Seaplane Wreck in Busuanga
Explore a piece of history and old engineering by Kayaking in Busuanga Bay
Seaplane wreck in Busuanga, paddling through history
Exploring an abandoned seaplane in the tranquil waters of Busuanga Bay.
Tucked away in the quiet waters of Busuanga, just a short ride from Coron, lies one of the island’s most intriguing secrets: the wreck of an abandoned seaplane. Unlike the famous World War II shipwrecks that draw divers from around the world, this relic rests in shallow, sheltered waters, accessible not by scuba gear but by kayak. The journey itself is part of the magic gliding across glassy turquoise seas, framed by limestone cliffs and mangrove forests, until the silhouette of the aircraft slowly emerges beneath the surface.
The seaplane sits partially submerged, its fuselage broken but still recognizable, wings stretching out like ghostly arms beneath the tide. Coral and barnacles have claimed its skin, transforming cold metal into a living reef. Schools of fish dart through the cabin windows, while sea grass sways gently around the landing gear. It is a haunting yet beautiful sight, a reminder of both human history and nature’s resilience.
Kayakers can tie up nearby and slip into the water to snorkel around the wreck. The shallow depth makes it easy to explore, even for beginners, and the clarity of the water reveals every detail, from rusting rivets to the way sunlight filters through the cockpit. The atmosphere is serene, almost meditative, as you float above a machine that once soared through the skies but now rests quietly in the embrace of the sea.
The seaplane wreck of Busuanga is not marked by crowds or tourist infrastructure, but by silence, solitude, and the gentle rhythm of paddles on water. It is a place where history, mystery, and natural beauty converge an experience that lingers long after you’ve returned to shore.
About the Seaplane
Locals and travelers commonly identify the Busuanga Seaplane Wreck as a Grumman Goose (G‑21), an American Amphibious aircraft widely used from the late 1930s through World War II and into the 1950s by the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and civilian operators.
Built for rugged island-hopping, the Goose is compact: about 10.3 m in length with a 15.6 m wingspan. It typically carried a max crew of 2 (pilot and co‑pilot) and could seat 6–8 passengers, making it ideal for patrol, transport, and rescue in remote archipelagos.
Power came from two Pratt & Whitney R‑985 Wasp Junior radial engines (around 450 hp each), giving a cruising speed near 250 km/h and a range in the ~1,200 km class. As an amphibian, it could operate from beaches and lagoons, which fits the wreck’s shallow, kayak‑accessible setting. While the exact airframe’s serial and service history remain unconfirmed on site, the design and scale match the Goose profile well
Where is the Seaplane Wreck located?
The Seaplane Wreck is located in Busuanga Bay, in the west coast of Busuanga Island, about 40 minutes motorbike ride from Coron Town.
How much is the entrance fee?
There’s no entrance fee, all you need to do is get there, rent a kayak, and paddle out to the wreck.
How to get to the Seaplane Wreck in Busuanga?
Since some unfriendly jellyfish can be found in Philippine bays, where rivers meet the salty sea, it’s best to explore by kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
Where can I rent a kayak to visit the Seaplane Wreck in Busuanga?
There are several places to rent a kayak, with Alfresco Busuanga and Marina del Sol being the most recommended.
What is the best time to visit the Seaplane Wreck in Busuanga?
There are no set opening or closing hours, but it’s best to visit during the day, as mosquitoes are most active in the morning and at sunset due to the nearby mangroves.
Are there other places to kayak in the area?
There are plenty of great kayaking spots around Busuanga Bay, from maze-like mangroves to the colorful sea corals found in the outer parts of the bay.