CORON: Kayangan Lake, Baracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon, etc.

Exploring Coron’s Most Iconic Spots: A Practical Review of the Coron Island Super Ultimate Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Coron, you’ll find a variety of tours claiming to showcase the “best” spots on this stunning island. The Coron Island Super Ultimate Tour offers a comprehensive look at seven must-see destinations in one day, from crystal-clear lakes to vibrant underwater worlds. While it isn’t perfect — some reviews highlight crowds and price considerations — it’s a solid, value-packed way to see the highlights if you’re after a full-day adventure.

What we love about this tour are the variety of destinations it includes and the quality of guided commentary. You’ll get a chance to see the famous Kayangan Lake, known as one of the cleanest lakes in the Philippines, and explore the Twin Lagoon, where saltwater and freshwater merge in an astonishing way. The lunch at Atuayan Beach offers a relaxing break amidst beautiful surroundings. On the downside, some travelers mention that crowding can be an issue, especially at popular sites like Skeleton Wreck and Coral Garden. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a busy, activity-packed day and want a broad overview of Coron’s highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Diverse Destinations: Seven must-see spots, from lakes to reefs.
• Guided Expertise: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience.
• Full-Day Adventure: Approximately 8 hours of exploration.
• Value for Money: Includes transfers, entrance fees, and lunch.
• Crowd Considerations: Popular sites can get busy.
• Food Quality: Varied, seafood, fish, and chicken lunch.

An In-Depth Look at What This Tour Offers

The Coron Island Super Ultimate Tour is designed as an all-in-one adventure, perfect for travelers who want to tick off many of Coron’s top sights without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions. Starting early from Lualhati Park, you’re transported by boat to each destination, with a licensed guide accompanying you throughout. The trip lasts around eight hours, giving enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Kayangan Lake: The Crown Jewel

Your day begins at Kayangan Lake, often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines. This spot is famous for its stunning turquoise waters and scenic surroundings. We loved the short hike to the viewpoint, which rewards you with sweeping views of the limestone cliffs and the lake below — perfect for photos or simply taking in the scenery. Afterward, you can swim or snorkel in the clear waters, which are a mix of 70% freshwater and 30% saltwater. The water clarity here is impressive, making it ideal for underwater photography.

A review from a fellow traveler notes, “We had time to enjoy them,” meaning not only the views but also the opportunity to relax in the serene environment. This stop offers a mix of physical activity and tranquil moments, making it one of the highlights of the day.

Coral Garden: An Underwater Paradise

Next, the tour brings you to Coral Garden, a lesser-known snorkeling spot that offers a peaceful environment with vibrant marine life. The visibility here is excellent, and the coral reefs teem with tropical fish such as clownfish, lionfish, and eels. Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment and snorkel responsibly — which is especially important given the coral’s delicate nature. This site is often praised for its less crowded atmosphere compared to other popular snorkeling spots.

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Twin Lagoon: The Natural Wonder

Moving on, you’ll visit Twin Lagoon, a fascinating formation where two lagoons are separated by limestone cliffs. You can swim through a narrow opening to transition between the two, an experience that is both fun and photogenic. The surrounding towering cliffs make for a dramatic backdrop, and the mix of saltwater and freshwater provides a unique swimming experience. As one reviewer describes, “a natural wonder,” that offers both adventure and stunning scenery.

Barracuda Lake: A Unique Dive Experience

Barracuda Lake is often mistaken for a spot with large barracudas, but its real appeal lies in the thermocline and halocline layers created by temperature and salinity differences in the water. The lake’s crystal blue waters are set against rocky formations, creating a surreal environment for snorkelers and divers alike. Though some mention the lake’s name comes from local legend rather than actual barracudas, the geological phenomena here are engaging for adventurous travelers.

Skeleton Wreck and Atuayan Beach: History and Relaxation

The Skeleton Wreck is an easy snorkel or dive stop, resting at just 5 to 22 meters depth. From the shore, you can see the entire wreck, which makes it accessible even for less experienced snorkelers. It’s a fun way to explore Coron’s maritime history without straying far from the comfort of shallow water.

After exploring underwater sights, most tours include a break at Atuayan Beach for lunch. This white-sand beach is picture-perfect, with limestone formations, lush mountains, and clear blue waters. It’s a great spot to relax, walk along the shoreline, or join a Coron camping excursion for an overnight stay. One reviewer mentions the meal as “varied and excellent,” with seafood, fish, and chicken options.

