Barracuda Lake in Coron, Palawan, Philippines is one of the most unique natural swimming spots in the world. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and famous for its hot-and-cold layered water, this lake feels like a natural spa hidden inside a mountain.
If you are planning your Coron trip in 2025, this is the most complete, honest, and updated guide you will find online. It covers everything — from how to reach Barracuda Lake, updated entrance fee, tour cost, snorkeling, diving, safety, best time, budget breakdown, real travel experience, mistakes to avoid, and insider local tips.
After reading this guide, you will not need to read any other article.
Where Is Barracuda Lake Located?
Barracuda Lake is located on Coron Island, Palawan, Philippines. It is not on the main Coron town island. You can only reach it by boat through an island-hopping tour.
Coron is in northern Palawan, one of the most beautiful island regions in Southeast Asia, known for lagoons, wreck diving, and limestone cliffs.
Why Is Barracuda Lake So Famous?
Barracuda Lake is special because of:
- ✅ Thermocline water layers (cold on the surface, hot below)
- ✅ Crystal-clear visibility
- ✅ Massive limestone walls
- ✅ Perfect for swimming & freediving
- ✅ Peaceful compared to other Coron lagoons
- ✅ One of the most photogenic lakes in the Philippines
The name comes from a barracuda skeleton found here decades ago. Today, there are no dangerous barracudas.
My Real Experience at Barracuda Lake (The “Luluyuan” Magic)
When our boat docked at the entrance, I realized this wasn’t just another swimming spot. The wooden walkway, winding through sharp, towering limestone cliffs, felt like entering a hidden fortress.
Locals call this place “Luluyuan,” and it is sacred to the indigenous Tagbanwa people. Knowing this, I approached the lake with a sense of respect and silence that you don’t usually feel at crowded tourist spots.
The “Halocline” & Thermocline Effect As soon as I jumped in, the water felt refreshing and cool (around 28°C). But the real magic happened when I freedived just a few meters down.
Suddenly, everything became blurry. It wasn’t dirty water—it was the Halocline effect. This is where the fresh water meets the salt water, creating a visual distortion that looks like oil mixing with vinegar. It was trippy and mesmerizing.
A second later, the temperature shot up to 38°C. It felt like I was being hugged by a warm blanket underwater. Floating there, suspended between the cool surface and the hot depths, staring up at the jagged underwater cliffs, was the most therapeutic moment of my entire Coron trip.
How to Visit Barracuda Lake Coron (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Reach Coron Town
You must first reach Coron town in Palawan.
✈️ By Flight (Best Option)
- Fly to Busuanga Airport (USU)
- Direct flights from:
- Manila
- Cebu
- Transfer to Coron town:
- Van/Taxi: 30–40 minutes
🚢 By Ferry (From Manila – Budget Option)
- Operator: 2GO Travel
- Travel Time: 13–16 hours (Overnight)
- Why Choose: Much cheaper than flying and saves one night of hotel accommodation. Perfect for budget travelers.
🚢 By Ferry (From El Nido)
- Travel Time: 4–5 hours
- Note: Only recommended in calm weather. Fast crafts can get bumpy.
Step 2: Book an Island Hopping Tour
You cannot visit Barracuda Lake independently. It is included in:
✅ Coron Island Hopping Tour B
✅ Some custom private island tours
You can book:
- Through your hotel
- Local tour kiosks in Coron town
- Online tour platforms
Updated Barracuda Lake Entrance Fee
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Barracuda Lake Entrance Fee | ₱300 – ₱350 PHP |
| Kayak Use (Note: Only allowed at the entrance dock, not inside the swimming lake) | ₱150 – ₱200 PHP |
✅ Paid at the lake itself
✅ Usually not included in tour price
Barracuda Lake Opening Hours
Pro Tip: Arrive right at 8:00 AM to have the lake completely to yourself before the tour boats arrive.
Open: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily)
Last Entry: 4:00 PM
Strict Rule: The lake closes promptly at 5:00 PM to respect local Tagbanwa tribe regulations.
Barracuda Lake Tour Cost
| Tour Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Shared Tour B | ₱1,500 – ₱2,500 PHP |
| Private Tour (4–6 pax) | ₱8,000 – ₱12,000 PHP |
| Luxury Private Tour | ₱15,000+ PHP |
✅ Tour usually includes:
- Boat
- Life jackets
- Lunch
- Guide
❌ Not included:
- Entrance fees
- Snorkeling gear rental
Barracuda Lake Water Temperature Explained
This lake has three main temperature layers:
- Surface: 25–28°C (cool)
- Middle: sudden shift
- Deep layer: 38–40°C (hot spring effect)
This rare natural phenomenon is called a thermocline, and it is what makes Barracuda Lake globally famous.
Can You Swim & Snorkel in Barracuda Lake?
✅ Yes — it is ideal for both.
