Coron Freediving Retreat

Coron retreat at a glance
Location:
Coron, Philippines
Duration:
7 days / 6 nights
Stay:
private rooms in carefully selected eco hotels or similar
Certification
Wave 1 / AIDA 2 Beginner (2.5 days) or Wave 2 / AIDA 3 Advanced (3 days)
Instructor
MJ Paula — Freediving Coron — 2× Philippine National Record holder
Group size
Maximum 4 guests
Level
Beginners welcome — no experience required
Meals
Breakfast included daily. Lunch and dinner at your own pace.
Approach
Low-impact, respectful, safety-first
Ethics
Responsible wildlife encounters — no chasing or touching marine life

Highlights

Train in Barracuda Lake — one of the world's most unusual freediving environments: a volcanic freshwater lake with a dramatic thermocline, enclosed by limestone walls. Crystal-clear visibility, no currents, complete stillness.

Learn with MJ Paula — 2× Philippine National Record holder. Known for calm, structured teaching that builds real confidence rather than performance.

Freedive the Lusong Gunboat on a single breath: a shallow WWII wreck you can descend to without tanks — one of the most unusual freediving experiences anywhere.

An ethical dugong expedition, not a tourist show: a full day at the northern seagrass meadows with a respectful, distance-keeping approach.

A guided Tour B lagoon day: see the same waters from above that you've been freediving below — Kayangan Lake, the Twin Lagoon, and the turquoise coves of Coron's archipelago.

Small group, women-only, solo-traveller friendly: capped at four guests. You are not a number on a trip list — you are one of a few.

Founder-led and Swiss-organised: a real person (Rocío) behind every booking, answering questions before, during, and after the retreat.

What’s Included

• Private airport transfer from Busuanga Airport (USU) on arrival and departure

• 6 nights accommodation (MO2 Lagoon or Corto del Mar — chosen at booking)

• Daily breakfast at your hotel

• Freedive session at the Lusong Gunboat WWII wreck

• Guided Tour B boat trip (Coron island lagoons, lakes, and reef snorkelling)

• Full-day ethical dugong expedition to the northern seagrass meadows

• All scheduled boat transfers during activities

• Local transport for all retreat activities

• Professional host support throughout the week

Volunteer in a marine conservation project

For those who feel drawn to give something back to the ocean, an optional conservation connection may be arranged in the wider Coron and Calamianes region. In Coron, we collaborate with C3 Philippines, the recognised national lead agency for dugong research and management in the Philippines. Their community-run programmes empower local fishers to monitor and protect critical seagrass meadows and mangroves, helping safeguard the coastal habitats that dugongs and other marine life depend on.

We also proudly support the Culion Foundation Inc., whose Women-Managed Marine Protected Areas (WMAs) have received international recognition, including the Blue Parks Award. Their Eco-Warrior programmes help turn former environmental violators into committed stewards of their local waters. Depending on timing and local coordination, this may take the form of a contribution, educational exchange, or a community-led conservation experience.

Participation is always optional, and designed as a quiet, meaningful way to connect more deeply with the ocean.

What’s Not Included

• Flights to and from Coron / Busuanga Airport (USU)

• Travel insurance (required)

• Lunch and dinner on in-town days

• Freediving certification — optional add-on at booking

How booking works

1. Reserve your place
   Send an enquiry or secure your spot for the Coron retreat.

2. Confirm your setup
   We confirm your room, your freediving or scuba path, and any optional add-ons.

3. Prepare for arrival
   You receive your retreat guide, practical details, and support before you travel.

Welcome to Coron

This retreat is built around freediving — the practice of diving on a single breath, in silence, without equipment between you and the water — in one of the most breathtaking environments in the Philippines. Over six days, you will earn your international freediving certification under the guidance of MJ Paula, a two-time Philippine National Record holder whose teaching is known for being calm, structured, and deeply supportive.

The certification days take place in Barracuda Lake and selected reef sites. After your course, the retreat opens into the best of what Coron offers: a freedive over the Lusong Gunboat, a Tour B boat day through the island lagoons, and a full-day dugong expedition to the northern seagrass meadows.

What makes Coron special

Coron, in the Philippines, is one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive destinations for freediving and scuba diving. It is known for its limestone landscapes, clear volcanic lakes, and Japanese WWII wrecks in Coron Bay.

One of its most iconic sites is Barracuda Lake, a volcanic lake with exceptional visibility, calm water, and dramatic thermocline layers that make it especially memorable for freedivers.

