The Mysterious Barracuda Lake
Ever wondered what lurks beneath the surface of Palawan’s renowned Barracuda Lake? Or perhaps you are on the hunt for the best things to do in Coron? In this travel guide, we address the elephant – or should we say barracuda – in the room: are there really barracudas in the lake, and is it as perilous as the name suggests?
We are also diving deep into the heart of Barracuda Lake to separate fact from fiction, uncover its hidden wonders, highlight the top tour options for your visit and reveal all you need to know for an unforgettable aquatic adventure. So, grab your snorkel and let’s plunge into the crystal-clear depths of one of Coron’s most captivating natural wonders!
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We Value Your Time
We value your time! So, if you already know why you are here and want to know the best way to visit the Barracuda Lake, then look no further! Below are our top picks for the best tours! On both tours, you get to see the Barracuda Lake as well as lots of other top spots around Coron, AND a delicious lunch is included!
Below is a shared group tour and a private tour, depending on your preference:
However, if you would like to get the full low-down, including the best time to visit, the legend of the lake, top travel tips, flying a drone at the lake, where to stay nearby, safety considerations, scuba diving and free diving at the lake, as well as other island-hopping tour options, then we hope you will enjoy exploring our complete travel guide.
Are You Keeping Up With Our Philippines Series?
If you are planning your trip to The Philippines you can check out our ultimate travel guide for The Philippines here:
42 Best Things To Do In The Philippines | Epic Travel Guide
You can also check out our complete Philippines packing list here:
Philippines Packing List | Avoid A Runny Tummy & Mosquitos!
How To Get To The Barracuda Lake?
The captivating Barracuda Lake lies nestled away in the heart of the Calamian Islands amidst the rugged limestone cliffs of Coron Island. This natural wonder is a testament to the Philippines’ stunning beauty, boasting crystal-clear turquoise waters and towering rock formations. Surrounded by lush greenery, the lake’s epic scenes draw adventurers from all over the world. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, its unique geography creates a surreal underwater landscape, making it a haven for divers and snorkelers alike. But how to get to the Barracuda Lake?
By far, the easiest way to get to the Barracuda Lake is by doing an island hopping tour or day trip. From the popular travel hub of Coron Town, the journey takes around 30 to 45 minutes by boat, depending on weather conditions and the type of vessel. Most tours include travel to and from the lake and the journey offers glimpses into the stunning natural beauty of the Calamian Islands. We have highlighted Barracuda Lake on the map below to show its location relative to Coron Town:
Can You Swim In The Barracuda Lake
The Short answer is yes… You can! 😊
You can in fact scuba dive, free dive and snorkel in the lake! See our full selection of top tour recommendations below!
The Best Tours To Visit The Barracuda Lake
If you are not looking to scuba dive or do a formal freediving session in the lake then the best way to visit by far is as part of an island hopping tour. On these tours, you get to see many incredible top spots around Coron AND a delicious lunch is included! We think they are insane value for money! Our top picks are highlighted at the start of this blog, but here are some more options from different providers to give you plenty of choice 😊
Here Are 3 Awesome Options From Get Your Guide:
Here’s An Awesome Option From Viator:
Another Option: 14-Day Tour with One Life Adventures:
Now, if you want to take the stress out of planning your Philippines trip and make life-long friends as part of a group of like-minded travelers, a One Life Adventures Tour may be the one for you! On the 14-day Philippines Tour with One Life Adventures, you get the opportunity to visit the Barracuda Lake included in the price of the tour! Beth has done this tour and had an epic time!
You can use our code for a massive 15% off any tour with One Life Adventures:
The Code Is: FrequentFlyer15
Thank us later 😉
Scuba Diving In The Barracuda Lake
The Barracuda Lake is fast becoming a famous Scuba diving and free-diving site, and for good reason! Firstly, this mysterious lake offers astonishing visibility ranging from 20-30 meters. This, coupled with the lake’s unique limestone architecture makes for a stunning dive site. Secondly, as you descend into the calm, turquoise waters, you’ll be greeted by the lake’s unique thermocline phenomenon.
