Our morning walk in Kaputian Beach Resort and swimming in Capt. Hook’s Red Parrot Inn’s clear water were the initial activities done for the day. Fortunately, Barney’s family was so generous for bringing us all to the Giant Clam Sanctuary, a fishing village across Barangay Adecor. We were told that it was one of the exciting spots in the Island Garden City of Samal to explore. Getting aboard in our hired boat hit the adrenalin rush.

I wanted to go island hopping in Talicud Island and Isla Reta, but our limited time hindered us to set foot at these beautiful destinations. We will surely do this on our next visit to Davao.

Coming from the inn we passed by the Kaputian Beach Resort which was now crowded with bathers.  Later we were amazed seeing the recognizable luxurious seaside villas of Pearl Farm.

hatchery

My two kids are no longer scared of snorkeling activity. Our beach escapades from the past taught them to be adventurous on the sea. And not only that, they were taught to love and appreciate nature.

Time to jump to the water!

Our teenage son Pao dashed hastily.  My hubby assisted our little girl and hit the water. I was left behind for I was still busy taking pictures. When I had my moment, my buddies were now far away from the boat.  I swam so fast to join them. They were standing on white sand, submerged half of their bodies in very clear water.

We met Edward, the staff of the sanctuary, and he briefed us shortly about the giant clams locally known as taclobo. He was a volunteer with a minimum pay per day but he was so dedicated to his job. He told us that the taclobos are solar animals with a number of about 3,500 scattered in a sprawling 14-hectare area. The entrance fee of P70/head was used to sustain the project of Davao del Norte State College in protecting the sanctuary. The taclobo is now an endangered species because of over-harvesting. Some used it for food and some for shell crafts which are sold as souvenirs.

getting ready to jump into the water

The giant clam belongs to the family Tridacnidae. It has five classes to which I remembered one class only, the eldest Trinacda Gigas.  Blame it to our excitement to see the colorful giant clams under the water. Haha!

Out of curiosity, we asked Edward if it is dangerous to put our hands inside the mouth of the clam. He said yes because it sucks foreign objects.  The thought of our hand getting cut by the clam scared me so I didn’t dare to come close.

Small clams were found in the shallow areas.  We snorkeled in the deeper part and saw lots of giant clams in varying colors from violet, deep green, brown, and yellow.  We swam here, there, and everywhere to see more and more giant clams.  Shen was left to her father for she can’t go far.  Pao and Dwight were so busy wading farther from the group.

just having a good time looking at taclobos down the waters

After a satisfactory attack, we went back near our boat and refreshed ourselves staying on the 20-feet deep water level. Barney could swim without a life jacket.  Amazing!  Pao and I tried it too. It was an overwhelming feeling to overcome our fears of the deep. I did my favorite back float style while gazing on the blue horizon.

Once in a while doing this activity is a rewarding treat especially to people like us who couldn’t escape monster stress from work. Far from the noisy busy life of the city, this wonderful experience is a better doze.  But it’s time to go back to the boat and stop daydreaming! hahaha!

We went back to Capt. Hooks Red Parrot Inn by lunch. And thereafter, we packed up for another swimming activity at Hagimit Falls and for the last stop, at Monfort Bat Cave.

Boat Rental – P1,500 to P1,800 (haggle the price)

Entrance Fee:  P70, 6 years old below is free – with a life jacket and snorkel gears