Barracuda Lake feels like a dream world. The entrance to the lake leads you along a path that winds through jagged rocks that look straight out of a movie before they reveal the beautiful, expansive Barracuda Lake. The lake is huge but swimmers enjoy an enclosed area of free-diving paradise in the deep waters. Underwater cliffs will blow your mind as you snorkel or free dive in this fresh-water lake in Coron Island.
FREEDIVING AT BARRACUDA LAKE
We parked our boat in a beautiful little bay and jumped off onto the boardwalk. It honestly feels like a movie set. The limestone rocks in Coron look like they are straight out of a horror film as they are just so sharp! Back in the day there was no boardwalk and you needed to clamber over the rocks but today with new safety measures and increased number of visitors a beautiful boardwalk and stairs guide you towards the lake.
When we arrived just at midday (trying to get in while everyone was eating lunch), there was only one other group there. When we left there were about 50 people in the lake. Either way it didn’t bother us much as most people just snorkel and we had come to freedive near the cliffs.
We headed over the left of Barracuda Lake with our life-jackets on (compulsory) and then placed them on the rocks behind sight of the lifeguard.
Disclaimer: I don’t advise you do this unless you are willing to go against the rules and know your swimming capabilities. I know these rules are in place for the majority of tourists, many of whom cannot swim at all. I follow most rules when possible but free-diving fairly shallow here is something I felt posed no risk for me and what the lifeguard didn’t know didn’t hurt him.
We were now ready to enjoy the underwater playground of Barracuda Lake and took turns free-diving amongst the jagged cliffs below the surface. It is like another planet and even if you only snorkel on this side of the lake you will still enjoy the incredible landscape underwater at Barracuda Lake. This is a video I made at Barracuda Lake and Kayangan Lake, which has similar underwater cliffs.
WHERE IS BARRACUDA LAKE
Barracuda Lake is located on Coron Island. Coron Town is where all of the tourists stay is actually on Busuanga. It gets a little confusing but all you need to know is that you will be staying in Coron Town and taking a boat over to Barracuda Lake and Coron Island to visit all of the other lagoons, snorkel spots and shipwrecks. You can see where Barracuda Lake is in relation to Coron Town (Busuanga).
HOW TO GET TO BARRACUDA LAKE
The simple answer about how to get to Barracuda Lake is:by boat
You will most likely be staying in Coron Town, which is where the hotels, bars, restaurants, and airport is located.
The next question is about which boat. There are lots of tours available and they range in price. Options are a full-day island hopping tour or rent a private boat.
BARRACUDA LAKE TOUR PACKAGES
Barracuda Lake is part of Island Hopping Tour ‘B’. This means that as a solo or budget traveler you can visit Barracuda Lake as well as multiple other locations on a day tour for less than $25 including lunch! I highly recommend Tour B and of course Tour A and have done them both.
To book yourISLAND HOPPING B TOURyou canClick Hereto check the availability and book online (It’s just $20 USD)
- It includes Barracuda Lake, Banol Beach, Snorkel at Skeleton Wreck, Twin Lagoon
BARRACUDA LAKE ENTRANCE FEE
Your entrance fee for Barracuda Lake is most likely organized by your tour operator but the system is not that you need to buy the tickets in town before you arrive. They are trying to regulate things more these days so that is how it works. The fee is 150PHP per person, which is $3 USD.
WHERE TO STAY IN CORON TOWN BEFORE YOUR CORON ISLAND HOPPING TOUR
Read my full blog post: Best hotels, hostels, and resorts in Coron
Save money in Coron by staying at an Airbnb! Get aFREE $40 Airbnb Couponby usingmy codewhen you book! I use Airbnb on about half of my travels and find you always get more value than a hotel.
Coron Town is the base for all of your adventures in Coron. In Coron Town you have the bars, restaurants, transport, places to book tours and you are close to Mt. Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Spring. It is also just a $3 shuttle to the airport. Below are my three picks plus one all-inclusive resort (I’ve stayed multiple times) that includes private island hopping.
Budget Pick: Fat Monkey Hostel – The Fat Monkey Hostel has great vibes and you can get a really cheap dorm room or a basic double room at pretty much the lowest price in Coron. It is in the city center so you are close to all the bars and restaurants.
Value Pick: Kokosnuss Garden Resort – A huge swimming pool in front of a hotel that looks like a castle. A highly-rated breakfast is included with your private room. For just $40 a night this represents about the best value you will find in Coron.
Luxury Pick: Coron Soleil Garden Resort –I stayed at this resort in 2018 and it was incredibly nice. A huge pool stretches down the length of the resort and it’s a relaxing place to chill out after island hopping. The rooms are very luxurious but this resort is actually only just over $100 per night for a double room.
