Siete Pecados

Siete Pecados (Coron)

Often referred to as the "Seven Sins," Siete Pecados is a renowned dive site near Coron, Palawan, celebrated for its vibrant and exceptionally healthy shallow reef ecosystem. Located just off the coast of Coron Town at approximately 11.9841° N, 120.2303° E, this Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a testament to successful conservation efforts, offering divers and snorkelers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in a thriving underwater world.

Diving at Siete Pecados

Siete Pecados is an intermediate dive site, welcoming divers with Open Water certification, as well as freedivers and snorkelers. The reef system begins right at the surface, with some corals visible in less than a meter of water during low tide. From there, the reef gently slopes to depths of 12-15 meters in most areas, with sandy channels reaching down to 18-20 meters. On the outer edges, divers will find drop-offs plunging to a maximum depth of 22-24 meters.

The water temperature at Siete Pecados is consistently warm, typically ranging between 26°C and 30°C year-round, ensuring comfortable conditions for extended dives. Visibility is generally excellent, often ranging from 15 to 30 meters, particularly during the dry season from November to May. The topography is characterized by massive staghorn and table corals, intricate branching corals, and brain corals draped over shallow sandy channels. These channels between the seven limestone islets funnel tidal currents, creating a dynamic drift diving experience. While morning sessions are often calm, currents can pick up in the afternoon, especially between the islets, offering a mild yet noticeable drift.

Marine Life Encounters

The strict enforcement of "no-touch" rules and dedicated ranger patrols within this MPA have allowed the coral to flourish, leading to an exceptionally bold and diverse fish population. Divers at Siete Pecados can anticipate intimate encounters with a wide array of marine life. We frequently spot impressive Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and the distinctive Banded Sea Krait (Laticauda colubrina). The vibrant corals are home to numerous Maroon Anemonefish (Premnas biaculeatus) nestled in their anemones, alongside schools of Moorish Idol (Zanclus cornutus).

Keep an eye out for Blacktip Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) patrolling the reef. The site also teems with colorful reef fish, including clownfish, butterflyfish, and pufferfish, as well as occasional sightings of sea turtles, cuttlefish, moray eels, stingrays, nudibranchs, seahorses, and lobsters. Siete Pecados is also part of an ecosystem that protects threatened species such as Hawksbill sea turtles, dugongs, and humphead wrasse, and is home to an endangered endemic coral species, Pectinia maxima.

Essential Information for Divers

• Certification Required: Snorkeler, Freediver, Open Water
• Hazards: Divers should be aware of variable currents, especially in the channels between islets, which can accelerate. Constant tourist-boat traffic overhead is also a factor, so we recommend using a float and flag and surfacing with awareness. Additionally, be mindful of fire corals, sea urchins, and camouflaged scorpionfish on the reef.
• Marine Protected Area Rules: Siete Pecados is a strictly regulated Marine Protected Area. No touching of corals or marine life is permitted. Snorkelers are often required to wear life jackets, though freedivers with a guide and buddy system may be exempt. Sanctuary fees are collected and directly fund the ranger patrols and conservation efforts, which were recognized with a Blue Park Award in 2024 for excellent marine biodiversity conservation.
• Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from December to May, generally offers the calmest seas and best visibility for diving and snorkeling.