Melo Villareal
Visiting Coron’s Famous Barracuda Lake
Coron must be on your radar when traveling in the Philippines if you are a diver like me. Coron is a gorgeous town located in the province of Palawan. It is part of the Calamian Group of islands in northern Palawan and has been listed in Forbes Traveler Magazine’s top ten best scuba dive sites in the world.
I found this area absolutely stunning and breathtaking because of its clear waters and beautiful rock formations. This lake is also commonly referred to as the “craziest dive site in the Philippines.” The lake was named Barracuda due to discovering a giant barracuda skeleton within its waters. Keep in mind that the barracuda still occupy these waters, and it is likely that you will encounter them.
To access the water, you must complete about a 5 to 10-minute climb up and down, just like in Kayangan Lake, but here in Barracuda, you will brave the steep and sharp limestone cliffs that border this scenic lake. The hike was a small price to pay once I entered the water and explored all it had to offer. Crayfish, rabbitfish, garoupa, and catfish were all spotted in the lake, somehow finding their way from the adjacent ocean, presumably through cracks in the lake’s wall.
A sea cow or Dugong was also spotted munching on seagrass in the water closest to the sea. This is a mild-mannered, friendly mammal commonly found throughout the Calamian Group and its surrounding waters.
I found the area to be generally clean, and the water was very, very deep. I managed to avoid the barracuda-like fish by assuming maybe they were stationed closer to the murky bottom. The views were terrific without diving that deep, and I didn’t need to encounter them to complete my experience.
Why is it called Baracuda Lake
The name “Barracuda Lake” comes from an early account by divers and locals who reportedly discovered the remains of a large barracuda inside the lake. This unusual finding led people to associate the place with the fish, even though barracudas are not commonly seen there today.
Why the name stuck
At the time, the discovery of a barracuda in a landlocked, inland lake was striking and mysterious. Barracudas are typically marine predators found in open saltwater, so finding one in a lake surrounded by limestone cliffs raised curiosity. The story spread among divers and visitors, and the name “Barracuda Lake” became widely used, eventually replacing local names like Luluyuan Lake.
Is there really a barracuda there?
- Sightings of barracudas in the lake today are extremely rare or nonexistent
- The lake’s conditions are not ideal for sustaining large predatory fish
- The original barracuda may have:
- Entered through underground connections to the sea
- Been trapped when water conditions changed
What makes the lake truly unique
Barracuda Lake is far more famous for its distinct geological and thermal features:
1. Thermocline layers
As you descend, the water temperature shifts dramatically. Near the surface, it feels cool, but deeper layers can become surprisingly warm or even hot (up to around 38°C). These layers form because of differences in water density and mineral content.
2. Mix of saltwater and freshwater
The lake is a brackish system, meaning it contains both freshwater and seawater. This contributes to its unusual temperature layering and clarity.
3. Limestone formations underwater
Instead of coral reefs, the lake has jagged limestone rock walls and formations, giving it an almost cave-like, otherworldly appearance underwater.
4. Exceptional visibility
The water is extremely clear, allowing divers to see deep into the lake, which enhances the dramatic visual effect of the rock formations.
In summary
The name “Barracuda Lake” is rooted in a single unusual discovery rather than the lake’s current ecosystem. While the fish itself is no longer part of the lake’s identity, the name remains as a reminder of that mystery, while the lake’s real appeal lies in its unique thermal layers, geology, and diving experience.
How to reach and dive at Barracuda Lake?
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.
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Also read:
- Worlds Best Scuba Diving Destinations
- My Coron Palawan Experience
- 10 Most Beautiful Airbnbs In Coron Palawan
- CORON TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: How To Visit Coron, Palawan Under The New Normal
