Busuanga is located in the Calamianes group of islands in Palawan offering a rare opportunity to observe dugongs in their natural habitat. These gentle marine mammals that are often referred to as “sea cows” are primarily found in seagrass meadows which are abundant in Busuanga’s coastal waters. Engaging in dugong watching is not only a unique wildlife experience but also an opportunity to support conservation efforts aimed at protecting these endangered creatures.
Dugong Watching Experience
Several dive centers in Busuanga offer guided tours for those interested in observing dugongs. For instance, the Dugong Dive Center provides full day travels to various feeding grounds along the Busuanga coastline and two turtle islands. These tours are available for both pearl and scuba divers.
The Pirates Diving Center in Coron offers a rare opportunity to dive with dugongs in a protected area on the northwest coast of Busuanga Island. Their tours begin early in the morning and are guided by experienced divemasters alongside a Sanctuary Ranger. Additionally, Tribal Adventures Tours arranges day trips to Dugong Bay in northern Busuanga which is a charming island rich ecosystem that is home to more than thirty dugongs. Since the dugong habitat is located within their ancestral territory, a native Tagbanua guide is included in all visits.
Conservation Efforts
Dugongs are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to threats like habitat destruction, hunting, and entanglement in fishing gear. In Busuanga, local communities and conservation groups have implemented strict regulations to protect these creatures and their habitats. These efforts have made Busuanga one of the few places where divers can still encounter dugongs in a natural and undisturbed setting.
How To Get There?
Location: Busuanga is located in the Calamianes group of islands in Palawan, Philippines
- By Car: From Francisco B. Reyes Airport or Busuanga Airport, you can rent a car or hire a van or tricycle or habal-habal going to Coron town proper which is around 30 to 45 minutes away depending on the road conditions. From Coron, book a dugong watching boat tour or packages which will take you to the coastal waters or the dugong feeding grounds.
- By Commute: From Francisco B. Reyes Airport or Busuanga Airport, take a shared van or shuttles waiting outside the airport to Coron town proper. Once there, you can walk around or ask locals for accredited tour operators offering dugong watching trips and packages. These tours include the boat transfer and guides to bring you to the dugong feeding grounds.
