Coron: Dugong Watching with Sea Turtle and Coral Garden tour

Taking a boat trip in Coron for dugong spotting might not sound like the easiest or most guaranteed activity, but it’s certainly one of the most memorable. This tour offers a chance to see marine giants in their natural habitat, explore vibrant coral reefs, and enjoy a full day of underwater discovery. While the price is $161 per person, the inclusion of snorkeling gear, lunch, and a licensed guide makes it quite a comprehensive experience.

What we find appealing about this tour is the opportunity to swim with gentle dugongs—an experience not often available in many parts of the world—and to discover Coron’s rich marine biodiversity. Plus, the scenic boat ride and the chance to see sea turtles add layers of adventure. However, a potential consideration is the limited window for each swimmer—everyone gets about 25 minutes at the dugong site, which means patience and early booking are a must. This tour is perfect for travelers who love marine life, don’t mind early mornings, and are eager to appreciate the real heartbeat of Coron’s underwater world.

Key Points

• Authentic Marine Encounters: Swim with dugongs, sea turtles, and colorful fish in their natural environment.
• Full-Day Adventure: From early pickup to late afternoon return, enjoy a well-rounded day on the water.
• Inclusion of Essentials: Snorkeling gear, buffet lunch, environmental fees, and licensed guides are part of the package.
• Limited Spots for Dugong Sightings: Only 4 people at a time get 25 minutes to swim with the dugongs, so early reservations help.
• Weather Dependency: The tour can be canceled if weather conditions aren’t suitable, but a 90% chance of seeing a dugong exists.
• Eco-Conscious Focus: Tour guidelines emphasize respect for marine life and environment, which helps preserve these fragile ecosystems.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting the Day: Pickup and Journey

The tour begins with a pick-up from five different locations in Coron, including major resorts and town centers. Expect an early start, around 5:00 am to 5:30 am, to maximize your day. The van ride lasts about an hour to Busuanga, where the adventure truly kicks off. This early start might seem daunting, but it’s necessary because the best marine sightings often happen in the morning, and the quiet morning boat ride offers a peaceful preview of what’s to come.

The Scenic Boat Ride to the Marine Site

Once in Busuanga, you’ll board a tourist boat and set out across the waters for roughly 30 minutes. The boat ride itself is a treat—offering sweeping views of Coron’s seascape and a chance to get into the relaxed island vibe. Keep your camera ready for panoramic shots or just settle in and enjoy the gentle rocking of the boat as you head towards the dugong habitat.

Snorkeling at the Coral Garden

Your first stop is the Coral Garden at Dimipac Island, renowned for its vibrant coral formations and abundant marine life. Here, you’ll see colorful fish, sea turtles, and a variety of other species. The coral reef is healthy and teeming with life, providing a stunning underwater backdrop. It’s a perfect spot for both beginners and experienced snorkelers, thanks to the clear waters and gentle currents.

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The Main Event: Swimming with Dugongs

The highlight of this tour is, of course, the opportunity to see and swim with dugongs. These gentle, slow-moving creatures are often called “sea cows” and are incredibly calming to watch. The tour guarantees a 90% chance of seeing a dugong, as they feed in the area regularly.

However, since only 4 people can swim with a dugong at a time for about 25 minutes, the schedule is structured to give everyone a fair shot. The tour often involves a queue system, meaning patience is key. Some reviews note that if high tide occurs in the morning, dugongs might sometimes be absent, but then the tour will take you to visit Turtle Island or Coral Garden instead. This flexibility adds to the value, ensuring you still get a worthwhile experience even if the dugongs are temporarily absent.

Lunch and Relaxation

After the underwater excitement, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch with seasonal fruits and beverages, giving you fuel for the afternoon. Lunch is served back on the boat or at a designated area, depending on the schedule, and is generally well-received for its variety and quality.

Additional Marine Encounters and the Return

Post-lunch, the tour continues with more snorkeling opportunities, possibly visiting Turtle Island or other nearby sites. The total duration is around 7 hours, but the schedule can extend till around 5 pm if the boat is busy. The trip wraps up with a scenic boat ride back to Coron, giving you a chance to reflect on your marine adventure.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The most compelling aspect of this experience is the chance to see and swim with dugongs in their natural habitat. For many travelers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The fact that the tour is well-organized, with licensed guides and environmental considerations, adds to its credibility.

