Coron: Dugong Watching with Sea Turtle and Coral Garden tour

Travelers seeking a unique underwater adventure in Palawan will find this Coron dugong tour a compelling choice. It promises a rare chance to see gentle dugongs in their natural habitat, explore vibrant coral reefs, and enjoy a scenic boat ride across stunning marine scenery. The tour is well-structured to maximize your chances of spotting marine giants while also offering plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and relaxing in idyllic surroundings.

What we love about this experience is the combination of wildlife encounters and beautiful reef exploration—an authentic taste of Coron’s marine biodiversity. The small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure a personal and educational journey. Plus, the inclusion of lunch, environmental fees, and snorkeling gear makes it straightforward and hassle-free.

One thing to keep in mind is that difficult weather conditions can lead to cancellations or delays, as is common with outdoor marine activities. This means flexibility and patience are key, especially during the high season.

This tour suits adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and snorkelers who want to witness rare marine life and enjoy a full day exploring Coron’s rich underwater world. It’s perfect for those who value authentic experiences over pre-packaged tourist traps.

Good To Know

• Rare wildlife encounter: Swim with dugongs, a gentle and elusive marine mammal.
• Vibrant coral reefs: Discover colorful marine life at Dimipac Island’s Coral Garden.
• All-inclusive package: Snorkeling gear, buffet lunch, environmental fees, and transfers are included.
• Small group experience: Limited to 4 people per session, offering more personal interaction.
• Weather-dependent: The chance to see dugongs can vary with conditions, and cancellations are possible.
• Educational guides: Learn about marine ecosystems and dugong behavior from licensed guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

How the Tour Starts

The adventure begins early, with pickup from five designated locations, including Coron Town and nearby resorts. Expect a van transfer lasting about an hour before reaching the boat departure point in Busuanga. This early start—between 5:00 and 5:30 am—ensures you’re on the water during peak sightings, crucial since dugongs tend to feed during specific times.

Scenic Boat Ride to the Dugong Habitat

The highlight of the journey is the scenic boat cruise through Palawan’s stunning seascape. From the boat, you’ll enjoy views of unspoiled islands, turquoise waters, and distant mountains—setting the perfect tone for a day immersed in nature. The boat itself is well-maintained and equipped for snorkeling excursions, with a friendly crew that often includes a licensed guide ready to share insights about the local marine ecosystem.

Snorkeling with Dugongs

Once in the dugong feeding area—located in the northern part of Palawan—your guide will coordinate the small groups, which are limited to just four snorkelers at a time. This ensures everyone gets a fair chance to swim with these gentle giants.

Swimmers typically get 25 minutes in the water, and the guide will inform you about dugong behavior, emphasizing respect for their environment. Since dugongs are shy and feed during specific times, there’s about a 90% chance of seeing them, though weather or tide conditions can influence sightings. The tour notes that if high tide occurs in the morning, dugongs might not be in the area, but you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel around nearby Turtle Island or Coral Garden instead.

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Coral Garden and Marine Life

After the dugong experience, you’ll visit Dimipac Island’s Coral Garden, a vibrant underwater landscape teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine species. Snorkeling here is accessible and suitable for all skill levels, with gear provided. The reef is a lively, thriving ecosystem and a perfect spot for underwater photography—just make sure to bring your waterproof camera.

Lunch and Relaxation

Midday, the tour includes a buffet lunch with seasonal fruits, water, and soda, served onboard or at a designated eating spot. It’s an excellent chance to relax, refuel, and chat about the morning’s adventures. The boat cruise on the way back offers more scenic views, making the experience feel leisurely and well-rounded.

Ending the Day

The tour typically concludes around mid-afternoon, with drop-offs arranged at five different locations, including Coron Town and nearby resorts. As reviews suggest, the entire day can extend till 5 pm if the schedule is busy, giving flexibility to explore or relax afterward.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Wildlife Focus

Swimming with dugongs is genuinely rare; they are shy, slow-moving marine mammals, and sightings are not guaranteed on every trip. However, according to guest feedback, there’s about a 90% chance to see them, since they are feeding in this area. Guides like Juan and Marco are praised for their knowledge and respectful approach, ensuring visitors are mindful of the environment.

Vibrant Underwater Scenery

The coral reefs at Dimipac Island are described as vivid and lively, with many guests noting the abundance of fish and sea turtles. The snorkeling gear provided is generally praised for being decent, and the water clarity is often highlighted as excellent for underwater photography.

