Boracay Island Hopping and Helmet Diving

Our second day in Boracay started slow and we still got no plans or whatsoever. After a quick breakfast on the veranda of our cheap accommodation we decided to go and try Helmet Diving. We looked for the cheapest offer on helmet diving (there are tons of them around). And then we met Ate Rose. Ate Rose was our savior since then. 

To make the long story short, it took me 2 minutes to haggle with her and I got the helmet diving for a very good price. From the original 1,200 pesos for a helmet dive, I got a really good deal with discount. She gave in with my haggle and we were happy. She then told me if we would want to join the island hopping that day. The haggling went on again and I got it for 800 pesos each. The deciding factor there was the buffet lunch with unlimited drinks and beer (check here for discounted tours, transportation and activities in Boracay). 

the very charming Ate Rose

We were about to change into our island-hopping-outfit but then again, Ate Rose told us that the boat will be leaving in 5 minutes. We found ourselves not ready for what will be happening. No sunblock, hat or whatever. But we were still excited of what will happen. The island hopping will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the helmet diving will come next. Whew! Just like that, our day was planned. So what happened?
 

our boat and Kuya Amazing - he dove 20 meters deep to get my friend's mask and tube

ready na kayo?

First stop was the snorkeling site where we paid 20 pesos each for the "snorkeling fee" (?!) and gears were provided for those who didn't bring their own stuff. It was the first time for my friend Sheena - the curly one - to snorkel. She was so desperate at first and promised to do better on the second snorkeling site. She also dropped the whole set and Kuya Amazing effortlessly got it in just one dive. It was about 20 meters or so and I even tried to get it but kuya helped me. He even taught me how to dive with my snorkel set. Really amazing!

the first snorkeling site

ano'ng life vest?

may lahing sirena yata 'to - 'di uso ang life vest

Next was the Crystal Cove Resort which required 200 pesos entrance fee to get inside. Some people didn't go inside and just stayed on the shaded part of the shore. But for us, we entered and went into one of the caves. The cave was so-so but the view here is really amazing.

Crystal Cove Resort

ang lakas ng hampas ng hangin diyan

the "cave"

hindi natatakot dahil sa waves, takot na matalsikan ang camera ko na hawak ni kuya

Next was the most awaited part - buffet lunch on Tambisaan beach. We were really starving and we went back three times on the buffet spread. It had rice, cucumber salad, pinakbet, grilled fish, shrimps, pork and chicken barbecue and fruits (no pansit?). To top it all we had unlimited soda, bottled water and beer. Whew! Eat at your own pace, no time pressure.

Tambisaan beach = buffet lunch!

in fairness...

unlimited everything

And then right after the buffet lunch, another snorkeling site again. This time, no fee was collected from us. Some didn't get into the water and just slept for a good 20 minutes of the stay. We were not told on what time to finish. My friend successfully learned how to snorkel. 

After that, Puka beach was supposedly next but due to the strong waves, we just continued with the boat ride around Boracay. This was my favorite part. I sat at the back of the boat with the stored fuels and other stuff. Kuya Amazing settled on one side of the boat and we had a quick chat - still about snorkeling.

stayed on the back part - very devious

stroll

this made me wanna jump into the water and join the kids

Manny Pacquiao's (kailangan isama talaga :)

next time ka na

tired passengers

amazing kuya - tinuruan ako mag-dive sa ilalim ng dagat with my snorkel set, yung parang sa T.V. lang

So after the 6-hour island hopping, we took a quick isaw-break and Ate Rose signaled for our helmet diving activity. Arriving on the raft, we were briefed on the basics. We were all first-timers. My friend Sheena (again) got frightened because of the pressure underwater but she recovered fast. 

It was a good 25-minute deep down. There were some fish on that area and it was obvious that they just fixed everything down there. Well, we were there to experience the helmet dive itself and the view was just a plus. I think it would be better if it was really a marine sanctuary. But nonetheless, we were happy with the experience. The cd of our photos and video was provided after 1 hour - thanks Ate Rose for everything.

crash course on what-to-expect

the 30-kilo monster

not so clear photos but the memory stuck on my mind

sa bigat nito, nangalay ang shoulders ko for a week

Ate Rose helped us even on our third day when we planned to rent a boat and van at 10 p.m. We haggled but then my powers didn't work at that time. We still do keep in touch 'till now and she knows me as her "pinaka-kuripot na guest".

Allan B Fun Tours
Ate Rose

(+63) 908.567.4335

(+63) 916.265.4901

(+63) 923.253.4359

(+63) 36.288.4115

mindydelcoro@yahoo.com

Check Boracay accommodations here