Snorkeling at Pamabato Reef

Snorkeling is the activity of underwater swimming, exploration or swimming with a snorkel or scuba equipment. I do not know how to swim, so the thought of me snorkeling is far too behind my head. But snorkeling is one activity that I need to do in my Palawan adventure. I was not the one who did all the planning for the trip, so I really have no idea that we will be having snorkeling.

the Sta Lourdes wharf welcoming sign

We availed of a Honda Bay island tour package in our hotel, so all I thought is we will be having an island hopping. But on our way to the pier, Ms. Marie, the tour guide asks if we have any snorkeling gear because we will need them in our trip. All of us said “no”. So right away, we stop to a rental shop. This shop offers rental for aqua shoes, snorkels, goggles, rash guards, and even camera case that can be use underwater. Ms. Marie told us that we will need this snorkeling gear for we will be visiting the Pambato reef and the aqua shoes is protection against stone fishes which is known to be poisonous.

Ms. Marie, our tour guide giving directions while on the van

rash guards, snorkels, board shorts, swimwear all for rent

Pambato reef is a marine sanctuary along Honda Bay that is known for its giant clams and different types of corals. It is also known as a “mini Tubbataha”. This is our first stop on our Honda Bay Tour. In this tour, the boatman would also serve as the guide in traversing the sea. There is a floating raft in a shape of turtle that serves as diving point for snorkeling. Tourist will need to swim to reach another turtle-shaped raft that serves as a pick-up point once the tour is finished.

on the way to the turtle raft

Our boatman Manong Jun, is nice to teach us on how to use our snorkeling gear, tightening our goggles and life vest, truly ensuring our safety. For those who do not know how to swim, boatmen have a lifebuoy with a rope that tourist can cling into while the boatman pull the string to reach the other raft. Since all of us four are not swimmers (though two of my friends know a little about swimming), we all four cling to the lifebuoy, while Manong Jun slowly pull the rope.  

all geared-up

In this twenty minute journey, Manong Jun will be telling us to look underneath for us to see the giant clams and coral reefs. Once in a while, Manong Jun will dive to look for parrot fish and clown fish. Once he spotted them he will then told us the location and then we will be again looking underneath to see the fishes. Sometimes, there is no need to look down or dive underneath to see the fishes and corals, some fish will actually swim near people and there are huge coral reefs that can be reached by a person’s foot (My foot actually accidentally hit twice or thrice on the coral reefs). When we are already near the other raft Manong Jun left us to enjoy wading at the sea while still clinging on the lifebuoy.

what lies beneath?

a giant clam

where's Nemo?

brain coral

staghorn corals with fishes

The twenty minutes of traversing the Pambato reef, is one of the longest twenty minutes of my life. This is one of the unforgettable experiences in my life, though I regret the fact that I do not know how to swim, I am still happy to see through my eyes the beauty of nature.

reaching the other turtle raft