Practical and Inclusive

The tour is very all-inclusive, covering environmental fees, transfers, meals, and gear, which simplifies planning. With flexible cancellation policies (full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance), it’s a low-risk way to secure your spot in advance.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With only four people per snorkeling session, the experience feels intimate and less crowded. This is a big plus for travelers who prefer personalized attention and more time in the water.

Considerations & Tips

• Since sightings depend heavily on weather and tide conditions, travelers should remain flexible and patient.
• Prepare for an early start—pack your snorkeling gear, waterproof camera, and biodegradable sunscreen to avoid missing out.
• The tour isn’t suitable for very young children, those with health issues, or anyone prone to seasickness, as the boat ride can be bumpy and the schedule quite long.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup & Transfer

Starting early ensures you beat the crowds and catch the best chances of spotting dugongs. The van ride takes approximately an hour, giving you time to enjoy the scenic views and get excited about the day ahead.

Boat Ride & Wildlife Viewing

The boat ride is quite scenic and offers a good chance to relax and appreciate Palawan’s natural beauty. The crew is attentive, and guests have praised the professionalism of the guides, who give insights into the ecosystem and behaviors of dugongs.

Snorkeling at Dugong Feeding Grounds

The key highlight: swimming with dugongs. Guests say that the experience of observing these gentle creatures in their natural environment is both peaceful and humbling. The limited group size ensures that everyone gets a fair shot, but it’s important to remember that weather can impact sighting success.

Coral Garden Exploration

Post-dugong, you’ll snorkel over the Coral Garden, which features vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life. Many guests comment on the clarity of the water and the abundance of marine species, making it a colorful underwater playground.

Lunch & Scenic Return

The buffet lunch is typically well-received, featuring seasonal fruits and local dishes. It provides a welcome rest after the morning’s activities, and the scenery on the return trip remains stunning, giving you a chance to soak in the views.

Drop-Off & Wrap-Up

The tour ends around mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of time to explore Coron or relax at your resort. The multiple drop-off points add flexibility, making it easy to plan your afternoon.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who love wildlife and snorkeling. It offers a unique chance to see dugongs, which are rarely encountered outside of specific regions, making it a memorable highlight.

It’s ideal for those who appreciate small group tours and want an educational, respectful encounter with marine life. If you’re a photography enthusiast, the coral reefs and marine habitats provide fantastic opportunities, assuming weather conditions cooperate.

However, people with seasickness, health issues, or very young children should consider the physical demands and timing involved.

The Sum Up

The Coron Dugong Watching with Sea Turtle and Coral Garden Tour represents a well-rounded, authentic way to experience Palawan’s marine wonders. The chance to see rare dugongs in their natural habitat, combined with vibrant coral reefs and a scenic boat ride, makes it a compelling choice for eco-minded travelers and snorkelers alike.

While weather and environmental factors can influence sightings, the tour’s focus on respectful wildlife viewing and stunning underwater scenery ensures that most participants leave with meaningful memories. Its all-inclusive price and small-group nature make it a good value, especially for those craving a genuine connection with nature.

If you’re someone who values authentic encounters, scenic beauty, and marine education, this tour should be high on your list. It’s a great way to deepen your appreciation for Coron’s rich underwater life, all while comfortably enjoying a day in paradise.

FAQ

Is there a guarantee to see the dugongs?
While the tour has about a 90% chance of spotting dugongs, sightings depend on weather, tide, and animal behavior. The guides do everything they can to maximize chances, but nature can be unpredictable.

What is included in the tour price?
The $161 per person fee covers hotel transfers, breakfast, environmental fees, entrance taxes, a licensed guide, buffet lunch, water, soda, seasonal fruits, snorkeling gear, and the tourist boat.

How long is the snorkeling with the dugongs?
Each group gets approximately 25 minutes in the water with the dugongs, on a first-come, first-served basis. The total snorkeling time might be limited to ensure everyone gets a turn.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring swimwear, change of clothes, towel, camera, snorkeling gear (if preferred), waterproof camera, biodegradable sunscreen, water, snacks, cash, and a waterproof bag. Don’t forget your sun protection and insect repellent.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 3 or 4 years old, mainly due to the early start, boat ride, and water activity. People with health issues or mobility restrictions should also consider their comfort level.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled if weather conditions are unfavorable. It’s advisable to check the cancellation policy—full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

This snorkeling tour in Coron offers a meaningful blend of wildlife encounters, underwater beauty, and scenic adventure, perfect for travelers eager to connect with nature in a responsible way.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby