ADVENTURES
SNORKELING & SCUBA
Snorkeling
Aurora has an abundance of shallow coral reefs, where a snorkeler
can enjoy the myriad forms of coral and undersea life. The beauties
of the reef that stretch throughout the lengthy coastline are
still waiting to be discovered.
Snorkeling Spots
In Baler alone, there at least five good snorkeling spots,
although some may have been damaged due to illegal dynamite
fishing.
Snorkeling points are abundant in the southern portion of
Baler. These reef areas are in the vicinity of the Aniao Islets,
Cemento Beach, Digisit Beach, Dimadimalangat Islet, and the
Lukso-Lukso Islets.
One of the more attractive areas to snorkel is in Dicasalarin
Bay, which is 45 minutes by boat south of Sabang Beach, Baler.
The flanking reef shores to the right and left of the bay remain
untouched by dynamite fishing. Various multi-colored corals
and undersea life are scattered along the shore reef wall,
which is concave, due to the pounding of the waves.
The MIA Surf & Sport Resort offers tours to these snorkeling
sites, and also rents out snorkeling gear such as flippers,
wetsuits and vests. It is nevertheless advisable to bring your
own equipment.
Snorkeling is best during the period from March until June,
when the waves are smallest.
Scuba Diving
Aurora has many prime spots waiting to be discovered by an adventurous
scuba diver along the reefs and coral-lined shores. The main
snag to the sport is the lack of scuba diving equipment and air
compressor units for oxygen tank refilling.
But if you care to bring your own equipment, you may find scuba diving in Aurora to be a most rewarding experience...
and you may be among the first divers to explore the untouched reefs
in the deeper reaches of the province's coast.
Dive Spots
Experienced scuba divers can generally discover fine diving
points on their own, since the most pristine spots are those
that remain largely undiscovered. One can also try asking the
locals about the best dive areas. Among the diving spots they
recommend are:
Off-shore, Borlongan Beach. Two
miles off-shore from the beach, a mushroom-shaped coral reef
runs more than 150 feet to the bottom.
Baler.The adjacent areas of
the Aniao Islets, Cemento Beach, Dimadimalangat
Islet, and the Lukso-Lukso Islets are dotted
with numerous coral reefs and formations.
Dicasalarin. Discasalarin is
full of marvelous coral formations as yet unsullied by dynamite
fishers and the general grime of modern civilization.
Also investigate the coral reef off-shore of Casiguran and
Dilasag, where many potential diving spots still lie barely
explored. The deep waters of Dibut Bay are
also home to many species of marine life.
The MIA Surf & Sport Resort can provide
a guided tour to the various diving spots in Aurora.
Diving Seasons
The best months for diving are from March to May, when the
waves are at their calmest. This is the best time for diving
in waters far off coast.
Avoid the stormy season from June to October, when raging
typhoons hit the area. From October to February, the waves
are quite strong, so a sturdy diving boat is essential.
continued >>
| 
