Next, you'll head to Calumbuyan Island, which is much further from Coron and thus attracts fewer tourists. Although much of the coral and marine life is similar to those found at the other sites, the clarity of the water is great, and you'll be able to snorkel and explore without seeing many other visitors. After you finish snorkeling, your guide will take you to the beautiful Island of North Cay where you'll spend the night in a beach cottage.
Day 3: Island Excursion - Transfer to Pass Island
Today, your guide will take you out on a boat to visit six islands, each with its distinctive features like karst limestone formations or inland lakes. Black Island is easily recognized from afar because of its black rock, and it also has caves with bats that you can explore. Panlaitan Island is a former hideout of pirates and is now home to a charming fishing village. Magtatayok is home to a big, beautiful sand bar, and Pamanican Island has a huge coral reef. You will spend the day docking at and walking across the islands, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and kayaking around. At the end of the day, your guide will take you back to Pass Island where you'll sleep in another beach cottage.
Day 4: Barracuda Lake - Transfer to Uson Island
After breakfast this morning, a guide will take you out on a boat for a snorkeling excursion at Smith Point Coral Garden, one of the most vibrant reefs in the Calamianes. Later, you will visit the beautiful Banol Beach before heading inland to Barracuda Lake. The top 45 feet of the lake's water is clear freshwater, and below the fresh water is a much heavier, warmer, and hazier segment of saltwater. There is a visible line separating the fresh and saltwater called a thermocline, and you can snorkel or free dive deep enough to see it. At the end of the day, your guide will take you to Uson Island, where you will spend the night.
Day 5: Coron's Lagoons & Lakes
Today you'll enjoy a private boat tour around Coron's beaches, lagoons, and reefs. You'll snorkel Skeleton Wreck, the frame of a small ship that sank very near shore. Then, you'll head to Twin Lagoons, two large pools enclosed by sheer rock walls whose waters are connected and the sea. The day continues with two sort hikes that will let you access Barracuda Lake and Kayangan Lake, considered two of the most picturesque lakes in the Philippines. Finally, you'll visit Siete Pecados Marine Park for your final snorkeling adventure before heading back to Coron Town for the night.
Day 6: Departure
It's time to say goodbye to the Philippines! You can have a nice breakfast and spend the morning shopping for souvenirs in Coron before a representative transfers you to the Busuanga Airport to catch your flight home.
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