All-inclusive (Includes private island hopping): Casa Fidelis Resort –I had the most amazing stay at Casa Fidelis.The villa had a large patio area that looked out over the garden. Stepping stones led you from the room to the dining area, where we haddecadent spreads of gourmet food for every meal. Casa
I highly recommend this resort if you are looking for an entire Coron experience. You won’t have to worry about what to do in Coron. It is a perfect resort if you want to see the best of this beautiful region and you can also enjoy the luxury of having every detail taken care of.
ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY CORON SERIES?
If you want to experience best island-hopping tour in Coron (4 Days & 3 Nights), which includes camping on private islands, all meals, drinks and parties then you can check out my Big Dream Boat Man Coron Tour Review.
I’ve been to Coron three times and have written a huge guide about all the amazing things you can do in Coron. The list is now up to 22 different spots which you can catch in my Coron Travel Guide: 22 Awesome Things To Do
Only have a few days in Coron and want to know how best to spend your valuable time? I’ve written a detailed Coron Itinerary for 3-4 days that will help you plan out your days and activities.
If you are wondering about where I suggest for accommodation and where I have stayed, I wrote a blog post about the Best Places to Stay in Coron. It’s a pretty detailed list with budget, luxury and value picks.
Aside from the island hopping there are two must-do activities. The first is the Maquinit Hot springs and the second is climbing up Mt. Tapyas for the best view in Coron.
Or you might want to jump to a few of my favorite spots in Coron:
Blog post about Kayangan Lake
Blog post about Black Island
Blog post about Barracuda Lake
Blog post about Lusong Gunboat
FAQs
What is the history of Barracuda Lake? ›
Barracuda Lake is another lake in Coron Island that is open to the public; the other one is Kayangan Lake. The lake was named such due to the discovery of a large barracuda fish skeleton in the depths of its waters. It is one of the famous diving sites not only in Coron but also in the entire country.
What is Barracuda Lake short description? ›Barracuda Lake is a very unusual dive site famous for its Thermocline. It is located North West of Coron Island in the Philippines. It is a freshwater lake taking place in a former crater. It is about 40m deep and surrounded by sharp limestone cliffs.
What is a fun fact about Barracuda Lake? ›- Max Depth: 40m (131ft) Approximately.
- Average Water Temperature: 28°C (82°F) all year, at 14 meters a thermocline exists with temperatures of 38°C (100°F)
- Average Visibility: 20-30 meters, excellent.
- Local Name of Barracuda Lake:
It has a depth of about 40 m deep which makes it exciting since you can't see what's in the bottom. But around the sides, You can see sharp limestone cliffs under water. But certainly, no Baracudas, although there are rumors that a huge Baracuda skeleton was found in the lake. A Unique Dive!
Why is Barracuda Lake famous? ›Barracuda Lake – named after the large barracuda fish skeleton discovered in it – is a truly unique diving experience. As if the clear blue water contrasting against dark limestone cliffs wasn't enough, this lake holds a secret not visible from the surface. ABOVE: Divers walk with flippers in hand.
How was Barracuda Lake formed? ›The limestone cased lagoon was formed by a karst sink-hole which has separated the lake from the open ocean. It is volcanic activity beneath the surface that heats up the salt water trapped inside. As you go deeper you will encounter three different thermoclines between 28° Celsius and 38° Celsius.
Why are they called barracuda? ›barracuda (n.)
large voracious fish of the West Indies and Florida, 1670s, barracoutha, from American Spanish barracuda, which is perhaps from a Carib word.
Barracuda are important parts of marine food webs because they remove sick and vulnerable individuals from prey fish populations. They are generally considered sport fish and usually aren't safe for humans to eat, so populations remain fairly abundant.
Are there fish in Barracuda Lake Philippines? ›Not a lot of fish or corals but interesting none the less. There is supposedly a large barracuda in the lake, hence the name.
What creatures are in Barracuda Lake? ›You can spot groupers, shrimps, gobies, trevally, and sometimes barracudas. You can also encounter dwarf catfish, crayfish, rabbitfish, shells, and occasional batfish, snapper, and pufferfish. These sea creatures find their way from the ocean to the lake through the narrow openings in the limestone cliff walls.
Do barracuda hurt humans? ›
Barracudas have been known to attack people, however this seldom happens. As a result of mistaken identity, where the fish mistake the swimmer or diver for a prey species, barracuda attacks on people typically happen. Additionally, if barracudas feel intimidated or provoked, they are more inclined to attack.
Are there sharks in Barracuda Lake Philippines? ›no sharks - Barracuda Lake.
