avatarAdrienne Beaumont

Summary

The author recounts an early morning snorkeling adventure at Panglao Sea Resort in Bohol, Philippines, followed by a delightful breakfast.

Abstract

The day began with an early morning snorkeling experience at Panglao Sea Resort in Bohol, Philippines. The author, along with a companion, enjoyed the crystal-clear waters and explored a vibrant underwater ecosystem teeming with diverse marine life, including unique starfish and colorful corals. After the snorkeling trip, they indulged in a satisfying American breakfast at the resort, which was complemented by fresh fruit and a unique coffee blend. Despite the orange juice lacking real orange content, the overall experience was described as a luxurious and enjoyable way to start the day, made even more special by the exclusive treatment they received as the resort's only guests during the low season.

Opinions

  • The author expresses satisfaction with the snorkeling gear and the clear ocean conditions.
  • The underwater scenery, particularly the corals and starfish, was deemed beautiful and captivating.
  • The resort's breakfast was highly praised, with the author noting it as the best they've had so far, especially appreciating the fresh fruit and unique coffee flavor.
  • The author found humor in the orange juice not being made from actual oranges, despite its high vitamin C content.
  • The exclusive treatment at the resort, likely due to being the only guests, was seen as a positive aspect of traveling during the low season.

Snorkelling at Panglao Sea Resort

Bohol, Philippines

Photo by author

After arriving last night from Manila and a good night’s sleep, our day started early. We woke at 6.30, donned our snorkelling gear and were in the ocean by 7. The water was crystal clear, the tide was high, so off we went. I tried out my new reef shoes and my 22-year-old snorkel and mask.

Photo by Stacey Mulcahy

The sandy bottom was covered almost completely by sea grass until I reached a bommie covered in corals. There were starfish I had never seen before. Pale orange to light tan with dark brown spots. There were hundreds of them. I kept going until I reached the reef.

Photos by Stacey Mulcahy

The drop off was vertical and the bottom was way down out of sight. Schools of tiny fish rushed past and a few reef fish hung around the coral. The sun’s rays pierced the water’s surface and the water shone bright blue.

Photos by Stacey Mulcahy

Tiny blue fish in schools that I’ve seen in Vanuatu and Fiji were swimming leisurely but when I clicked my fingers they didn’t change direction. The corals were beautiful.

Brain coral in different shades and wavy coral in shades of green. Occasionally a bright purple coral would show itself.

Photo by Stacey Mulcahy

On the way back to shore, I spotted two bright blue starfish. These are the ones that I’ve seen hundreds of in Pacific Islands. We emerged from the water and sat at the bar in the pool where we drank a beer last night.

Photos by Stacey Mulcahy

We each ordered an American breakfast. The best breakfast I’ve eaten so far. Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, butter, and apricot jam served with an unusually flavoured but delicious coffee. Then fresh fruit. Mango, banana and watermelon. The only disappointment was the orange juice – obviously one of the 200% vitamin C but no actual oranges. 😊

What a great way to start the day!

Photo by Stacey Mulcahy

Panglao Sea Resort – some luxury for our first night. We were treated like a Queen and a Princess – we were their only guests! One of the joys of unexpectedly travelling in low season.

Travel
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