About Barracuda Lake
Barracuda Lake is a natural brackish lake on the northern coast of Coron Island in Coron, Palawan, Philippines. Enclosed by dramatic limestone karst cliffs, it is known for its striking thermocline where warm freshwater overlays cooler saltwater, and for its exceptionally clear water. A popular site for scuba diving, freediving and snorkeling, it is accessed only by boat as part of Coron Island-hopping tours.
Visitors guide
Visitors arrive by outrigger boat at the base of Coron Island and walk along a wooden boardwalk and steep stairs over a limestone ridge to reach the lake. The lake is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs with minimal shoreline vegetation. Water is calm and very clear, with a noticeable temperature change at depth due to the thermocline. Visitors can swim, snorkel, scuba dive or freedive in designated areas and view submerged rock formations and a small cave wall.
Key highlights
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Distinct thermocline with warm freshwater layer above cooler saltwater
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Crystal-clear water with visibility often exceeding 10 meters
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Dramatic limestone karst cliffs surrounding the lake
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Renowned scuba diving and freediving site with depths up to 35 meters
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Wooden boardwalk and viewpoint over the lake
History of Barracuda Lake
Named after a large barracuda skeleton reportedly discovered in its depths by divers; the lake gained prominence as a dive site in the 1990s-2000s as Coron Island tourism developed
Culture & Context
Located within the ancestral domain of the Tagbanwa people, who are the traditional stewards and managers of Coron Island and its lakes
Route
| By air | Fly to Busuanga Airport, then transfer by van to Coron Town pier |
|---|---|
| By road |