CYC Beach: A Public Oasis

Finally, the tour often concludes at CYC Beach, a public beach with shallow waters and a calm atmosphere. It’s ideal for a quick swim, sunbathing, or just unwinding after a busy day. Surrounded by mangroves, it adds a touch of natural charm to the trip’s end.

Analyzing the Experience: Value, Logistics, and Practicalities

The cost of $56 per person covers boat transfers, entrance fees, lunch, snacks, and a licensed guide, which is quite reasonable considering the number of destinations visited. You’ll appreciate the convenience of all-included pricing, especially if you’re new to the area or prefer not to organize transport and entry tickets yourself.

However, this convenience does come with some trade-offs. Several reviews mention crowd levels — sites like Skeleton Wreck and Coral Garden can get busy. One traveler suggests, “why not have delayed departures and have a few boats on each spot?” meaning that going early or later might reduce the crowd and improve the experience.

The group size isn’t specified, but tours like this tend to attract a fair number of travelers, which can affect how much individual time you get at each site. The timing is packed, and some find it a full day of activity, so if you prefer more relaxed, unhurried visits, this might feel a bit rushed.

The lunch is generally well-reviewed, with many describing it as varied and satisfying. The inclusion of seafood, fish, and chicken makes it appealing, though some travelers mention that kayaks are not included in the standard package, with rental costs around 1,500 pesos — quite steep compared to similar excursions elsewhere.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Bring comfortable swimwear, a change of clothes, and waterproof gear to protect your belongings. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential, as you’ll be exposed to the sun during most of the day. A waterproof camera or smartphone is a great way to capture the stunning scenery. The tour provides pick-up and drop-off services within Coron town, but if you stay outside, expect to pay extra.

Be aware that no refunds are issued for no-shows or unused portions, so plan your schedule carefully. Also, check with the tour operator about any medical conditions that might affect your participation.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour is an excellent choice for active travelers who want a comprehensive look at Coron’s highlights in one day. It suits those who enjoy a full schedule of sightseeing, snorkeling, and scenic rides, with the added comfort of guided explanations. If you’re traveling with family or friends who appreciate diverse activities, from relaxing beach time to underwater exploration, this package hits many marks.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are sensitive to crowding, you might find some sites overly busy or the schedule a bit tight. It’s also worth noting that kayaking isn’t included in the package, which disappointed some reviewers due to extra costs.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In our view, the Coron Island Super Ultimate Tour offers remarkable value for those eager to see a lot in a single day. The guided knowledge, varied destinations, and included meals make it convenient and budget-friendly. The scenery across the lakes and lagoons is genuinely breathtaking, and the underwater sights are well worth the effort.

But remember, this is a busy, energetic tour. If you’re seeking serenity and solitude, or prefer to explore at your own pace, you might want to consider smaller, more specialized excursions.

In the end, this tour is a great introduction to what makes Coron special — its stunning landscapes, vibrant marine life, and geological wonders. For most travelers wanting a full, varied day with good guides and tasty food, it definitely delivers.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting early from Lualhati Park, with the exact start time available during booking.

What is included in the tour price?
The fee covers round-trip boat transfers, entrance fees to all sites, lunch and snacks, and a licensed guide.

Are snorkeling gear provided?
Snorkeling gear is not included but can be rented if you do not bring your own.

Is there a dress code or recommended clothing?
Wear comfortable swimwear and bring a change of clothes for after water activities. Sun protection like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses is strongly advised.

Can I bring my own equipment?
Yes, bringing your own snorkeling gear, camera, and waterproof bags is recommended for comfort and better photos.

What about crowding?
Popular sites tend to get busy, especially at peak times. Some reviews suggest that later departures or less busy days might improve your experience.

Is food included?
Yes, a varied lunch with seafood, fish, and chicken is provided, along with snacks.

What if I have a medical condition?
Please inform the tour operator ahead of time to ensure safe participation. No refunds are given for medical issues unless the tour is canceled.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?
If the Coast Guard cancels the trip, you will receive a full refund or be rescheduled. The tour operator will also cancel and refund if they determine it’s unsafe.

To sum it up, the Coron Island Super Ultimate Tour offers a well-rounded day exploring Coron’s iconic lakes, reefs, and beaches. It’s ideal for adventurers and curious travelers eager to maximize their time and see multiple sights in one go. While crowds and extra costs for activities like kayaking are considerations, the overall experience—guided, scenic, and delicious—makes it a very competent choice for your Coron visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: