Giant Clam Sanctuary
Giant Clam Sanctuary
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4.0
132 reviews
Excellent
62
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46
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5
Terrible
5
Phil E
2 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Closed dispute assurances from the mayor's office it was open not likely to reopen soon according to locals. Clearly no communication possible disapointing but not surprising.
Not even allowed to use the beach (litter covered) and fenced. A notice stating protected area was displayed yet the beach is basically a rubbish tip shocking lack of respect for the beauty of the place by some people.
Not even allowed to use the beach (litter covered) and fenced. A notice stating protected area was displayed yet the beach is basically a rubbish tip shocking lack of respect for the beauty of the place by some people.
Written March 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ave Salvante Jr.
Laguna Province, Philippines351 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
I have never seen giant clams before, and with giants I am talking about clams that can grow up to more than a meter wide. You can view them in their habitat by snorkeling near the surface. The water is clear that you can observe the giant clams as well as other marine life. There's a lot of brain corals, relatively large starfish and other various fishes in the area.
Food available for purchase are quite good also. It is a home cooked meal with your choice of fish. Then eating at the breezy beachside will surely make you enjoy the meal.
Food available for purchase are quite good also. It is a home cooked meal with your choice of fish. Then eating at the breezy beachside will surely make you enjoy the meal.
Written August 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
usmcmvp
Okinawa City, Japan253 contributions
Oct 2015 • Family
This is a terrible attraction to go to. If I was by myself or just my girlfriend, I would not have given them a centavo. First you have to pay to get in which I have no problem as they are trying to collect money to preserve the giant clam. It's when you get inside when they take all your money.
For instance; you can view the clams in tanks they are using to raise them, no problem. If I was you I would stop there. They then ask you if you want to see them in the ocean (natural environment). So you have to pay to rent their gear such as PFD, snorkel or mask. Then you have to pay to go into the water. Ok I get that but I brought my own snorkel and mask; guess what...they charge you 50% of what it would cost to use theirs!! Are you serious? I was so frustrated.
So we go into the ocean to see neat rows of clams in the sand on the bottom of the ocean. The same thing you saw in the tanks. What a waste of time. There's not much coral so you don't see much as they take you all aver the ocean, I guess to waste time.
In the end It was a total waste of money and time. I understand what they are trying to do but they have no idea how to raise money without making it feel like you are stealing money from travelers.
For instance; you can view the clams in tanks they are using to raise them, no problem. If I was you I would stop there. They then ask you if you want to see them in the ocean (natural environment). So you have to pay to rent their gear such as PFD, snorkel or mask. Then you have to pay to go into the water. Ok I get that but I brought my own snorkel and mask; guess what...they charge you 50% of what it would cost to use theirs!! Are you serious? I was so frustrated.
So we go into the ocean to see neat rows of clams in the sand on the bottom of the ocean. The same thing you saw in the tanks. What a waste of time. There's not much coral so you don't see much as they take you all aver the ocean, I guess to waste time.
In the end It was a total waste of money and time. I understand what they are trying to do but they have no idea how to raise money without making it feel like you are stealing money from travelers.
Written October 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
katherine_b20
Kaiserslautern, Germany30 contributions
Jan 2013 • Couples
It took a long time and missed turns to find the place (no signs on the highway) so we were VERY disappointed to see that they had decided to start ripping off tourists. Their new homemade sign says: Entrance to snorkeling 25 pesos each, plus if you want to see the giant clams 150 pesos each, mask/snorkel rental 150 pesos. The crazy thing was, were going to do it anyway but we had our own mask and snorkel, so they said we had to pay 75 pesos to NOT use their equipment. What kind of lame brain idea is that? We couldn't in good conscience support this blatant rip off and I hope you won't either!
Written January 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YvesGrenier
Mambajao, Philippines4 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
This "sanctuary" is in fact Rows and columns of alignes clams. The "owners" took all the clams around to put them on a beach and make a lucrative business with that. Despite of their speech there is nothing ecological there. You have to pay the entrance on the beach ???? the right of snorkeling, an environmental fee and renting of diving mask even if you have yours.
