Barracuda Lake (Luluyuan Lake) | Coron

Barracuda Lake, officially named Luluyuan Lake, is a world-renowned diving and snorkeling destination on Coron Island, Palawan. It is a primary stop on "Tour B" and "Super Ultimate" itineraries, famous for its unique thermocline and dramatic underwater scenery.

Visual Characteristics

The lake is a deep, turquoise body of water encased by sheer, jagged limestone karst cliffs. Above the surface, the water is calm and exceptionally clear. Below the surface, the lake features a surreal landscape of sharp rock spires and silt-covered basins. The water possesses a distinct "blurry" appearance at depths where layers of different temperatures and salinities meet.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Coron Island, Coron, Palawan, Philippines.

Access: Only reachable by boat from Coron town proper.

Transport: * Boat: Motorized outrigger boats (bangkas) dock at a small wooden platform in the cove.

Hiking: Reaching the lake requires a short but steep 10-to-15-minute hike over a limestone ridge via a wooden boardwalk.

Entry: Requires an entrance fee (approx. 200–300 PHP), typically included in tour packages.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The lake is part of the ancestral domain of the indigenous Tagbanua people. It is named after a large barracuda that was said to have lived in its depths for years. Geologically, it is a heliothermal lake; it contains layers of fresh and salt water that do not mix, causing the temperature to rise significantly as you dive deeper (reaching up to 38°C/100°F).

Key Highlights & Activities

Scuba Diving: One of the most unique dive sites in the world. Divers experience "weightlessness" and extreme temperature shifts (thermoclines) without needing a thick wetsuit.

Freediving/Snorkeling: The clear water and underwater rock formations make it a premier spot for freedivers.

The Thermocline: Swimmers can physically feel the sharp transition between cool surface water and the hot, dense layer below.

Photography: The jagged underwater spires and the high-contrast limestone walls are major draws for photographers.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no buildings on the lake. A wooden boardwalk and staging platforms for divers and snorkelers are maintained along the edge. Life vests are provided by tour boats. There are no restrooms or food stalls at the lake itself. Cellular signal is non-existent.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (December to May): Best for clear skies and calm boat transit.

Early Morning: Visiting before 09:00 AM allows divers and swimmers to enjoy the lake before the main tour fleets arrive.

Rules

Mandatory Life Vests: Required for all swimmers and snorkelers.

No Single-Use Plastics: Strictly prohibited.

Preservation: Do not touch the delicate rock formations or disturb the silt at the bottom.

Diving Certification: Scuba diving requires a valid certification and a local dive guide.

Nearby Landmarks

Kayangan Lake: 1.5 km North.

Twin Lagoon: 1.0 km South.

Siete Pecados: 4.5 km North.