How many steps are there in Barracuda Lake? ›Barracuda Lake, which is near Kayangan Lake, is one of two lakes (out of 8 lakes) in Coron island that is open to the public. To get to the lake, from the landing platform there are 30-40 wooden steps meandering through the jagged limestone cliff surrounding the lake.
How much is the entrance fee in Barracuda Lake? ›The fee is 150PHP per person, which is $3 USD.
Are there sharks in Coron Palawan? ›As many as 500 species of fish make this reef system their home, with plenty of sharks, turtles, bumphead parrotfish, and huge schools of snappers and tuna. Manta and eagle rays, as well as other pelagic species, are also commonly spotted. Check out the reef diving in Coron in the video below.
Is Barracuda Lake freshwater or saltwater? ›Located within a crater on the island of Coron lies Barracuda Lake, a freshwater lake that runs about 40 meters deep, and is surrounded on all sides by jagged limestone cliffs.
How deep is Coron lake? ›Listed in Forbes Traveler Magazine's Top 10 Best Scuba Diving Sites in the World, Coron Island's aquatic views from the sunken Japanese shipwrecks of World War II vintage is revered by divers worldwide. Wreck dive sites are found in depths as shallow as 10–30 feet (3.0–9.1 m) and as deep as 120–140 feet (37–43 m).
Where was the biggest barracuda ever caught? ›The largest official barracuda ever caught in the world was snagged in the Kwanza River, Angola, southern Africa by United States angler Thomas Gibson in 2013. The Guinean barracuda weighed a whopping 102.8 pounds (46.4 kilograms) and was just over six feet 10 inches long.
Can you scuba dive in Barracuda Lake? ›The maximum depth of the dive is 115 feet (35 m), with an average visibility of around 100 feet (30 m). With its unique water composition, extreme thermo- and haloclines and odd, silky, silty bottom, Barracuda Lake offers a dive filled with new and uncanny sensory experiences.
Why do barracuda jump out of the water? ›Barracudas jump out of the water to attack their prey.
Who originally did barracuda? ›
"Barracuda" is a song by American rock band Heart, released in 1977 on their third studio album, Little Queen, and was released as the album's lead single. The song peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.
What are some weird facts about barracudas? ›Fun Facts. Some of the teeth of the great barracuda point backwards to prevent slippery fish from escaping once they are seized. Barracudas hunt more by sight than smell; a fact that may lead to unfortunate attacks on human divers. Barracudas are attracted to shiny objects, like the silvery fish they prey on.
What kind of person is a barracuda? ›slang. a treacherous, greedy person.
Can barracuda swim? ›Great barracudas can swim at speeds up to 36 mph (58 kph). 3. Great barracudas can grow to more than 5 feet long and weigh more than 100 pounds.
Are barracudas safe? ›Barracuda is safe to eat if prepared correctly. Barracudas have good nutrition and provide attractive and protein-rich meat. However, meat from large barracudas can contain harmful bacteria and viruses. These pathogens can cause ciguatera poison, a harmful infection from eating certain fish.
Why is barracuda poisonous? ›So why don't more people eat barracuda? Well, the slime has a very strong odor, and the larger animals can be poisonous. Eating 'cudas more than about 3.5 feet long isn't advised because they can accumulate a naturally occurring toxin called "ciguatera."
What are the health benefits of barracuda? ›The consumption of barracuda fish helps in the fast building of muscle mass in the body due to its protein content. It is rich in Vitamin B2 which helps in the proper functioning of the body. Vitamin B2 is also essential in preventing high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even insomnia.
What is barracuda called in the Philippines? ›Common Name | Used in | Language (Dialect) |
---|---|---|
Barracuda | Philippines | Davawenyo |
Rompi | Philippines | Davawenyo |
Tabanko | Philippines | Davawenyo |
Snoek | Neth Antilles | Dutch |
Southern Leyte is one among the only three areas in the Philippines where whalesharks are known to congregate in large numbers. These gentle giants, the biggest fishes in the world, have been in Sogod Bay since time immemorial, and were once systematically butchered by unknowing fishermen for a long time.
Where are barracuda fish found? ›Occurring worldwide in near shore tropical and subtropical seas (30°N – 30°S), the great barracuda is common in the western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts (U.S.) to Brazil. It is also found in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea as well as the eastern Atlantic Ocean, Indo-Pacific, and the Red Sea.
Is A barracuda A Shark? ›
The barracuda is a ray-finned fish known for its large size and fearsome appearance.
Is A barracuda stronger than a Shark? ›A shark would win a fight against a barracuda.
The apex predator has everything going, including size, speed, attack power, and defenses. The barracuda could potentially get the drop on the shark, but it's very unlikely due to the latter's superior senses.
