PORT OF EMBARKATION - Puerto Galera

Atlantis Azores' latest exciting itinerary is to the sunken World War II wrecks of Coron Bay via Apo Reef. A typical charter starts with two days of exploring the 34 mile long reef system of Apo Reef, often referred to by many as a “mini-Tubbataha”.

Twenty four Japanese ships were sunk in Coron Bay on 24 September 1944 by the US Navy; you will have an opportunity to dive the best of these during your time there, taking in both the unique history of the area and the amazing amount of fish and coral life that now cover the wrecks.

Please note that itineraries are sample itineraries only, and will change depending on weather and logistics at the Captain’s discretion.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Dive Day 1 & 2 – Apo Reef and Tara Islands

The UNESCO heritage site of Apo Reef will be our destination for the first day. Shark Ridge is a great place to see white tip and black tip reef sharks. Manta rays are sometimes spotted here, as well as hawksbill turtles and bumphead parrot fish. Binangaan Drop Off is another fantastic location with huge schools of snapper and tuna. Look out for spotted eagle rays in the blue, as well as other pelagic species. On the end of our second day, an optional visit to Coron’s hot springs will be offered.

Dive Day 3 & 4 – Coron Wrecks

Coron is a mecca for wreck divers. You will begin to explore the Japanese ships wrecks from Second World War, including the Okikawa Maru, a 160 metre long ship which was sunk by a direct hit on the bow area. You will also dive the Olympia Maru, a massive 120 metre vessel , the East Tangat Gunboat, a shallow dive on this 140 metre long submarine hunter that is ideal for exploration. The two main boilers are a big attraction where hard coral growth is extensive, and plenty scorpion fish on the decks. You will also have the chance to explore the Akitsusima, one of Coron’s most famous dives, a wreck of the sea plane tender, and Irako, a refrigeration ship for the Japanese Imperial Navy.

Dive Day 5 – Nanshin Maru Dimipac Island

Black Island Wreck, or Nanshin Maru, a small tanker which was coverted to take fuels (such as diesel): she is approximately 50 metres long sitting upright on a sandy bottom. You will then dive Dimipac Island, offering relaxed diving, with sandy slopes on which you may meet turtles, dendritic jawfish, leaf scorpionfish, ribbon eel and who knows, maybe even a dugong! The water around the island is relatively warm, with very little current, offering heavenly photo opportunities!

Dive Day 6 – Kyokuszan Maru

We open our 6th day with two deep morning dives at Kyokuszan in Maricaban Bay off the island of Busuanga Island, Coron. Kyokuzan was an auxiliary supply ship of the Japanese Royal Navy sunken by a US carrier-based aircraft. She is approximately 140 metres long, with beautiful corals grown over car parts, tires and the body of the ship. We then cruise back to Puerto Galera.