Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a wonderful past-time here in the Philippines. Most of the 7107 islands do have living coral reefs and in these reefs you find the most colorful fish you can imagine. Of the 500 known coral species in the world, 488 are found in the Philippines. In this page we'll show you some of the best places for snorkeling in the Philippines and you will get some advices.

Did you know that you can catch an ugly sunburn when snorkeling? Snorkeling is accessible for everybody who can swim. One does not need heavy and expensive gear. A good mask, a snorkel and if possible fins will do it. But be careful, sometimes you get really cheap plastic crap. Buy your equipment in a serious shop. You won't regret it.

The same is true if you want take photos under water. The cheap disposable plastic cameras are not worth their money and all you will get are greenish pictures of nothing. If you want take photos under water, buy a waterproof digital camera. We made good experiences with an Olympus μ-tough.

Sandy beaches are wonderful for swimming and sunbathing. But forget them, when you want discover colorful corals and fish. If the sandy beach is not made of very fine white sand (Boracay style), but is composed of coral debris, you may expect a reef some hundreds meters out in the sea. If you are on an island you do not know, ask locals whether there is a reef.

The first island we can recommend is Mararison on the west-coast of Panay. You can get there with a bangka from Culasi. Here you find more information about Mararison Island and how to get there.

Our favorite island is Mantigue off the coast of Camiguin. Mantigue is a rare exception. You find white powdery sand and corals and fish. Mantigue is also interesting for visitors who like to experience a wonderful little tropical island. Here you find more information about Mantigue Island and how to get there.

And when you are already in the southern Visayas, why not go to Siqujor and the nearby Apo Island. Both of them do have fine coral reefs and maritime sanctuaries. On Apo Island you will have to pay a fee for snorkeling.

Other well known places we not yet have explored.
Moalboal in Cebu: A wide variety of soft and hard corals are abundant. Sea turtle sightings can be expected with almost every trip into the water.

Puerto Galera in Mindoro: Known for its shallow coral gardens, interesting rock formations, and colorful species such as crabs, shrimp, sea anemones, moray, and trumpet fishes.

Northern Palawan particularly Bacuit Bay and El Nido, Miniloc Island and Taytay Bay.

The mask

When it comes to snorkeling equipment, the mask is the centerpiece of the collection. At first glance, the mask for scuba diving seems a very simple device, and the majority of holidaymakers expect to buy it directly on the beach. Such an approach is justified, if you are more interested in the diversity of the contents of local bars than the beauty of the underwater world.

Most important, be sure to try on a mask before you buy. You will not have to meddle with the adjusting of straps. Simply attach the mask to the face and make a shallow breath nose. If the mask fits you, then it will "absorb" to the skin and will remain on the face without any straps.

Masks should have a stiff body to ensure a snug fit and a soft flexible skirt where the mask presses against your face.

Make sure that there is an inscription on glass TEMPERED or SAFETY. This means that the porthole is made of tempered safety glass or plastic. Such materials are resistant to mechanical damages, when broken do not cause major traumatic fragments.

The choice of black or clear skirt can depend on which side of the camera you are on. If you are taking photographs or video the black skirt will reduce glare and make it better to see the things in the view finder.

Low end masks sell for USD 10 to 20, while top of the line masks approach USD 80 or even 100. For the casual snorkeler, a quality mask that will last should run you around USD 40.

The snorkel

Most important is the correct diameter. Your snorkel should not be wider or narrower than your index finger for performance freediving and your little finger for recreational snorkeling. Stick it into the pipe to select the right size. A wide snorkel is difficult to blow clear of water. A narrow snorkel may hinder the passage of air. If in doubt, take the narrower one because when snorkel diving, one usually doesn't breathe fast. It is more important to be able to blow the snorkel clean. And yes, forget all these valve gadgets. You won't be able to clear your snorkel of water.

Your snorkel should be long, in order to poke out above the waves. It should stick out at least 8 cm over your head. Most snorkels measure between 12 and 18 inches, but choose one that feels comfortable for you. Your snorkel should have a simple shape, a short bend under the mouth and a long bend to curve around your face. The mouth piece should be strong and durable and it should fit into your mouth. Your lips go over the flap while your teeth bite into the knobs. These should be big enough to open your mouth sufficiently for the air to pass between your teeth. Take your time to buy the right one, and don't forget that price has nothing to do with it. My own snorkel costs USD 4 only.

The fins

Fins are a frequently overlooked piece of snorkeling equipment which make a huge difference in snorkeling as they provide the propulsion system when in the water. Snorkeling without fins is certainly possible, but fins add so much speed and manueverability to snorkeling, it really is a different experience. Fins increase swim speed by approximately fifty percent. Fins also focus all propulsion power in the legs, freeing the hands to handle equipment and explore. And fish prefer the smoth paddeling with your feet over your rowing with your arms.

There are two basic types of fins, open-heel fins and full foot fins. To be used effectively a diver’s fins must fit comfortably and securely. Full foot fins, which fit over the entire foot, offer more protection to the bottom of a diver’s heel, but because they are not adjustable they do not provide as secure a fit. Open-heel fins, which are held in place by an adjustable strap, can be more secure and often easier to put on and take off. However, because they provide no protection for the bottom of the foot, many divers choose to wear Neoprene booties when using open-heel fins, to protect their feet against sharp objects and rough underwater surfaces.
Avoid fluo colors, they scare the fish with every move you make; blue and black are best. Fins should be flexible, not stiff. They should act like the fins of a fish.

A budget question: Disposable cameras are cheap, but you will be frustrated. The plastic bags are difficult to handle and not so cheap. The waterproof digital camera is a good solution down to 7 meters. The flash should be stronger. A professional case is excellent but expensive, but the camera hadn't been cheap either. The mask-integrated camera we do not yet know. But without flash it is only usable down to 1,5 meters, otherwise all you see is green and blue.

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