Twin Lagoon, Coron

Twin Lagoon

Two lagoons on Coron Island separated by a limestone wall. Swim through the gap (or climb over the wall by ladder) to reach the inner lake, where the thermocline, formed by cold fresh water and warm salt water meeting, creates a shimmering blurred layer on the surface. It is a must-visit on any Coron island-hopping tour.

Twin Lagoon lies on the northwest coast of Coron Island, about 10 minutes by boat south of Kayangan Lake. It consists of two lagoons divided by a limestone wall. The outer lagoon, where boats can moor, has emerald-green water. A narrow gap at the base of the wall is submerged only at high tide; at low tide, you climb over the wall using wooden ladders. Beyond it lies the inner lake, completely enclosed by towering cliffs. It is peaceful, and the water shifts from green to deep blue. The inner lake's most remarkable feature is the underwater thermocline. The upper layer is cooler fresh water from rainfall, and the lower layer is warm seawater. Where the two meet, the different refractive indices make the water look like a rippling oil film or mist when viewed through a diving mask, and you can feel the clear contrast between cold and warm. It is an experience unique to Coron. The water here is deep and there is no beach, so life jackets are mandatory. Island-hopping tours stop for about 45 to 60 minutes. The entrance fee is about ₱200 per person, collected by the Tagbanua people, and it is included in the Coron island-hopping day tour (about ₱1,500 to 2,500 per person). Nearby attractions that can be combined with a visit include Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake (which also has a thermocline, is deeper, and is better for diving), Skeleton Wreck snorkeling, the Siete Pecados coral garden, and CYC Beach. Getting there: take a boat from the Coron town pier, about 30 to 40 minutes. Tips: the inner lake is deep with no footing, so non-swimmers should hold a floating buoy or life ring and be brought in by the boatmen. Currents and boat traffic are heavy at the gap, so mind your head. Regular sunscreen is banned. In peak season, 10 a.m. to noon is extremely crowded, so arrive early.

Twin Lagoon, Coron

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