Lusong Gunboat and Lusong Coral Garden Guide
Dive into History: Explore a Sunken Gunboat and Vibrant Coral Reefs Guide
The Lusong Gunboat and Lusong Coral Garden offer a unique combination of history and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for snorkelers and divers in Coron. This site features a Japanese gunboat sunk during World War II, now teeming with marine life, alongside a stunning coral garden bursting with color and biodiversity. It's a fantastic opportunity to witness the resilience of nature and the remnants of a bygone era. The Lusong Gunboat is a Japanese warship that was sunk by US Navy air attacks in September 1944 during World War II. Over time, the wreck has become an artificial reef, attracting a diverse array of fish, corals, and other marine organisms. The coral garden, located nearby, is a shallow reef known for its vibrant colors and abundance of soft corals. The main activities here are snorkeling and diving. Snorkelers can explore the shallow parts of the gunboat and the coral garden, while divers can venture deeper to explore the entire wreck. You'll see a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and various coral species. Many tour operators include lunch on a nearby beach as part of the excursion. While not specifically a culinary destination, the boat tours often serve traditional Filipino dishes like grilled fish, rice, and fresh fruits.
Transportation
The Lusong Gunboat and Lusong Coral Garden are only accessible by boat. You can book a tour through various tour operators in Coron Town. These tours typically include transportation to and from the site, snorkeling gear, and lunch. The boat ride takes approximately 1-2 hours from Coron Town.