Lusong Gunboat | Coron

Lusong Gunboat is one of the most accessible World War II shipwrecks in Coron, Palawan. It is a popular site for snorkeling and diving due to its shallow depth and high marine biodiversity.

Visual Characteristics

The wreck is a Japanese gunboat that lies on a slant. During low tide, the stern of the ship actually breaks the surface of the water. The structure is heavily encrusted with a variety of hard and soft corals, making it appear as a natural part of the reef. The surrounding water is clear and typically shallow, ranging from 0 to 10 meters.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: X2CF+8WC, Coron, Palawan, Philippines.

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

Transport:

Boat: Reachable via a 1.5 to 2-hour boat ride from Coron town proper. It is a standard stop on "Tour D" or customized "Shipwreck Tours."

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

Historical Origin

The vessel was a Japanese imperial navy submarine chaser or gunboat. It was sunk on September 24, 1944, by US Navy carrier-based aircraft during World War II. Because it is positioned in shallow water near the shore, it is one of the easiest wrecks to explore without professional diving equipment.

Key Highlights & Activities

Snorkeling: The primary draw. Because the wreck is so shallow, snorkelers can see the entire length of the ship and its internal structures clearly from the surface.

Photography: The wreck is highly photogenic, especially where the coral growth is densest along the hull.

Marine Life Observation: The wreck acts as an artificial reef, attracting schools of angelfish, butterflyfish, and occasionally sea turtles.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site is entirely offshore. There are no facilities on the wreck itself. Most tour boats provide life vests and snorkeling gear. 4G/5G cellular signal in this area is generally weak.

Best Time to Visit

Low Tide: Best for seeing the stern above water and for closer snorkeling.

Dry Season (December to May): Provides the best underwater visibility and calmest sea conditions for the long boat ride.

Morning: Early visits avoid the peak afternoon winds that can make the water choppy.

Rules

No Touching: The wreck is fragile and can have sharp, rusted metal edges. Touching also damages the coral growth.

No Stepping: Stepping on the wreck is strictly prohibited to protect the marine ecosystem.

Waste Management: All trash must stay on the boat; no littering in the protected marine area.

Nearby Landmarks

Lusong Coral Garden: Located very close to the wreck, often visited in the same stop.

Pass Island: 5.0 km North.

Concepcion Falls: 6.0 km East on the mainland of Busuanga.