The thermocline phenomenon exists due to a combination of the lake’s brackish water and geothermal activity. This phenomenon creates distinct layers of warm and cold water, sometimes as high as 37°C, and can cause visual distortions, such as shimmering or blurring, as well as changes in buoyancy. Scuba diving here offers a glimpse into an underwater world teeming with life, from curious fish darting among the limestone formations to the occasional sighting of freshwater eels. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, exploring the depths of Barracuda Lake promises an unforgettable adventure.
If you are interested in scuba diving at the Barracuda Lake and wish to pre-book your dives to save your spot: Check out this PADI 5 Star Scuba Diving Center in Coron: Pirates Diving Center Coron!
You can also check out this list of the Best Diving Centers In Coron by Tripadvisor!
Free-Diving In The Barracuda Lake
Much for the same reasons as scuba-diving, freediving is very popular in the Barracuda Lake. The lake’s calm and still waters and crystal-clear visibility provide the perfect environment for freedivers to practice their techniques in a safe and controlled setting.
If you are interested in Free Diving in Coron, you can check out this centre: Freediving Coron!
Entrance Fee For The Barracuda Lake
More often than not, your tour operator will cover the entrance fee for Barracuda Lake. However, it is important to be aware of and double-check when booking your tour! At the time of writing, the entrance fee is 250 PHP per person, which is roughly £3.50.
The Legend Of The Barracuda Lake
Legend has it that Barracuda Lake was once home to a massive barracuda, rumoured to be as long as a fishing boat and possessing a fierce, almost mythical presence. Local fishermen spoke of encounters with the elusive creature, attributing the Barracuda to supernatural origins. These tales of the Barracuda’s presence have lent an air of mystery to the lake, captivating the imagination of locals and visitors alike. However, Let’s address the elephant, or should we say Barracuda, in the room: are there really barracudas in the lake?
Are There Actually Barracudas In The Lake?
There are still many mysteries surrounding the lake, but from our research and experience, there are now very few Barracudas in the lake. If you are lucky, you may spot one, but there were none in sight during our visit. So, if the possible presence of Barracudas is putting you off a visit… Please don’t let it! This lake is out of this world beautiful and the chances of you seeing a Barracuda are very slim. Also, if you are very worried, you don’t have to get in… The lake and its surroundings are stunning just from the water’s edge!
Is The Barracuda Lake Dangerous?
The answer is it can be but not for the reasons you might think… From our research there have never been any incidents involving a barracuda in the lake… However:
Brackish Water: Be Aware!
The water in this lake is brackish! This is a mix of salt and fresh water and is, therefore, much less dense than seawater. Why be aware, you ask? Well, this essentially means you are much less buoyant in the water therefore it can be harder to swim and float. If you are at all in doubt, take a life jacket! There are plenty provided for free on the day!
For scuba divers and free divers:
The Brackish water means your buoyancy will be affected, and you may need less weight than usual; it’s important to plan accordingly!
For Snorkelers:
If you like to dive down and explore underwater, be aware that you will find it a lot easier to dive down, but… it will also be a lot more work coming back up 😉. Even if you are a strong swimmer, it is advisable to take a life-vest. If you want to have a swim underwater, you can slip the vest off and then swim back up to it afterwards! This allows you to rest as treading water is much harder in the Barracuda lake than in the ocean!
Where To Stay In Coron
Looking for where to stay in Coron Town? Well we have got a number of awesome suggestions depending on your budget and the vibe you are going for!
Hostels:
Love a chill vibe? Here is our top recommendation from Hostelworld:
Love a social vibe? Here are our two top recommendations for a livelier atmosphere:
Hotels:
Looking for a more relaxing experience away from the hustle and bustle of hostels? Here are our top hotel recommendations in Coron from Agoda:
Top Tips For Visiting The Barracuda Lake
When gearing up for your Barracuda Lake adventure, there are a few insider tips that can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
1. Bring Reef Shoes: First and foremost, don’t forget to pack a sturdy pair of reef shoes. As much as we love the idea of wading into the calm waters barefoot, the reality is that the lake’s shoreline is dotted with sharp rocks and submerged hazards. Since the boats can’t come close to shore due to the shallow waters, you’ll need to hop out and make your way across the rocky terrain to reach the lake’s entrance. Reef shoes provide essential protection for your feet, preventing any unexpected encounters with sea urchins or jagged edges that could put a damper on your day.
One of our group members actually stood on a sea urchin and had several spines in her foot at this site😧. So please take this tip seriously and pack a sturdy pair of reef shoes. If you don’t own a pair, you can check out our affordable suggestion on our packing list here!
2. Pack a mask and snorkel: For the same reason above… These can usually be provided by your tour operator, but make sure you bring them along! Even if you don’t want to use them in the lake, they are essential to observe your footing getting over to the lake from the boat! This can help avoid any nasty encounters with a sea urchin!
3. Pack Light & Take A Dry Bag: When venturing to Barracuda Lake, it’s best to pack light and only bring the essentials. Avoid carrying bulky or unnecessary items that could weigh you down, especially if you plan on hiking/ swimming to the lake’s entrance.
A dry bag with just the essentials will allow you to move freely and comfortably throughout your adventure and also keep all your belongings dry when wading through the ocean to the lake. Most times you have to swim in before being able to walk in the shallows, so a dry bag is really essential! If you don’t own a dry bag yet, you can check out our top affordable recommendation in our packing list here.
4. If you are able, bring an underwater Camera or a Drone: If you are fortunate enough to own either of these, the Barracuda Lake is the perfect place to capture the magic both from above and below the surface. If you are looking for the ideal cameras for your trip, you can check out Our Camera Equipment here.
Taking A Drone To The Barracuda Lake
If you love capturing your adventures from a birds eye perspective then the Barracuda Lake offers outrageously beautiful scenery from above! We highly recommend taking your drone if you love to capture this unique perspective.
Here are some top tips for taking a drone to the lake:
- As mentioned above you need to wade through the water to get to the lake as its too shallow for boats to come close in to shore. Because of this you have two options:
- Either fly your drone from the boat before you head over. Be mindful however that if the boat moves your home point setting will change and this can be risky business for your drone landing in the drink 😟
- Alternatively, you can take a dry bag and carry your drone over, then fly your drone from the decking – This is the option Beth did and pictured below is where she launched from:
When To Visit The Barracuda Lake
Choosing the perfect time to visit Barracuda Lake can make all the difference to your experience! While the lake is accessible year-round, certain times offer optimal conditions for exploration.
Time of Day: For the most enjoyable experience, consider visiting Barracuda Lake in the morning or late afternoon. During these times, the sun’s rays are less intense, providing more comfortable conditions for activities such as diving, snorkelling, and swimming. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to witness stunning sunrise or sunset views, adding an extra layer of magic to your adventure.
Time of Year: The optimal period to explore Barracuda Lake falls within the dry season, typically extending from November to April. During this period, you can expect clearer skies, calmer waters, and minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for outdoor exploration. However, bear in mind that this period also sees a surge in tourist activity, resulting in larger crowds and increased accommodation prices.
Shoulder Seasons: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May or October when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are fewer. Avoid planning your trip during the rainy season, from June to September, as heavy downpours and choppy waters can hinder your plans and limit visibility in the lake.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of Barracuda Lake, it’s clear that this natural wonder holds a special place in the hearts of adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. From its captivating legends and unique geological features to its thrilling scuba diving and free-diving opportunities, the Barracuda Lake offers an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping dives into its thermocline or peaceful moments of reflection surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, Barracuda Lake delivers like no other. So, pack your reef shoes, grab your snorkel gear, and prepare to immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of Barracuda Lake. As always, remember to respect the environment, follow local regulations, and tread lightly to ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at the wonders of this remarkable destination.
Don’t hesitate to let us know any questions you might have in the comments below!
Big Love As Always
Beth and Denz