Located in a bay near Cantaan lies a beautiful white sand beach named Kaliba Beach where a sanctuary of giant clams awaits the visitors. The Kabila Giant Clam Conservation and Ocean Nursery homes more than 2, 600 clams including the giant clams in which one can find the seven species of giant clams out of nine in the world.
Upon going to the sanctuary one can found a notice from the management which indicates that the Kabila Giant Clam Conservation and Ocean Nursery is a non-government project and all proceeds are used in the maintenance and conservation of giant clams as well as the marine sanctuary. The entrance fee to the sanctuary is P25 which is affordable.
After paying the entrance fee and signing the guest book (which is required by the management), visitors can proceed to the breeding center and education facility where one can see the glass aquariums with living giant clams and the giant pool made for the clams. One can observe the giant clams from here which visitors can see how the clams breathe and close their shells.
Visitors can roam around the facility and see the different sizes and colors of the clams. On the round pools, baby clams are placed for breeding purpose while the giant clams are placed in a giant pool in which they are expected to reproduce. The facility also houses clams that can create pearls.
Aside from the breeding center and education facility, one of the places to go inside the Kabila Giant Clam Conservation and Ocean Nursery is the DENR Training Center and Dive Camp where one can get a chance to see the main sanctuary underwater and dive into it. In the sanctuary underneath, visitors will see wonderful sceneries of clams lying on the seabed.
This sanctuary is a must see and visitors would love the stunning scenery that awaits them underwater. At an affordable rate, visitors can rent mask and snorkel if they wish to see the clams lying on the seabed. For non-swimmers, they can see the clams on the underwater nursery through the glass-bottom boat if operative.
Visitors from Manila or Cebu can take direct flights going to Cagayan de Oro City. One can also go onboard a ship. From Cagayan de Oro City, visitor can take a taxi going to Agora Market and take a bus there that will take them to Balingoan. Upon going to Balingoan, visitors can take a ferry bound for Camiguin Island which takes an hour before reaching the Benoni Wharf of Mahinog. From there, one can take a ride going to Mambajao (the capital town of Camiguin). From Mambajao (capital of Camiguin), one can rent a motorcycle or hire a tricycle that will take them to the sanctuary.
Camiguin is really a place that a tourist would fall in love. It may be known for its natural attractions like volcanoes, hot springs and waterfalls but aside from the natural attractions, one can also enjoy the sanctuary that houses thousands of wonderful and colorful clams including the seven species of giant clams.
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