Written June 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cris-Rollo
Manila, Philippines20 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
I thought the visit to the Giant Clam Sanctuary was just another box to tick off from my visitor's list as we navigated the winding and sloped road leading to the site in Kaliba Beach in Cantaan. We just came from a morning trip to Mantigue Island, a marine sanctuary off the main Camiguin Island which rests on soft white sand beaches and houses corals visible under crystal-clear waters. The island also cradles a small tropical forest where tourists can have a short walk under the canopy of old-growth trees. So as I and my friends went through the routine of paying the entrance fee and snorkeling gear rental at the giant clam sanctuary, I thought I already had my fill of underwater delight in Mantigue Island. But I was in for an awesome surprise.
The visit started with an orientation on the different varieties of clams, their life cycle and how to enjoy viewing them in their natural habitat. Two male guides, with floaters and lifelines, led us to and around the diving site.
The underwater scene was incredible. A number of meter-wide clams were encrusted among huge corals. Arranged in rows like a farm were smaller clams in various sizes. The sanctuary is a place for propagating already endangered species. Of the 9 species of giant clams in the world, 7 are found in the sanctuary. I never thought clams could be so colorful-- hues of ultramarine blue, fluorescent greens, warm oranges and bright yellows, in stripes, waves and rings in and around the open valves flash as streams of sunlight dance on their multicolored velvet coats. But the clams looked so still and serene on the sea bed. The guide assisted some swimmers who swam too close to the clams as we were not supposed to touch them or step on them lest we will have our legs clamped in those strong bivalve muscles.
The clams lived in a marine ecosystem that included hard and soft corals, some of them towering over4 meters. A wide variety of fish frolic among the corals. It was indeed a vibrant sanctuary alive with many fishes, mollusks, sea urchins and other sea creatures. I felt the fishes knew that they would not be hunted in the area although apparently their peace has been sporadically disturbed by curious tourists like me.
The whole sanctuary area must have been more than 2 hectares and we managed to snorkel for around 30 minutes--without our noticing the time as we were so enthralled with the underwater sights. The presence of the guides gave us a sense of security so were were able to venture into the deeper parts with confidence. As the water was warm and clear, we just rinsed ourselves off with freshwater provided for guests on the beach.
The guides were very helpful but did not even show an expectation for a tip. I learned that the whole place was managed by a community cooperative. As a development worker, I believe that community ownership is a most sustainable way of ensuring that the healthy ecosystem will be maintained. This is indeed a sanctuary not just for the giant clams but also a model of community empowerment.
The visit started with an orientation on the different varieties of clams, their life cycle and how to enjoy viewing them in their natural habitat. Two male guides, with floaters and lifelines, led us to and around the diving site.
The underwater scene was incredible. A number of meter-wide clams were encrusted among huge corals. Arranged in rows like a farm were smaller clams in various sizes. The sanctuary is a place for propagating already endangered species. Of the 9 species of giant clams in the world, 7 are found in the sanctuary. I never thought clams could be so colorful-- hues of ultramarine blue, fluorescent greens, warm oranges and bright yellows, in stripes, waves and rings in and around the open valves flash as streams of sunlight dance on their multicolored velvet coats. But the clams looked so still and serene on the sea bed. The guide assisted some swimmers who swam too close to the clams as we were not supposed to touch them or step on them lest we will have our legs clamped in those strong bivalve muscles.
The clams lived in a marine ecosystem that included hard and soft corals, some of them towering over4 meters. A wide variety of fish frolic among the corals. It was indeed a vibrant sanctuary alive with many fishes, mollusks, sea urchins and other sea creatures. I felt the fishes knew that they would not be hunted in the area although apparently their peace has been sporadically disturbed by curious tourists like me.
The whole sanctuary area must have been more than 2 hectares and we managed to snorkel for around 30 minutes--without our noticing the time as we were so enthralled with the underwater sights. The presence of the guides gave us a sense of security so were were able to venture into the deeper parts with confidence. As the water was warm and clear, we just rinsed ourselves off with freshwater provided for guests on the beach.
The guides were very helpful but did not even show an expectation for a tip. I learned that the whole place was managed by a community cooperative. As a development worker, I believe that community ownership is a most sustainable way of ensuring that the healthy ecosystem will be maintained. This is indeed a sanctuary not just for the giant clams but also a model of community empowerment.
Written April 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill W
Valencia City, Philippines38 contributions
Jan 2013 • Couples
The giant clam nursery is a must see on any visit to Camiguin Island. You should ask a local where to find the nursery because it is not marked at all. You have to turn down a unmarked road and travel about a 1/2 mile over rough roads but it is worth it. They about 4 very large clams in two large cement tanks. The guides will give you a very interesting talk about the life of clams. They will answer any questions you have. The best part is for a small fee you can snorkel out to the underwater nursery. They have about 3,000 giant clams on display. The guide will explain each kind of clam and all the different coral and fish that you will see. My wife doesn't swim so we rented her a life vest and her guide pulled her along. We loved it. I highly recommend this on your visit to Camiguin Island.
Written January 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AshLily3888
Boston, Ma32 contributions
May 2011 • Couples
This is a place a bit out of the way, but well worth the trip, particularly if you are interested in snorkeling or sea life. I believe we paid 150 pesos each which included entrance to the beach/picnic area, admittance to a small enclosed area with tanks where a guide explains about the different types of giant clams and what they do at the sanctuary, and the ability to snorkel and swim throughout the sanctuary with your own individual guide. We brought our own snorkels and masks, but you can rent them there as well. We found the explanation of the sanctuary very interesting, and greatly enjoyed snorkeling around the sanctuary. The guides take you around on a set route and will point out the different types of clams, natural predators etc. I believe we did that for about an hour (maybe a bit more). The beach there was nice, and there was a picnic area as well, but as it was not the nicest day weather-wise and we had other things to see, we did not stay long. If the weather is nice, I would definitely take advantage of that, at least for a little bit as it is included with your admission.
The sanctuary is well out of the way, and the day we went was sort of rainy, but we had a great time nonetheless. At the time, we were the only visitors. After our tour, we tried to tip our guides, but the guide tried to refuse, eventually accepting and came back with a receipt for a donation. I believe that they use the money both for the clam sanctuary and community type development, which is good to know. Some of the posters/signs in the area where they explain about the sanctuary are a bit dated, but still informative. Overall very interesting, and lots of fun.
The sanctuary is well out of the way, and the day we went was sort of rainy, but we had a great time nonetheless. At the time, we were the only visitors. After our tour, we tried to tip our guides, but the guide tried to refuse, eventually accepting and came back with a receipt for a donation. I believe that they use the money both for the clam sanctuary and community type development, which is good to know. Some of the posters/signs in the area where they explain about the sanctuary are a bit dated, but still informative. Overall very interesting, and lots of fun.
Written June 21, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stef K
Bern, Switzerland44 contributions
I am not so sure if this sanctuary is that scientific that they pretend to be.
Placing all clams in on row even in the sea seems not so a natural environment. As we undersood they'll never realase the clams back to the sea.
Also the fee for NOT using they snorkeling is strange.
Beware that the sanctuary is very bad signed where you have to leave the main road. Once you found the turnoff keep on the track even it's getting bumpy.
Placing all clams in on row even in the sea seems not so a natural environment. As we undersood they'll never realase the clams back to the sea.
Also the fee for NOT using they snorkeling is strange.
Beware that the sanctuary is very bad signed where you have to leave the main road. Once you found the turnoff keep on the track even it's getting bumpy.
Written December 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shawie h
157 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Stopped by for brunch on our first day. We had an educational tour led by 9 and 13 year old girls. They sure knew their stuff. Impressive. We then had our brunch at picnic tables for hire. If you didn't bring food, you can order. We didn't get to snorkel but there's a really nice spot to get wet in and to take photos.
Written April 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JunieAl
Metro Manila, Philippines30 contributions
Does anyone here know until what time it's open? Thank you
ALittleOfEverything
Singapore, Singapore320 contributions
Best to go there between 8am to 4pm
on_tr_reviews
Gdynia, Poland18 contributions
How is it possible to reach Sanctuary from Mambajao? Can I rent a motorbike with a driver?
ALittleOfEverything
Singapore, Singapore320 contributions
Our recommendation is to hire a local with a motorbike for a day to give you a tour around the island. They are usually parked in the airport.
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Claim your listingGiant Clam Sanctuary - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Giant Clam Sanctuary
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