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Calamian Islands

Islands

In northern Palawan, the Calamian group - including Coron and Culion - attracts wreck divers, limestone karst scenery, island-hopping and clear inland lagoons for snorkeling.

Calamian Islands CoronEl NidoPuerto PrincesaUnderground RiverNarraTubbataha ReefsCuyoCalamian Islands
In this guide

Calamian Islands essentials

Country: Philippines
Driest months: Jan-Mar
Pay in: Peso (₱)

Calamian Islands at a Glance

About Calamian Islands

The Calamian Islands are an island group in the northern part of the Palawan province in the Philippines, situated between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. The group includes major islands such as Busuanga, Coron and Culion, and is a well-known destination for diving, snorkeling and island-hopping.

Highlights of the islands include clear karst-fringed bays, freshwater lakes with high visibility such as Kayangan Lake, white-sand beaches and one of the best concentrations of accessible World War II shipwrecks in the Philippines. Boat tours from the main towns take visitors to diving sites, lagoons and scenic viewpoints.

The islands are served by small airports and regular boat services from Palawan and nearby ports, with Coron town on Busuanga serving as the main tourism hub. Local infrastructure supports dive operations, day trips and short-stay accommodation for visitors.

  • Wreck diving: Famed dive destination with multiple World War II shipwrecks in Coron Bay and around Busuanga that are accessible to sport divers.
  • Day-trip highlights: Island-hopping tours typically include limestone karst scenery, freshwater lakes such as Kayangan Lake, and sheltered snorkeling bays.

What to See#

  • Busuanga Island: Busuanga Island, the largest island in the group, contains the main towns, the airport and serves as the transport hub for island-hopping trips.
  • Coron and Coron Bay wrecks: Coron and Coron Bay, known for multiple sunken Japanese World War II ships that are popular dive sites and snorkel locations.
  • Culion and islets: Culion Island and several smaller limestone islets that offer freshwater lakes, clear bays, and karst scenery used in day-tour circuits.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Calamian Islands

Best for sea and sun: go in the dry season (Nov-May) for calm water and peak visibility.

Dry season
November-May · 24-32°C
Clear seas, calm winds and the best visibility for snorkeling and diving; busiest time for island hopping.
Shoulder months
June-July, October · 24-31°C
Occasional squalls but fewer tourists; good compromise for lower prices and decent sea conditions.
Rainy season
August-September · 24-30°C
Heavier showers and rougher seas; some tours cancel, but landscapes are lush and waterfalls full.

Weather & Climate near Calamian Islands

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 33°C. Heavy rainfall (2971 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 47 Good
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 22° - 30° 26° 25 mm partly cloudy 77% 3.3 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.4h
February Ideal 22° - 31° 27° 18 mm partly cloudy 74% 3.2 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.7h
March Excellent 24° - 32° 30° 9 mm some cloud 71% 2.6 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.0h
April Excellent 25° - 33° 32° 46 mm mostly sunny 68% 2.1 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.3h
May Good 25° - 32° 32° 195 mm partly cloudy 74% 1.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.5h
June Good 24° - 30° 30° 348 mm overcast 81% 1.9 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.7h
July Good 23° - 29° 26° 644 mm overcast 83% 2.1 m/s 2.0 very high 12.6h
August Good 24° - 30° 27° 592 mm overcast 84% 2.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.4h
September Good 23° - 30° 26° 492 mm overcast 84% 1.9 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.1h
October Good 23° - 30° 27° 286 mm overcast 82% 2.2 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.8h
November Good 23° - 30° 27° 227 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.9 m/s 2.0 very high 11.5h
December Very Good 23° - 30° 26° 89 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.8 m/s 1.8 very high 11.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Calamian Islands

Most visitors reach the Calamian Islands via Busuanga Airport (Francisco B. Reyes Airport, code USU), which has daily flights from Manila and Clark. From Busuanga Town and Coron proper, local tricycles or short van rides reach the port where public and private boats depart. Alternatively, regular fast ferries and overnight boats link Coron with El Nido (Lio) and Puerto Princesa on Palawan; travel times vary from 3-8 hours depending on vessel.

Tips for Visiting Calamian Islands

  • Take the short inter-island ferries from Coron or El Nido rather than booking a private boat for a single day - schedules are frequent and cheaper.
  • Visit early morning to see limestone karsts and hidden lagoons with glassy water before tour boats arrive; snorkeling is best at slack tide mid-morning.
  • Bring cash - small island shops and local boat operators rarely accept cards.