Great Barracuda Habitat and Distribution
Great Barracudas are also found near the surface of the water, especially the mature ones. Although they mostly tend to swim nearshore in coral reefs, seagrasses, and mangroves, they can sometimes wander to the deeper parts of the open ocean, often in search of food.
While barracudas process the ciguatera, the poison accumulates in their flesh, fat and viscera [source: Hoffman et al].
Is barracuda a fish or shark? ›Barracuda is a large species of fish found in the warmer, coastal regions of the world's oceans where there is an abundance of food. There are more than 26 different species of barracuda that range in size from less than 20 inches to nearly 6 1/2 ft in length.
Where is the shark capital of the world? ›Volusia County is the so-called shark bite capital of the world. According to WUSF, last year Volusia's 17 shark bites represented 15% of the global total.
What time to visit Barracuda Lake? ›Avoid The Crowds
In short, try to get to Barracuda Lake at or before 9 a.m, which means your boat would need to leave Coron Town a little bit earlier than the rest!
Barracuda Lake can be reached by renting a boat or getting a tour package from resorts based in Coron Town on Busuanga Island. You can also book in advance from various tour operators that offer Coron Island Hopping tours.
How many lakes are there in Coron Palawan? ›There are 11 lakes nestled in the rugged terrain, of which three have underground connections to the sea. There are a few mangroves in coastal areas.
How much is gate fee at Barracuda Beach? ›The Entrance fee for Barracuda Beach and Atican beach is 1000 Naira but you would have to pay corkage fee which is totally negotiable.
Is it safe in Coron Palawan? ›
Is Coron Palawan Safe? Yes! We've spent weeks here and I'd say it's a very safe place. The Philippines does have some problems with drugs and violent crime, but this hasn't touched the small, remote town of Coron and it's been a popular tourist spot for many years now.
What is the safest island Philippines? ›Luckily Palawan, voted the most beautiful island in the world, is also the safest place in the Philippines from natural disasters. This island chain, which includes El Nido and Coron, is located in Western Philippines, away from volcanic activity and the high-risk tropical storm areas.
Are there dolphins in Palawan? ›There is an endemic specie of dolphins to this part of Palawan: the Irrawaddy Dolphin. Unfortunately, it is now an endangered species with a population of only 42 individuals according to the last number gathered in 2012.
Is Barracuda Lake fresh or saltwater? ›Located within a crater on the island of Coron lies Barracuda Lake, a freshwater lake that runs about 40 meters deep, and is surrounded on all sides by jagged limestone cliffs.
Why is Kayangan Lake famous? ›Kayangan Lake is a crystal-clear freshwater lake in Coron, featuring underwater rock formations, caves and islets. It's a popular spot for photographers, for fairly obvious reasons, and is said to be the cleanest lake in all of the Philippines.
When was the barracuda discovered? ›Johann Julius Walbaum first described Sphyraena barracuda in 1792.
How fast do barracuda swim? ›Great barracudas are among some of the fastest fish in the sea. The long and thin body of the barracuda is designed for speed, and their top speed has been estimated at 36 mph (58 kph).
Does barracuda taste fishy? ›Barracudas have an intense flavor similar to wild tuna with mild sweetness. It has a more fish-like taste than sandfish but is less intense than anchovies. A barracuda is hard, textured, and meaty and has large flakes low in fat. It has a more robust, richer flavor typical of darker grilled meat.
What is the cleanest lake in the Philippines? ›Kayangan Lake is dubbed as the cleanest lake in Asia. It can be found in Coron and the Calamian Islands, in Northern Palawan.
What is in Barracuda Lake? ›Barracuda Lake, situated on the north shore of Coron Island in the Philippines, offers one of the most unique diving experiences in the world. Occasionally referred to as Luluyuan Lake by locals, its crystal blue waters hidden between majestic rocky formations aren't big on actual barracudas and other wildlife.
Is Kayangan Lake salt water? ›
Known also as the Blue Lagoon, Kayangan Lake is a sight to behold. What is this? With brackish water (part salt/part fresh) that tasted mostly fresh, the water of Kayangan Lake is supposedly the cleanest and clearest in the Philippines.
Is barracuda based on a true story? ›Based upon true events, Barracuda weaves together Tarantino, touches of 70's exploitation and a little bit of Hardy Candy into what may very well be every sexual violence survivor's ultimate fantasy ... No, not just revenge, but hardcore justice.
What disease does barracuda carry? ›Certain fish—groupers, barracudas, moray eel, sturgeon, sea bass, red snapper, amberjack, mackerel, parrot fish, surgeonfish, and triggerfish—can cause ciguatera fish poisoning. The CDC recommends never eating moray eel or barracuda.