It’s the last week of June. School is well into the routine of those observing the traditional academic schedule and for those out of school, June can mean the start of the rainy season. Meanwhile for those who depend on waves for enjoying life, the upcoming months signal the onset of the flat season.
Last week, we talked about activities like skimboarding and mermaiding or free diving to still be able to enjoy the beach even during the flat season. Since we live in the tropics, the beach is always a good idea for a weekend getaway or a holiday escapade. Here are more ideas to get you going and start living that endless summer:
Island Hopping
This is easiest and most convenient recreational activity a mermaid can do while stuck in the city. Nearby Samal Island and Talicud Island in IGACOS can already satisfy your need for a saltwater adventure.
Easily finished within a day, island hopping is a staple water-oriented activity that is inexpensive and fun. There a lot of tour operators to choose from that are based in Davao to hold your island hopping. Options to rent a whole boat exclusively for your party or join a package tour with other guests which is a more inexpensive option to spend the day.
Important to have with you are life jackets, sunscreen, cap and sunnies for sun protection as the sun can be quite glaring due to the water’s reflective characteristic. If you’re aiming to have Instagram-worthy photos, try renting those popular adult floatation devices in a shape of a unicorn, pizza or doughnut. These are like a glammed-up, adult version of our ‘salbabidas’.
If you’ve grown tired of the same underwater scenes, you can try either driving up north to Kopiat Island in Mabini, Compostela Valley or driving down south to Sarangani province where you can enjoy a whole new underwater experience.
Scuba Diving
While you’re out enjoying the views during your island hopping, most operators offer scuba diving as a package. Rates vary depending on the number of guests availing of this package and depending on your location whether you’re in Davao or Sarangani.
Even if you don’t know how to swim and have never tried scuba diving before, you can still enjoy an introductory dive at around 25 to 30 feet with a dive master. As I’ve said, for water activities like this it’s always important to go with a buddy.
Scuba diving is different from free diving because you use a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) which is completely independent of surface supply, to breathe underwater. You don’t have to head back to the surface to breathe. You can stay as long as your air supply allows you.
Kayaking / SUPs
There is a growing island hopping operators or resort owners that rent out kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) for guests on island hopping tours or for their beach activities.
Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. It is distinguished from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle. Modern kayaks are made out of lightweight and heavyduty material that floats so well on water.
Wikipedia defines SUP is an offshoot of surfing that originated in Hawaii. Unlike traditional surfing where the rider sits until a wave comes, stand up paddle boarders stand on their boards and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water.
These two are wonderful ways of exploring the island and reaching a deeper part of the beach to snorkel around. Again, always have a buddy with you who knows a thing or two about paddling around the beach. Know before you go. Make sure to ask the locals around or the life guards about the currents and tides around.
The worst that can happen is you lose control of your kayak or SUP and drift further away from shore. Always be on the look out for these things but also don’t forget to enjoy! It’s usually safer to go horizontal along the beach rather than vertically, from shore to the deeper portion.
There are still a lot of things to do to enjoy the beach even if it’s the flat season! Head over to my blog: www.millennialmermaid.com to read more flat season stories!
