The Blogger in Me: Dolphin-watching and snorkeling in Bohol

It was the second day of our Bohol Trip. We had waken up very early in the morning just before the sun kissed the mountains. (Dolphins are likely to be spotted in the early morning that's why) We were off to dolphin watching!
We went to ride the motorized bancas in Alona Beach. The view was perfect.

while waiting for the dolphins

   There were also lots of bancas chasing after the group of dolphins in that early morning - colorful bancas, big, small. I hated it the most when boatmen would really literally chase after the dolphins; they were not contented perhaps to just view the creatures from a least threatening distance. As bancas aggressively chased after the group of dolphins, the more that the poor creatures swam to a farther place away from the noise of the boats' motors.

   It was an hour of go-chase-the-dolphin activity and hate-the-aggressive-chasers mode. Despite that, I had so much fun! You'd enjoy chasing after them because you know that they are completely free. (Unlike in Subic and other dolphin shows)
   Dolphins are mammals (not fish like most kids think). They need to fill in their lungs with air from time to time that's why you see them going to the surface for a certain time. For those who love dolphins (like I do), you can like their page in Facebook, Dolphins love freedom.
   Going back to the tour (hehehe), you shouldn't miss dolphin-watching. You'd be a fan of the beauty of the island and a protector of dolphins. It's like having that don't-you-dare-hunt-for-dolphins attitude! And I like it, really. :))

Very clear water in Bohol sea

After our sunblock surrendered to the scorching heat of the sun in that morning trip, our guide led us to a shore where we took our breakfast, pee and rented goggles (Php 150.00) and aqua shoes (Php 150.00) for our next activity - snorkeling! (travel tip: It's a wise investment to buy your own aqua shoes and goggles if you are fond of snorkeling!) They had this store in the island where you could buy sodas and other chips. (Pepsi 1.5 liter - Php 75.00!). For me, the prices were reasonable because the goods really came from the city and traveled across the seas for several hours, imagine? Plus, the whole island has no power supply! The government just put a generator that could somehow suffice their needs in daytime.
Of course, while resting that was a perfect chance to take pictures and take advantage of the scenery!

Haven't taken breakfast yet :))

I thought we would be provided with a motorized banca as we go to Balicasag Area (snorkeling site). They didn't. Instead, a small boat with a skilled paddler fetched our group. Four persons could fit in a small boat. The reason being, the government prohibited the use of motorized boats since Balicasag has been proclaimed as a Marine Sanctuary.
Balicasag is known as one of the best diving and snorkeling areas in the country. It is a small island with many bougainvilleas planted all over the place.

Balicasag Island's bougainvilleas

It was low tide when we had our snorkeling in the site. With your aqua shoes on, you can even walk (as in walk literally) for the water was only waist high. But according to the our guide, the water can go overhead during high tide.You shouldn't attempt to touch the floor if you didn't have your aqua shoes with you because the corals and stones were really rough and sharp! There were lots of different fishes - I say fat fishes because they were so overwhelmed with the food (bread) that the tourists brought to attract or bribe them hehehe If you are not a good diver/swimmer, do not attempt to go beyond the floaters because the sea floor suddenly runs deep!