The Coral Garden, filled with marine life, offers the classic snorkeler’s dream: vibrant coral, schools of fish, and occasional sea turtles. This isn’t just a sightseeing cruise; it’s an engaging, active day that brings you face-to-face with Coron’s underwater treasures.

The scenic boat ride is more than just transportation; it’s part of the experience, giving you views that only the water can offer. Plus, the local guides are knowledgeable about marine behavior, sharing insights that make your time underwater more meaningful.

Why the Price Is Fair Value

At $161, the tour covers hotel transfers, breakfast, lunch, environmental fees, licensed guides, snorkeling gear, and boat transportation. Considering the costs of a full-day adventure with marine life encounters, that’s a reasonable ask. The inclusion of lunch and water means you’re not left scrambling for sustenance, and the environmental fees help protect these fragile ecosystems.

However, it’s worth noting that snorkelers are limited to about 25 minutes per session, which might seem brief, but it’s necessary to prevent overfeeding or disturbing the dugongs. This structured schedule is designed for both conservation and enjoyment, ensuring wildlife isn’t overwhelmed by crowds.

The Experience’s Strengths

• Well-organized with clear safety and environmental guidelines
• Authentic chance to see rare marine creatures in the wild
• Multiple snorkeling sites keep the day varied and engaging
• The early start maximizes your chances of seeing dugongs and avoiding crowds
• The scenic boat ride adds a peaceful, almost meditative dimension to the trip

A Few Considerations

• The limited swim time with dugongs may feel rushed for some
• The weather can affect sightings, though there’s a high chance of success
• The early morning pickup might be challenging, especially for late risers or those with tight schedules
• Not suitable for those with certain health issues, due to early start and physical activity involved

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is best suited for sea lovers and adventure seekers who aren’t put off by early mornings. If you’re keen to see rare marine mammals and enjoy snorkeling, this tour offers an authentic chance to connect with nature. Families with older children, or those comfortable in the water, will find this particularly rewarding.

However, individuals with seasickness, health issues, or limited mobility may want to evaluate the early start and physical nature of the tour. It’s also not suitable for very young children or those prone to allergies or sensitivities to marine environments.

Final Thoughts

The Coron Dugong Watching tour offers a rare glimpse into the underwater world of Palawan. While the schedule demands an early start and patience for the limited swim time, the chance to swim with these gentle creatures in their natural habitat makes it worthwhile. The inclusion of coral reef exploration, sea turtles, and a scenic boat ride enriches the experience, making it more than just a wildlife encounter.

If your main goal is to see marine mammals in the wild while enjoying a day of snorkeling and beautiful scenery, this tour balances adventure and conservation beautifully. It’s especially suited for travelers who prioritize authentic encounters and are prepared for a full, active day on the water.

FAQs

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Pickup is between 5:00 am and 5:30 am, so prepare for an early start to maximize your chances of seeing dugongs.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour fee covers hotel transfers, breakfast, environmental fees, entrance taxes, licensed tour guides, buffet lunch, water, soda, seasonal fruits, snorkeling gear, and the boat ride.

Can I snorkel at any site I want?
Snorkeling is guided and organized; at each site, you’ll be given a set amount of time, typically 25 minutes for the dugong encounter, to ensure fair access.

What if I don’t see a dugong?
There’s a 90% chance of seeing a dugong since they feed in this area regularly, but if weather conditions aren’t favorable, the tour can be canceled or rerouted to other sites like Turtle Island or Coral Garden.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s best for children over 3 or 4 years old who can handle early mornings and snorkeling. It’s not suitable for those with back problems, heart issues, or mobility challenges.

What should I bring with me?
Bring swimwear, change of clothes, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen (biodegradable), waterproof bag, goggles, wetsuit, and quick-dry clothing. Remember, no drones, no smoking, and respect for marine life is essential.

How long does the entire tour last?
Expect around 7 hours of activity, with the possibility of returning later if the tour is busy or weather conditions change, sometimes till around 5 pm.

In the end, this tour is a fantastic way to connect with Coron’s marine environment—an authentic, eco-friendly experience that rewards patience with the chance to see some truly gentle giants. It’s perfect for those eager to combine marine wildlife, scenic views, and a sense of adventure in one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: