Lusong Coral Garden | Coron

Lusong Coral Garden is widely considered the best snorkeling site in the Coron region due to its exceptional coral density, variety, and water clarity. It is a key stop on "Tour D" (Reefs and Wrecks) and customized private expeditions.

Visual Characteristics

The site features a sprawling reef system that borders the coastline of Lusong Island. It is characterized by a "carpet" of hard and soft corals that extends for hundreds of meters. The underwater landscape is dominated by branching staghorn corals, massive table corals, and vibrant anemones. The water is exceptionally clear, with colors ranging from pale turquoise to deep sapphire at the reef drop-off.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: X2G9+6V8, Coron, Palawan, Philippines.

Access: Located off the western coast of Lusong Island, approximately 25 kilometers from Coron town center.

Transport: * Boat: Reachable via a 1.5 to 2-hour motorized outrigger boat (bangka) ride from Coron town pier.

Entry: Requires an entrance fee (approx. 150–200 PHP), typically included in organized tour packages.

Unique Feature: Drift Snorkeling

A defining characteristic of Lusong Coral Garden is the prevailing current. Tour guides typically utilize a "drift snorkeling" technique where the boat drops snorkelers at the up-current end of the reef. Swimmers then float effortlessly over the coral garden as the current carries them toward the other end for pickup, minimizing physical exertion and maximizing observation time.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The site is part of the protected marine areas of the Calamian Archipelago. Unlike other sites that may have suffered from blast fishing in the past, Lusong remains remarkably pristine. The proximity to the Lusong Gunboat wreck (approx. 500 meters away) suggests that the presence of the wreck may have historically discouraged large-scale commercial fishing in the immediate vicinity, allowing the reef to flourish.

Key Highlights & Activities

Biodiversity: Home to a high concentration of clownfish (nemos), parrotfish, butterflyfish, and sea turtles.

Coral Variety: Features rare blue and purple staghorn corals that are highly sensitive to environmental changes.

Underwater Photography: Due to the shallow reeftop (2–4 meters), natural light penetration is optimal for high-fidelity photography.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site is entirely offshore. There are no facilities such as restrooms, shops, or dry land for visitors. All logistics are managed from the tour boat. Cellular signal is very weak.

Best Time to Visit

Low Tide: Brings the reeftop closer to the surface, allowing for a more intimate view of the coral.

Dry Season (December to May): Crucial for clear water and calm boat travel across the open sections of the bay.

Morning: Provides the best sunlight angles for viewing the reef’s colors.

Rules

No Touching or Stepping: Strictly enforced. The coral here is fragile and slow-growing.

Mandatory Life Vests: Usually required to ensure snorkelers stay horizontal and do not accidentally kick the reef.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Highly encouraged to prevent chemical damage to the delicate ecosystem.

Nearby Landmarks

Lusong Gunboat: 0.5 km North.

Pass Island: 10.0 km North.

Concepcion Falls: 15.0 km East (Mainland Busuanga).