Coron is also famous for the Ghost Fleet — a group of Japanese WWII shipwrecks sunk in 1944 and now transformed into artificial reefs covered in coral and marine life. These sites make Coron one of the most recognised wreck diving destinations in the Philippines.

What makes Coron special is the range of underwater environments in one destination: volcanic lake diving, reef diving, wreck diving, and the possibility of respectful marine wildlife encounters. For beginners and experienced divers alike, it offers a rare combination of calm conditions, underwater history, and striking natural scenery.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Coron

Morning: Arrive at Busuanga Airport (USU). Private transfer to your accommodation in Coron Town.

Afternoon: Time to settle in, rest, and explore Coron on foot. The waterfront is beautiful in the late afternoon light.

Evening: Welcome dinner with the group.

Days 2–4 — Scuba Training

Three days of PADI certification in Coron’s reef and wreck environments.

Day 2: Theory and physics of scuba diving, equipment familiarity, basic techniques, and the fundamentals of breathing underwater. Confined water pool sessions.

Day 3: Open water dives in Coron Bay. Buoyancy, underwater movement, and growing ease with the equipment.

Day 4: Final certification dives. By the end of today, Open Water students hold an internationally recognised PADI certification. Advanced students complete their course with a final specialty dive.

Training Days rhythm — Morning: Briefing and guided session. Midday: Rest and recovery. Afternoon: Second in-water session. Evening: Free time, dinner at own pace.

Day 5 — Guided Tour B & Lusong Gunboat

Morning: Wreck dive at the Lusong Gunboat — one of Coron’s most accessible WWII wreck sites. Covered in coral and surrounded by marine life. Underwater video from selected moments.

Afternoon: Tour B boat trip through Coron’s iconic island scenery — limestone lagoons, Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and snorkelling at shallow reef sites.

Day 6 — Dugong Expedition

Morning: Full-day boat trip to northern seagrass areas where dugongs may be seen. A dugong is a rare marine mammal related to the manatee. All encounters are approached respectfully. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Afternoon: Continued time on the water, snorkelling the seagrass areas.

Evening: Return to Coron. Farewell dinner with the group.

Day 7 — Departure

Morning: Final morning in Coron. Private transfer to Busuanga Airport (USU).

Evening: Travel home — with a PADI certification, a Ghost Fleet dive in your logbook, and a quieter relationship with the underwater world.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

Training Days in Coron

Morning: Briefing and a guided freediving or scuba diving session in Barracuda Lake, a reef site, or another calm environment suited to your level.
Midday: Time to rest, have lunch, and recover between sessions.
Afternoon: A second in-water session focused on technique, safety, and steady progress.
Evening: Free time to rest and enjoy dinner at your own pace.

Exploration Days in Coron

Morning: Early boat departure and briefing for the day’s ocean experience.
Daytime: Guided wreck diving, reef exploration, or a respectful dugong expedition in northern seagrass areas.
Late afternoon: Return to your accommodation for rest and downtime.
Evening: Free time to relax and choose your own dinner plans.

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is created for women who want to discover what it feels like to move through the ocean on a single breath — in one of the most extraordinary environments in Southeast Asia.

This retreat is for you if you:

• Are curious about freediving and want to learn in a calm, expert-led environment

• Are drawn to Coron’s unique landscapes — Barracuda Lake, the Ghost Fleet, the dugongs

• Prefer a small, intimate group (max 4) over a large dive operation

• Are travelling solo and want structure and genuine support

• Care about ethical wildlife encounters and responsible travel

• Want to return home with a real certification and a changed relationship with the sea

This retreat is probably not for you if you:

• Are looking for a party atmosphere or a high-energy group dynamic

• Want a packed activity schedule with no downtime

• Are not comfortable with the idea that wild animal encounters are never guaranteed

You don’t need experience. No prior freediving is required for the beginner course.

Where You’ll Stay

A sanctuary where mountains meet mangroves, offering a setting aligned with a slow-travel philosophy in Coron, Palawan. The location makes it easy to explore the surrounding natural landscape on foot, with nearby coastal paths and quiet trails inviting a deeper connection to the rhythm of the island and its environment.

Between ocean experiences, moments of stillness unfold beside lagoon-style pools or on a private balcony overlooking the mountain air. The setting feels intentionally quiet, tucked away from the town’s movement yet designed with thoughtful comforts and relaxed poolside dining.

Soundproofed rooms provide the space needed to integrate each day’s journey — to breathe, to rest, and to arrive fully for tomorrow. Simple, grounded, and connected to nature, with the island’s landscapes just beyond the window.

