a tropical beach with palm trees and clear water

Descend into the Ghost Fleet.
Rise as its guardian.

Freediving Level 1 · Freediving Level 2 · Scuba Diving
Barracuda Lake · WWII Wrecks · Crystal Visibility

Train where limestone cliffs continue beneath the surface.

Coron · Philippines

Every retreat is a gentle, responsible & ethical ocean encounter

Welcome to Coron!

Coron is a cathedral of limestone and iron — one of the most extraordinary underwater landscapes on earth.

Barracuda Lake offers volcanic clarity and stillness without equal: an otherworldly crater where Level 1 and Level 2 freediving unfolds in warm, current-free water with visibility that stretches beyond imagination. Below Coron Bay, the Ghost Fleet waits — WWII Japanese wrecks reborn as living coral gardens, explored with the quiet reverence of a freediver or the steady breath of a scuba diver.

A destination defined not just by depth, but by the responsibility that depth awakens in you.

aerial view photography of boats on seashore
aerial view photography of boats on seashore

Where You’ll Stay

Your base is an eco-conscious hillside sanctuary — sustainable in design, harmonious with the land, and open to the sea. Natural materials, ocean views, and a quiet ethos of care shape the space between your dives.

Private rooms offer the stillness needed to integrate each day's immersion: to breathe, to rest, to arrive fully at tomorrow. Simple, grounded, and connected to the world just beyond your window.

brown wooden house surrounded by palm trees
brown wooden house surrounded by palm trees

Ocean Path Options

During the retreat, you choose the experience that fits your level and curiosity. Everything is guided with care and adapted to where you are — there's no pressure to perform, only space to progress. We work with trusted partner schools offering AIDA, Molchanovs/WAVE, SSI, and PADI certifications.

The agency and level will depend on coach and school availability during the retreat dates to ensure the group trains well together. If you join a certification course, you'll need to complete the official e-learning before you arrive in the Philippines. Please don't purchase it independently — once your place is confirmed, your school will send you the correct link directly.

Freediving options:

• Intro to Freediving
• Freediving Level 1
• Freediving Level 2
• Freediving progression or coaching (if already certified)

person diving underwater with shark
person diving underwater with shark
Scuba Diving options:

• Intro Dive / Baptism
• Open Water Diver
• Advanced Open Water
• Fun dives (if already certified)

A group on a boat preparing to snorkel near colorful reefs with clear blue water.
A group on a boat preparing to snorkel near colorful reefs with clear blue water.

Who This Retreat Is For

This retreat is for anyone who senses that something lives beneath the surface — and wants to find it. Whether you've never dived before or you're returning to deepen what you already know, each day is shaped around your pace, your breath, and your capacity to grow.

You'll train in some of the most pristine water on the planet, move alongside rare marine life with intention, and leave not just certified — but changed. This is for those who want to explore the ocean not as tourists, but as guardians.

person holding black and silver bicycle
person holding black and silver bicycle

Frequently Asked Questions

The Best Time to Go to Palawan

The "sweet spot" for Palawan is during the dry season, which runs from late November to May. If you want those postcard-perfect turquoise waters with zero clouds, aim for March to May. From June to October, the "Habagat" (Southwest Monsoon) brings rain and choppy seas, which can occasionally lead to coast guard cancellations for boat tours.

Which country does Palawan belong to?

Palawan is an archipelagic province of the Philippines. Entry follows the national Bureau of Immigration policies.

Do I need a visa?

Most travelers (including those from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and many others) can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days, provided your passport is valid for at least six months and you have an onward/return ticket.

The "Special Link" You Need:

All travelers must register for the eTravel card via the official government portal within 72 hours before arrival. It is free—be careful of scam sites asking for payment.

What currency is used?

The currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP).

Are euros or dollars accepted?

Prices are listed in PHP. While some high-end resorts or dive shops might quote in USD, you should pay in local currency. ATMs are available in Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron, but they can occasionally run out of cash or reject international cards, so it’s wise to carry a backup supply of Pesos. Credit cards are accepted in established hotels, but smaller "bangka" (boat) operators and local eateries are strictly cash-only.

What language do they speak?

Filipino (Tagalog) and Cuyonon are the local languages. However, English is an official language of the Philippines and is spoken fluently by almost everyone in the tourism industry. You’ll have no trouble communicating.

What is the weather like?

Palawan is tropical and humid.

  • Temperatures: 26–33°C

  • Water: 27–30°C (perfect for long dives)

  • Ocean: During the dry season, the water is calm and exceptionally clear, especially around the limestone lagoons of El Nido and the shipwrecks of Coron.

Where do we stay?

We stay in curated boutique villas and eco-conscious lodges in El Nido and Coron. These locations are chosen for their proximity to the water and their "hidden gem" feel, away from the main backpacker noise. Each guest has a private room.

Can I stay in my own villa or hotel instead?

Yes. If you prefer to book your own luxury resort (like those on private islands), we can adjust the retreat price to cover only the activities, coaching, and logistics.

Is this a resort or boutique hotel?

Neither—these are intimate, characteristic villas or small-scale boutique stays that prioritize a calm, authentic atmosphere over the "big resort" experience.

Are meals included?

Breakfast is provided daily. We include lunch on all boat expedition days (typically fresh seafood and fruit grilled on the beach). Dinners are usually left open so you can explore the local culinary scene, though we often organize group dinners at our favorite spots.

Do I need travel insurance?

Absolutely. Between boat transfers, diving, and remote island locations, you want a policy that covers medical evacuation and diving-specific accidents (like DAN or World Nomads).

Is diving or freediving equipment included?

Yes. All standard gear is provided. If you are diving the famous Coron shipwrecks, we can also arrange specialized gear if needed.

Do I need experience to join?

No. Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced diver, the sessions are tailored to you. Palawan’s lagoons are actually one of the gentlest places on earth to learn to breathe and move underwater.

What if I have asthma or I can’t hold my breath?

No problem. For freediving, we focus on relaxation, not records. For scuba, you breathe normally the whole time. If you have asthma, a quick "fit to dive" note from your doctor is required to ensure your safety.

Are manta rays or turtles guaranteed?

In Palawan, you are almost guaranteed to see sea turtles in certain spots. The "Dugong" (sea cow) encounters in Northern Palawan (Coron) are a unique possibility!

Who is this retreat for?

Adventurous souls, solo travelers, and ocean lovers who prefer limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons over crowded beach clubs.

Can I come alone?

Yes! The majority of our guests arrive solo and leave with a new "dive tribe."

Will I get underwater photos?

Yes. The dramatic limestone backdrops of Palawan make for world-class underwater portraits, and a professional photographer will be with us to capture the journey.

What is the cancellation policy?

All bookings are final and non-refundable. This is why high-quality travel insurance is a must!

What should I pack?

  • Dry bags (essential for boat hopping!)

  • Reef-safe sunscreen

  • Light, breathable clothing

  • A reusable water bottle

Is there Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi in Palawan is notoriously "island style"—meaning it works for emails and messages, but don't count on it for heavy video calls or streaming. It’s the perfect place to unplug.

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