- Safe for beginners
- Very clear water
- Mostly rock formations and fish
- Not coral-heavy like sea reefs
Barracuda Lake Diving & Freediving
Best for:
- Freedivers
- Temperature training
- Advanced deep-water experience
⚠️ Only certified divers should go deep. Sudden temperature changes and depth can be dangerous without training.
Is Barracuda Lake Safe?
✅ Yes, very safe — if rules are followed.
Safety rules:
- Always wear a life jacket
- Do not jump blindly
- Avoid scraping against sharp limestone
- Follow your guide at all times
Best Time to Visit Barracuda Lake Coron (Exact Crowd Strategy)
| Month | Crowd | Weather |
|---|---|---|
| Jan – Apr | ✅ Best | Sunny & calm |
| May | ⚠️ Hot | Increasing heat |
| Jun – Oct | ❌ Risky | Rainy & rough sea |
| Nov – Dec | ✅ Good | Mixed but improving |
✅ Best Day of the Week:
- Tuesday to Thursday (least crowded)
✅ Best Time of Day:
- 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Best visibility
- Fresh water
- Fewer tour boats
Barracuda Lake vs Kayangan Lake (Honest Comparison)
| Feature | Barracuda Lake | Kayangan Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Crowd | ✅ Less | ❌ Very crowded |
| Swimming | ✅ Best | ⚠️ Limited |
| Viewpoint | ❌ | ✅ Famous |
| Thermocline | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Peaceful | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
👉 If you love swimming & peace → Barracuda Lake wins
👉 If you only want a viewpoint photo → Kayangan Lake wins
Who Should Visit & Who Should Skip?
✅ Must Visit If You:
- Love swimming
- Enjoy calm nature
- Want unique experiences
- Like freediving
- Want crowd-free beauty
⚠️ You May Skip If You:
- Are scared of deep water
- Have serious heart problems
- Can’t swim at all (though life jackets help)
Complete Budget Breakdown (Per Person – 2025)
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Shared Tour B | ₱2,000 |
| Entrance Fee | ₱350 |
| Snorkel Rental | ₱150 |
| Lunch & Snacks | ₱250 |
| Transport in Coron | ₱150 |
✅ Total Estimated Cost:
👉 ₱2,900 – ₱3,200 PHP per person
Perfect even for backpackers ✅
Top 7 Mistakes Tourists Make at Barracuda Lake
❌ Visiting at noon (crowded & hot)
❌ Not paying entrance fee in advance
❌ Forgetting waterproof phone case
❌ Touching sharp limestone
❌ Expecting coral reefs inside the lake
❌ Choosing overloaded tour boats
❌ Skipping life jacket in deep areas
Avoid these and your experience will be perfect.
What to Wear & Carry (Smart Packing List)
✅ Waterproof phone pouch
✅ Quick-dry clothes
✅ Reef shoes / sandals
✅ Towel
✅ Snorkel mask
✅ Sunscreen
✅ Dry bag
✅ Cash
Nearby Attractions on the Same Tour
- Twin Lagoon
- Skeleton Wreck
- CYC Beach
- Coral Garden
- Sunset beach
Is Barracuda Lake Worth Visiting in 2025?
✅ 100% YES.
It is:
- Unique
- Safe
- Affordable
- Peaceful
- Visually stunning
- Rare in natural science
If Barracuda Lake is not on your Coron itinerary, your trip is incomplete.
Barracuda Lake: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barracuda Lake safe for non-swimmers?
Yes. Life jackets are mandatory and guides are always present.
How deep is Barracuda Lake?
The deepest part goes beyond 40 meters.
Can I visit Barracuda Lake without a tour?
No. It is accessible only via boat tours.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Usually no. You must rent it separately.
How much time do you spend at the lake?
About 30–45 minutes per visit.
Can I fly a drone at Barracuda Lake?
No. Flying drones is strictly prohibited without a special permit from the local authorities and the Tagbanwa indigenous tribe. Violators may face heavy fines.
Is there mobile signal or Wi-Fi at the lake?
No. Due to the surrounding towering limestone cliffs, there is zero mobile reception. Make sure to coordinate your return time with your boat captain beforehand.
Are there restrooms or changing rooms available?
No. There are no toilets or changing facilities at the lake. It is best to wear your swimwear under your clothes before leaving the boat.
Is the hike to the lake difficult?
It is a short but narrow 5-minute climb over a wooden staircase built into sharp limestone. It can be slippery, so wearing reef shoes is highly recommended.
Can I bring plastic water bottles?
No. Single-use plastics are banned in Coron. You are only allowed to bring reusable/refillable water bottles to the lake.
Are there actually barracudas in the lake?
Not anymore. While a large barracuda skeleton was found here years ago, today the lake is safe and free of any dangerous fish. You might only see small, harmless catfish.
Is Barracuda Lake better than Kayangan Lake?
It depends on your preference. Kayangan is famous for its iconic “postcard” viewpoint but is very crowded. Barracuda Lake offers a better swimming and diving experience with much fewer people.
