Snorkeling Moalboal Reef in Cebu
Snorkeling along the reef in front of the dive shops in Moalboal is not a common activity.
Most tourists are here for a week or two and want to do some intensive diving.
If your finances are tight, keep in mind that you can go through a lot of money in short order if you dive 3 times a day.
My neighbor, Martin, suggested that we do a bit of snorkeling instead so we went out the the reef in front of Pacitas Disco.
We enjoyed a 2 hour session just floating along the drop off and taking some pictures in the shallow water.
I have a Cannon Sureshot camera in a watertight plastic case, have a lot of fun with it, and have been satisfied with the results.
I got carried away with the photo shop but these pics are just to give an idea of what’s down there.
At this time I am just experimenting with different light situations and trying get comfortable in the water with the camera before stepping it up a notch.
One thing that I noticed is that the fish don’t just sit out there in the open so you can take their picture. They tend to run for cover when you show interest in them.
They have a legitimate fear about being turned into a fillet-o-fish sandwich, so I decided to start using starfish for subjects.
If you are traveling in the Philippines on a budget, one of the key things to do is find lodging at a reasonable cost.
Cora’s resort has the only cheap short term lodging along the shore in Panagsama that I am aware of and you could snorkel right in front of her place too.
I have stayed there in one of the rooms right on the water, so close to the waves that you had to shut the window on stormy days
Those rooms are 600 pesos a night but the ones just behind them are only 400 pesos per night
If you are up to it, give the snorkeling a go and tell me what you think!
Just remember to take a look and see what’s going on above the water every once in a while so you can stay clear on incoming dive boats and fishermen.
For swimming off a sandy beach try White Beach about 5 kilometers from Panagsama. The snorkeling there is not very good but the swimming is great.
If you are looking for the most inexpensive dive shop, Nelson’s might be the answer. Their divers get in the boat right in front of Cora’s- (pic to the right) -
Nelson is one of the first dive operators in Panagsama.
Snorkeling Moalboal
Climbing Mount Apo
General Santos
Growing Orchids
Judy's Resto Bar
Logging with Motorcycles
Mount Mayon
Balabac Island
Biri Island
Calbiga Cave
Capul Island
Mangrove Swamp Palawan
Mikes's Resort
hi,
would it be ok for my girlfriend to wear thong bikini while snorkeling or just walking around the beach?
We’re planning to spent 2 days this August and we would like to go snorkeling.
How’s the currents btw?
Thanks
Hello claive,
There is no beach at Moalboal. There is a bit of a beach at “White Beach” which is about 4 kilometers away.
Local girls dress conservatively but the people have been exposed to tourists for quite a few years already.
There is a bit of current parallel to the beach when the tide is changing. Nothing too exciting.
cheers
dp
thanks man, love reading you site btw
thanks for the info dutch. love reading you post btw very informative
is it safe to use rubberband as an alternative to snorkel tube holder?
Hi Claive,
Who knows? Give it a shot, and if it doesn’t work try something else!
dp
Hi,
Now i’ve never been diving or snorkeling, and likely would just like to try some snorkeling, how does it work, you just rent the equipment and go out there on your own? No one to show you what do to or where to go?
Yo Jimmy,
For snorkeling just give it a go – if you are not a good swimmer use a flotation vest.
For diving you must do a bit of training first, so you know how to use compressed air safely.
dp