Freediving path (breath-hold):

Ideal for guests drawn to breathwork, relaxation, equalisation, and calm underwater progression.
Options may include:

• Freediving Level 1

• Freediving Level 2

A Note on Certification

You choose your level at booking. Wave 1 / AIDA 2 (beginner) is the entry-level course and runs over two and a half days. It covers breathwork and relaxation techniques, static and dynamic apnea, and open water dives — everything you need to freedive safely and confidently in the ocean. No prior experience is required.

Wave 2 / AIDA 3 (advanced) is for those who already hold a beginner certification. This course runs over three days and includes deeper dives, advanced equalization, and rescue skills. Coron’s combination of Barracuda Lake and open reef environments makes it an exceptional place to take it.

Both courses are conducted through Freediving Coron, led by MJ Paula. Training takes place in Barracuda Lake and selected reef sites.

Freediving Coron

MJ Paula (Mary Jane Paula Jumuad) is a Filipino freediving instructor and two-time Philippine National Record holder. She discovered freediving in 2015 and reached national record level within only a few months — then chose to leave her career as a Certified Public Accountant to dedicate herself fully to teaching in the ocean.

Since 2016, MJ has trained thousands of students — from complete beginners to advanced freedivers, including children, mothers, and seniors. Her teaching is built around safety, technique, and the kind of calm progression that builds genuine confidence rather than just performance. She is particularly valued by guests who come to the water with hesitation, helping them find ease and trust in themselves underwater.

“Do not rush. In the water, progress comes from patience, consistency, and learning to relax rather than force.” — MJ Paula

MJ leads Freediving Coron, one of the most established and respected freediving schools in Palawan. coron-freediving.com

Underwater memories

During selected moments of the retreat, our highly trained instructors will capture underwater videos of you, so you can stay fully immersed in the experience while your memories are beautifully documented.

Your Intructor - MJ Paula

Questions before booking?

Message us, happy to help you choose freediving vs scuba.

What guests often say

Guests often describe Ocean Calling Retreats as calm, supportive, and deeply memorable. Many mention feeling safe in the water, welcomed as solo travellers, and grateful for the small-group atmosphere. Others speak about the slower pace, the thoughtful guidance, and the way the experience stayed with them long after the retreat ended.

For many guests, this is more than a diving holiday. It is a small-group ocean retreat designed to feel personal, safe, and meaningful — especially for travellers looking for a more intentional way to experience the ocean.

To read recent feedback and follow the journey, you can explore our reviews and social platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Which country does Palawan belong to?

Palawan is an archipelagic province of the Philippines, located in Southeast Asia.

Tourism information:
https://philippines.travel

What language is spoken in Palawan?

Filipino (Tagalog) and Cuyonon are commonly spoken local languages.

English is widely spoken throughout the tourism industry.

What currency is used in Palawan?

The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP).

ATMs are available in Coron town, although availability may occasionally vary.

Carrying some cash is recommended for smaller restaurants and boat operators.

Central bank information:
https://www.bsp.gov.ph

Travel & Entry

Do I need a visa for the Philippines?

Many travellers, including those from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland, can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days.

Requirements usually include:

passport valid for at least six months
onward or return ticket

Official immigration information:
https://immigration.gov.ph

Do I need to complete the eTravel registration?

Yes. All travellers must complete the eTravel card within 72 hours before arrival in the Philippines.

The registration is free.

Official government website:
https://etravel.gov.ph

Which airport should I fly to for Coron?

The closest airport is Busuanga Airport (USU), located approximately 30–45 minutes from Coron town.

Flights usually connect via Manila or Cebu.

Airlines:

https://www.philippineairlines.com
https://www.cebupacificair.com
https://www.airasia.com

How do I get from the airport to Coron town?

Private transfer from Busuanga Airport (USU) to Coron town is organised for you.

The journey takes approximately 30–45 minutes.

Season & Environment

What is the best time to visit Palawan?

The best time to visit Palawan, including Coron, is during the dry season from late November to May.

March to May often offers the calmest seas and clearest water visibility, ideal for island hopping, freediving, and scuba diving.

From June to October, the Habagat (Southwest Monsoon) brings increased rainfall and occasional rough sea conditions, which may affect boat departures depending on coast guard guidance.

What is the weather like in Coron?

Palawan has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.

Average air temperature: 26–33°C
Average water temperature: 27–30°C

During the dry season, the ocean is usually calm with very good underwater visibility around limestone formations, reefs, and Coron’s WWII wreck sites.

Ocean Experience

Do I need previous experience?

No previous freediving or scuba diving experience is required.

