Snorkeling in the Philippines
Some of my fondest memories are of snorkeling in the Philippines. I like to go in the early mornings before the sun gets too intense.
It’s a peaceful way to start the day long as there aren’t too many jellyfish out there.
Crown of Thorns starfish – These fellows like to munch on coral and leave behind a path of destruction where ever they go.
There are two schools of thought about these guys. Some divers have big crusades to collect and pile dead starfish on the beach while others view them as a natural phenomenon and leave them alone.
Lovely Cris lives on Tongo Point where her father is the caretaker of this sanctuary.
I had the best turtle sightings of my life there, just swimming along with them as they ate small pink jellyfish. I forgot to bring my camera that day.
Whale shark watching in Donsol is great Jan to April. It can get crowded but what a trip that is to snorkel with these big sharks!
Chasing the whale sharks around Donsol Bay in the Bicol area of southern Luzon!
Don’t be self conscious about using a life vest. It can put your mind at ease. In Donsol it might take the boat quite a while to turn around to pick you up. It’s safer that you feel comfortable waiting for the boat to come back.
The boatmen try to get out of the way as soon as possible so they don’t interfere with the snorkelers or the whale sharks. Some of the sharks have damaged fins from prop strikes.
Seeing the whale sharks of Donsol is one of the coolest things you can do in the Philippines!
Cutie!
Cebu – waterfront at the south end of the island.
Snorkeling
Tuki-Tuki or whale shark with school of fish of the beach on the southern tip of Cebu Island
The beach at Tan-Awan near Oslob Cebu. The marine sanctuary here has become very popular because there is a resident group of whale sharks that pass past this place almost every day recently – (Jan – Feb 2012)
This whale shark just swam past – wow – beautiful !
Whale shark
Snorkeling in the Philippines
Whale shark swimming just below the surface of the water. Cool!
Whale shark swimming past.
Small whale shark swimming this way !
Whaleshark eating breakfast
underwater in the Philippines !
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
Agree DP, have been there 3 times and enjoyed every moment. The staff whom organize and run the trips are helpful and friendly and most accommodating.
Sad to say the last sitings were not like earlier, we spotted about 5. First trip back in 1995 so numerous were the sitings we became tired of jumping in….Talking to the guys it seems to be less each year. maybe just to many boats or perhaps there is some other natural explanation for his.
The good part is Donsol is so close to Legazpi city, about 50 minutes by bike. Thats one great city, also the climb to Mount Mayon is well worth the effort. Most of Abay would have to be among my favourite places in Philippines.
Thanks Bruce,
I would really like to climb that Mount Mayon!
I hear that it’s like trying to climb a pile of ball bearings!
cheers
dp