Island Hopping in Guimaras
Posted by on June 3, 2010
Traveling to Guimaras will never be complete without doing the island hopping tour. For a few hundred bucks, you get to see some of the beautiful white sand beaches, amaze at the wonderful rock formation of the islands, get to see and hold some sea turtles (pawikan) or snorkel at some of the most beautiful coral gardens.
I have been doing the island hopping tour each and every time I visit the Alubihod Beach, but I still get giddy and all every time we set out to explore the islands.
Among the favorite spots that I always wanted to revisit are the Pawikan Sanctuary which becomes a temporary haven for green sea turtle and Olive Ridley turtles. Some captured turtles are bought here for caring before they are set out in the wild again.
The rock formations around the area is also breathtaking. Most of rocks are made of coral, unlike those in El Nido which is made of limestone. There’s also a small cave where a banca can actually get inside.
Another must-experience during the island hop activity is the Ave Maria island. the area surrounding the island has very nice coral formations with very colorful fishes. The sand in Ave Maria island is also very fine. the island fronting Ave Maria is used to be the site of the old Pawikan Sanctuary.
During island hopping, you also get to pass by Isla Naburot, one of the best kept secrets of Guimaras. Aquamarine Waters, very beautiful coral formations, and white sandy beach. And to keep the atmosphere very rustic, electricity is not used in the island. But Isla Naburot is a private property. I am not sure though if they still open for bookings. If you’re on an island hopping tour you can only pass by this area and wander at its beauty, as the place is exclusive only to the island resort’s guests.
Island hopping tour rate in Alubihod Beach is PHP300 for the first hour and PHP150 for the succeeding hour.
During my recent trip to Guimaras, we only dropped by the Pawikan sanctuary and spend the rest of the afternoon snorkeling at the Ave Maria Island.
Island Hopping tours can be availed at the Raymen’s resort in Alubihod. There are other tour operators stationed at the beach area. Rates are the same. They also rent out snorkel gears if you do not have one.
Yup island is a must do activity in Guimaras kahit day trip lang. Also Isla Pulang Pasayan is also a must visit though medyo malayo sya and out of teh way from the usual island hopping itinerary but it’ll be worth it.