The Giant Clam Sanctuary - Camiguin Island

 he Giant Clam Sanctuary is located in the southern tip of Camiguin Island, in the small town of Guinsilaban. It is managed by a non-government organization, the Kabila Giant Clam Conservation and Ocean Nursery, in which all the services rendered are utilized for the maintenance of the beach operation, clams conservations, and improvement of the marine sanctuary. For those who want to witness the glooming clams, just get your map and pin your journey to the Kabila Beach situated in Cantaan Bay. 

The entrance fee is 25 pesos ($.50) per person plus an environmental fee of 25 pesos ($.50) which includes the educational tour around the clam laboratory and free space relaxing and resting zone. A  fluent English young boy is in charge of the inland tour including the clam laboratory. There are more than 2,600 clams under their watch and protection including the giant clams, and; still growing,  according to the local guide.

At the laboratory, the large concrete tank full of life support can be found, enough for the clams to grow and reproduce before it was moving to their new home, in the manmade coral reef and clam sanctuary. You can also witness the variety of clams that produce pearls on the other side of the laboratory. Visitors allow visiting the wondrous clam sanctuary by exploring underwater with the help of the local guide. The “Tridacna gigas” (known as pā’ua in Cook Islands Māori), is considered as the most endanger calm species as today. 

The largest species of this giant can weigh more than 200 kilograms with an average of 100 years life span. The Giant Clam is famously known by the locals as “Taklobo”, but thinking about if that weight could still be reached due to numerous environmental reasons, exploitations, and illegal fishing. It is urged that the local government must be serious in the implementation of restrictions while a better solution for reproduction and conservation is planned. Thanks to this Non-Government Organization that dedicate their time and resources using innovative technology.

Aside from the sanctuary, Kaliba Beach has an enjoyable shoreline, featuring a long stretch of white coral-like sand and turquoise water which is suitable for relaxation by dipping in the saltwater. The advantage is that numerous large trees made a shaded space where the beach enthusiast can enjoy swimming out of the sun’s heat.     

ACTIVITIES AND FEES

• Entrance Fee                    - Php 25 pesos
• Environmental Fee          - Php25 pesos
• Table Rental                    - Big: Php100 pesos & Small - Php50 pesos
• Clams Viewing fee         - Php 150

SNORKELING GEAR RENTAL  

• Mask & Snorkel              - Php 100 pesos
• Flippers                          - Php 100 pesos
• Goggles                          - Php   50 pesos
• Lifevest                          - Php   50 pesos
• Local guide                    - Php 150 pesos

GLASS PADDLE PACKAGE TOUR

Package 1: Three areas of Giant Clams (minimum of 45 minutes)

a. 5 person                         - Php 700 pesos per head

b. Minimum of 10 person  - Php 100 pesos per head

Package 2: Three areas of Giant Clams and Marine Sanctuary (minimum of 1 hour)

a. 5 person                          - Php 1,000 pesos per head

b. Minimum of 10 person  - Php 150 pesos per head

Package 3: Three areas of Giant Clams, Marine Sanctuary, Cove Area, and Free Area (minimum of 1 1/2 hour)

a. 5 person                          - Php 1,500 pesos per head

b. Minimum of 10 person  - Php 200 pesos per head

HOW TO GET THERE

Kaliba beach is not far from Benoni Port, Camiguin, and an hour far from the central town of Mambajao. The local transportation (multicab) is available from - to - the entire Island. For those who plan to explore the whole island, you can hire a motorbike for a day (Php 300-400 pesos). 

Closest Airport

• Camiguin owns a small Airport but has a limited flight schedule. Book a connecting flight from -your airport - connecting flight to Cebu going to Camiguin Island, or;
• Book a direct flight from the major Airport near you bound for Laguindingan Airport (CGY) Luzon Airport (Clark, NAIA); Visayas Airport (Cebu, Tacloban, Bacolod, Ilo-Ilo); Mindanao (Siargao, Davao, Zamboanga). then, follow this link

ENJOY YOUR STAY

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