Snorkeling at Sagay Marine Reserve, Negros Occidental
City of Sagay is located northern tip of Negros island. It is not as well known as other islands, but Sagay offers a great underwater scene. Take a short trip to Carbin Reef. It is a part of Sagay Marine Reserve; well-managed protected area for the marine life. We decided to take the trip since we are here. The starting price is 1,660+ pesos for two (boat 1,000, snorkel gear 600, entree fee and terminal fee 60 pesos. Extra fees if you want to rent a tent) but we only paid 740 pesos because we found a group to go with.
A short twenty minute boat trip took us to the sand bar; Carbin Reef. It’s a small island only with sand, surrounded by beautiful coloured water. The water was like melted emerald: bright green and crystal clear. Besides all the beautiful surrounding nature, the best part of this trip finally came; snorkeling to see giant clams. The giant clam is the largest living bivalve mullusk and one of the most endangered clam species. I’ve only seen big white shells, but I’ve never thought that they were the ones actually living underwater.
It was surreal. They had bright blue and green coloured spots, co-operating with surrounding environments. I didn’t know they could be that colourful. The shells were open, now I know by research that they need to open the shell because the algae needed to photosynthesize. They measure as much as 120 cm (47 in) across, weigh 200 kg (440 lb) and live 100 years or more. The largest one ever found was in Sumatra, that was 137 cm (4.49ft).
Here my photos of the giant clams and underwater scene from the snorkeling trip.
#If you are wondering what camera did I use for this (amazing) photos – Fujifilm FinePix XP50 Waterproof Camera 
Nice photos. I’ve been lucky enough to see giant clams while snorkeling. Their colors are amazing. I need to plan another snorkel/dive trip soon.
Those bright blue rectangular clams are pretty cool too––oh wait, nevermind.
So sad we missed each other in the Philippines! The underwater world there is so amazing!
Nice underwater photos! Looks like a great place for a dive.
I love underwater photos, looks like a beautiful spot.
The giant clams were cool! I’m glad we made it to that spot. Your photos came out really well!
I lived in the Philippines in 1999 and one of my most vivid memories is snorkeling there, the underwater life is incredible.
Amazing clams and nice pics. The ‘pretty blue fish’ is a moon wrasse (Thalassoma lunare). I could spend weeks there checking out the marine life. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Something so ugly from the outside looks so stunning from the inside, as so often is the case. They look incredible.
Loooove the clown fish!!!!
Beautiful photos!
How fabulous!! I dream of snorkeling with giant clams some day!
My husband and I have been cruising the Pacific coast of Mexico in our sailboat for the past 3 years, and I had a similar “wow” underwater experience while we were in Huatulco (http://roadslesstraveled.us/huatulco-snorkeling-playa-de-entrega-santa-cruz-bay-sailing-blog/). No giant clams there, but the sea turtles and spotted eagle rays – incredible!
I don’t know if we’ll have the guts to cross the Pacific in our sailboat to cruise the Phillipines, but if we don’t sail there we’ll definitely take a plane and follow in your footsteps. Thanks for sharing!!!
Underwater photos are so dreamy!!
Oh man, you’re making me miss snorkeling! These pics are awesome!
Lumix has got to be the best waterproof camera on the market. Got mine from Amazon at a awesome discount price and would like to share the discount that I received with anyone who is looking for a great dependable waterproof camera.