Busuanga Island
Island Calamian island known for wreck diving and reefs
Busuanga Island in the Calamian group (Palawan) is the gateway to Coron Bay, known for World War II shipwreck diving, limestone karst scenery and island-hopping tours.
Busuanga Island is the largest island in the Calamian archipelago of northern Palawan in the Philippines and forms the main land area of the municipality of Coron. The island contains a commercial port and the island’s airport and is the usual gateway for visitors to the nearby limestone islands and dive sites.
The island’s chief attractions are marine rather than urban-Coron Bay off the eastern side of the island holds multiple Japanese shipwrecks sunk during World War II, and the surrounding seas have coral reefs, small islets and clear-water anchorage popular with day trips and liveaboard diving. The municipal centre at Coron town provides hotels, dive operators and boat services to the archipelago.
Busuanga has a long history of habitation by indigenous groups and later Spanish and American colonial administrations; during the Second World War the area saw naval action and a number of Japanese ships were sunk in Coron Bay in 1944. Postwar development established Coron town and an airport that serve the growing tourism industry.
The island lies in northern Palawan within the Calamian Islands, adjacent to Coron Island and Calauit Island, and is part of the province of Palawan. The island’s airport gives it direct air links to Manila and regional centres and boat connections to nearby islands.
- Size and access: The island is the largest in the Calamian group and is the administrative centre for Coron municipality, with an airport on the island.
- Diving: Coron Bay's submerged Japanese shipwrecks from 1944 are a major draw for scuba divers and snorkelers; many wrecks lie in shallow to moderate depths suitable for recreational diving.
What to See #
- Coron (town): The town of Coron serves as the island's main harbour and gateway for tourists, with boat services to nearby islands and dive sites.
- Francisco B. Reyes Airport: Francisco B. Reyes Airport (often called Busuanga or Coron Airport) provides scheduled flights to and from Manila and regional airports.
- Coron Bay wrecks: Coron Bay contains multiple World War II Japanese shipwrecks that are accessible to recreational divers and snorkelers from the island.
How to Get to Busuanga Island #
The nearest airport is Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) on Busuanga Island; regular flights operate from Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB). From USU airport it’s a 20-40 minute drive to Coron town depending on traffic and road conditions. Boats and dive operators depart from Coron town pier and barangay Poblacion piers.
Tips for Visiting Busuanga Island #
- Fly into Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) on Busuanga Island and arrange ground transfer with resort or van - remote roads are narrow and sometimes unpaved.
- Book island hopping and Coron shipwreck dives at least a day in advance during high season (Dec-Apr). Dive operators often meet at Coron town pier.
- Head to Barracuda Lake early (before 9am) to avoid crowds and see the light through the thermocline; bring reef-safe sunscreen and a towel for the steep climb down.
- Rent a motorbike in Coron town for scenic drives to Maquinit Hot Springs and Taytay Bay, but avoid driving after heavy rain.
Best Time to Visit Busuanga Island #
Best visited in the dry season for diving and boat trips; shoulder months are quieter but wetter.
Weather & Climate near Busuanga Island #
Busuanga Island's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 33°C. Heavy rainfall (3067 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Light rainfall.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. The driest month with just 9 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (208 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (376 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (664 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (605 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (497 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (294 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (229 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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