1 & 2-Day Swim with Dugongs and Turtle Island Tour
WHAT IS A DUGONG?
Before you can think about taking our 1 or 2-day Swim with Dugong and Turtle Tour, you need to understand what a Dugong is.
A Dugong is a large marine mammal and one of the four extant species of the order Sirenia, which also includes manatees.
Dugongs are also referred to as “sea cows” due to their herbivorous nature and slow-moving/grazing style, and a docile, gentle behavior. They are closely related to manatees and share many similarities in their appearance and behavior. Dugongs have a unique, robust appearance. They have paddle-like flippers and a horizontally flattened, whale-like tail. They are grayish-brown in color and have tough, wrinkled skin. Adult dugongs can reach up to 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet) and can weigh anywhere between 250 to 500 kilograms. Big, cuddly, and friendly.
Dugongs are found in warm coastal waters of the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans. They prefer shallow, protected environments where they feed on seagrass and other aquatic plants. Dugongs are strictly herbivorous, using their specialized upper lip to graze on seagrass beds. Dugongs are generally solitary animals, but they can occasionally be seen in pairs or small groups, often grazing near the water’s surface or resting on the sea floor.
Unfortunately, dugongs are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Habitat loss, entanglement in fishing nets, boat strikes, and poaching for their meat and other body parts are the leading contributors to the Dugong’s demise. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitats and ensure their survival in the wild. By taking this Dugong Tour, your money is collected by the Dugong Conservation Society.
This society cares for and supervises all interactions and limits the number of visitors a day to only 30 people, so booking well in advance is essential. This is listed as one of the best tours in the Philippines. Swimming with Dugongs is something you will remember for the rest of your life.
SWIM WITH THE DUGONGS
Dive into the World of the Amazing Dugongs…. Embark on this Captivating Tour with Green Gecko Tours. Experience the magic of encountering these gentle giants in their natural habitat on the Dugong Tour. Join us on this unforgettable adventure as we delve into the world of these magnificent sea mammals, which will leave you with memories to cherish forever.
The 1 Day Tour – Minimum group of 5000php – 3500php depending onn group size and mode of transportation (Air conditioned Van or TukTuk).
- Leave Coron Town at 5:00 am.
- Arrive at Northern Busuanga at 8:30 am.
- Boat to Dugong arrives at 9 am.
- Swim with Dugongs.
- Go to Turtle (Dimipac) Island.
- Lunch Break: choice of meat or vegetarian options at 12 noon
- Swim with Turtles, Coral Gardens snorkeling dive or just chill on the white sand beach on Dimipac Island.
- Group Choice: Beach, Relax, Snorkel, or visit to waterfall
- 3 pm return to Coron for arrival 5 pm
Green Gecko Tours is committed to preserving the habitats and welfare of the Dugongs. Our experienced guides will share valuable insights about these gentle marine mammals, their conservation status, and the importance of sustainable practices. By joining our tour, you become a part of this vital mission. While swimming with the dugongs is allowed, we do not allow any touching or physical intimidation of these lovely cheatures.
Part of the cost of your tour will be a monetary contribution to the Dugong Conservation Society, so plan your Dugong Tour today and help conserve the Dugong.
Reach out to us on WhatsApp to reserve your Dugong Tour spot today.
