The Irako, Coron Island

Perfect for advanced divers, this is one of the most famous wreck dives in the Philippines. Some

147 metres long and 19 metres wide, the Irako was a Japanese food supply ship that was sunk in 1944 in an American air attack during World War II. Accompanying the Irako is an entire supply fleet, including freighters, a seaplane tender and gunboats, making this spot a true wreck diver’s paradise.

The Irako is still largely intact, and visibility in the area is usually good. During your dive, you are likely to bump into tuna, groupers, green sea turtles, lionfishes, and sometimes even barracudas and trevallies. Given the wreck’s depth and the occasionally strong currents, the dive should only be attempted by experienced divers who have the necessary training and equipment. Additionally, to increase bottom time, diving with nitrox is recommended. ag