Training is adapted to your level, whether beginner or experienced.

Is Coron good for beginner freedivers?

Yes. Coron offers calm conditions suitable for beginners, including sheltered bays and Barracuda Lake.

Freediving training focuses on relaxation, breathing techniques, equalisation, and safe depth progression.

Can I choose between freediving and scuba diving?

Yes. You may choose a freediving or scuba diving certification path depending on your interests and level.

Is equipment included?

Yes. Standard freediving and scuba diving equipment is included within the course framework.

Equipment is included during scheduled training sessions and guided dives.

Some deeper wreck dive sites in Coron may require specialised equipment, which can be arranged locally at an additional cost.

What freediving certifications are available?

Freediving Level 1 and Level 2 courses may be available depending on schedule and partner availability.

Training focuses on:

breathwork techniques
equalisation methods
relaxation in the water
depth progression
safety procedures

Training locations may include Barracuda Lake and selected reef sites.

What scuba diving certifications are available?

Courses may include:

Open Water Diver
Advanced Open Water Diver

Training combines skill development with exploration of reef environments and historic wreck sites.

What marine life might we see in Coron?

Marine life may include:

tropical reef fish
sea turtles
coral ecosystems
macro marine life
dugongs in protected seagrass areas of northern Palawan

Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and respectful observation practices.

Dugong conservation information:
https://www.dugongconservation.org

What makes Barracuda Lake unique?

Barracuda Lake is known for its exceptional visibility and dramatic limestone surroundings.

The lake contains thermocline layers where water temperature changes at different depths, creating a distinctive underwater experience for freedivers.

Is Coron good for scuba diving?

Yes. Coron is internationally known for its WWII wreck diving sites, often referred to as the Ghost Fleet.

These shipwrecks have evolved into artificial reefs supporting diverse marine ecosystems.

Are dugongs guaranteed?

No. Dugongs are wild marine mammals and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Encounters are conducted respectfully and following responsible wildlife guidelines.

Accommodation & Group

Where do we stay?

Accommodation is selected in boutique villas and eco-conscious lodges chosen for their calm atmosphere and proximity to the ocean.

Guests can choose between a private bedroom or shared bedroom depending on preference and availability.

Is this a resort?

No. The accommodation consists of boutique-style properties chosen for their calm atmosphere and connection to the environment rather than large commercial resorts.

Can I book my own hotel or villa?

Yes. If you prefer to stay in your own accommodation, the retreat price can be adjusted to include only the activities, coaching, and logistics.

Is this retreat suitable for solo travellers?

Yes. Many guests join independently.

The small-group format creates a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

How many people join the retreat?

Groups are intentionally small to maintain a calm atmosphere and personalised guidance.

Meals & Daily Life

Are meals included?

Breakfast is included daily.

Lunch is included on boat excursion days and typically consists of freshly prepared local food.

Dinners are not included, allowing flexibility to explore local restaurants according to personal preference.

Recommendations can be provided, and guests are free to join informal group dinners if they wish.

Is Wi-Fi reliable?

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafés in Coron town.

Speeds may be slower than in major cities and are usually suitable for messaging and emails.

Booking & Practical Information

Will underwater photos be included?

Yes. Underwater photography is included to document your experience in Coron’s reefs, limestone environments, and wreck sites.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially for trips that include boat transfers, freediving, or scuba diving.

We recommend selecting a policy that includes coverage for:

medical treatment
emergency evacuation
water-based activities

You may have the option to purchase travel insurance during checkout when completing your booking.

Common providers:

https://dan.org
https://www.worldnomads.com

Can I use my phone in Coron?

Mobile coverage is generally available in Coron town.

Coverage may be limited on remote islands or during boat trips.

Mobile providers:

https://www.globe.com.ph
https://smart.com.ph

Is Coron safe?

Coron is generally considered a safe destination for travellers.

As with any destination, normal travel awareness is recommended.

Do I need vaccinations for the Philippines?

There are no mandatory vaccinations required for most travellers entering the Philippines.

Common travel recommendations may include:

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Tetanus
Typhoid

Travellers should consult their doctor before departure.

Health guidance:

https://www.who.int
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/philippines

Preparation

What should I pack?

Dry bag for boat transfers
reef-safe sunscreen
light clothing
reusable water bottle

Reef-safe sunscreen guidance:

https://savethereef.org

Policies

What is the cancellation policy?

Please refer to the cancellation policy here:

https://oceancallingretreats.com/cancellation-policy

If your booking is made through an external platform, the applicable cancellation terms will be those provided by that platform at the time of booking.

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