Coron Vs Bohol

[shanghaiexpat]

Suggestions on Coron versus Bohol for a new diver? Is Coron better for advanced divers as the wrecks are deep? Also, what about general environment? We hope to dive for a couple of days and just relax for a couple of days, which do you recommend? Or is there someplace else we should be considering (not really interested in the touristy places like Boracay and Cebu)

Thanks!

 

[shugar]

both are good options for dive/relax plans:

my opinion is that coron is the most beautiful place i've ever seen in the philippines... absolutely breathtaking... i've only done 1 dive there so i can't say it's for either noobs or advanced either way (i was pretty inexperienced during my 1 dive there and had absolutely no problems)

Jag

 

[Xizang]

both are good options for dive/relax plans:

my opinion is that coron is the most beautiful place i've ever seen in the philippines... absolutely breathtaking... i've only done 1 dive there so i can't say it's for either noobs or advanced either way (i was pretty inexperienced during my 1 dive there and had absolutely no problems)

Jag

jag,
My department is planning a trip to coron for team building. is it an ok place for non-divers? I have never been there. Where did you stay when you were there?

 

[Ben_ca]

jag,
My department is planning a trip to coron for team building. is it an ok place for non-divers?

Does it matter

you can have them carry your gear and be part of your team

 

[shugar]

jag,
My department is planning a trip to coron for team building. is it an ok place for non-divers? I have never been there. Where did you stay when you were there?

i stayed at dive link... it's a 5 minute boat ride from coron town (actually you can swim the channel as part of the DM course hahahaha)

dive link, despite the name, does not have its own dive op but has (if i remember correctly) some meeting pavilions/ areas, a pool, decent food and a good number of cottages w/c are quite comfy

the area is very nice and relaxing too...

they have ample spaces for "alone time" or small group quiet/ introspective activities too...

i highly reco the day tour around the island/s, but as a diver it's really difficult to choose between diving a wreck and taking the tour... they're both amazing

Jag

@ben: jai's the boss... he'll have a whole troop of interns lugging his stuff hahahaha

 

[Xizang]

oopps! meant that as a PM.. anyway we are actually debating on bohol or coron.. and NO I did not set the places they were the ones who decided on it actually there is a bigger team building together with other departments next month and that one is on Puerto Galera and NO again I did not suggest it (except for the place, I suggested El Galleon )

 

[jigo]

IMHO, coron is better hands down. if you're like me and not really into wrecks, you'll love the diversity of the sites near club paradise. even the house reef holds lots of surprises day and night.

Axua, club paradise would be a great place for team building since there are very few people there and away from the crowd in the main island. a bit pricey though but if the company is footing the bill.....

 

[chip104]

imho, I'd go with Bohol. Yes, Coron is beautiful (see my gallery) but as a new diver from shanghai you'd probably much rather enjoy the reefs and marine life in Bohol before divulging into the wrecks in Coron. See Cglsamson's gallery for pics in Bohol. He took some really nice shots. Coron has awesome adventure diving, and technically you should be "advanced" level to do the dives but in reality open water is fine as long as you're with the DM. Only a couple of the wrecks are below the 130ft rec limit, the majority are above.

As for general environment, I'd probably go with Bohol since it has an nice beach and a lot of ecotourist attractions you can do: river cruise, see the tarziers, chocolate hills, day trip to Cebu City.... But Coron wins hands down in the scenery. The steep cliffs are a breathtaking view. You can also take a trip to El Nido if you want.

The edge factor is that you don't like the commercialized touristy spots (ie Boracay). Coron is the more "off the beaten path" place to go than Bohol. But Bohol's local government is trying the ecotourism approach, so it has a nice balance going.

Let us know what you choose cause we can give you more insight on things to do. Whether you choose Bohol or Coron, it's awesome that you choose the PI and I guarantee you'll love both places.

 

[clgsamson]

imho, I'd go with Bohol. Yes, Coron is beautiful (see my gallery) but as a new diver from shanghai you'd probably much rather enjoy the reefs and marine life in Bohol before divulging into the wrecks in Coron. See Cglsamson's gallery for pics in Bohol. He took some really nice shots. Coron has awesome adventure diving, and technically you should be "advanced" level to do the dives but in reality open water is fine as long as you're with the DM. Only a couple of the wrecks are below the 130ft rec limit, the majority are above.

As for general environment, I'd probably go with Bohol since it has an nice beach and a lot of ecotourist attractions you can do: river cruise, see the tarziers, chocolate hills, day trip to Cebu City.... But Coron wins hands down in the scenery. The steep cliffs are a breathtaking view. You can also take a trip to El Nido if you want.

The edge factor is that you don't like the commercialized touristy spots (ie Boracay). Coron is the more "off the beaten path" place to go than Bohol. But Bohol's local government is trying the ecotourism approach, so it has a nice balance going.

Let us know what you choose cause we can give you more insight on things to do. Whether you choose Bohol or Coron, it's awesome that you choose the PI and I guarantee you'll love both places.

Chip, you have my vote to be an SB guide. Nice post Bud.

 

[Ben_ca]

Coron has awesome adventure diving, and technically you should be "advanced" level to do the dives but in reality open water is fine as long as you're with the DM

:11:
Chip you're making me shiver in my backplate...