Giant clams are already considered endangered marine species in the Philippines. The Giant Clam Sanctuary was established in Samal Island to protect them from extinction. It’s located in a beautiful island in the peaceful barangay of Adecor. If you’re traveling to Davao City or Samal Island, this travel guide will tell you why you need to visit the sanctuary.

Taclobo Tours

You’ve probably heard of Taclobo tours during your last visit in Davao. This tour has been popular on social media, especially on Facebook and Instagram. In fact, it’s an ecotourism industry that features the Giant Clam Sanctuary within the Davao del Norte State College Marine Reserve Park and Multipurpose Hatchery.

There are more than 3,000 giant clams housed in the sanctuary that are taken care of the staff including a local community called Adecor United Fisher-folks Organization. The entrance fee is only 100 pesos which basically cover environmental preservation. There are snorkeling gear and masks you can rent for an additional charge of 100 pesos.

Before the Taclobo tour, you will need to attend a short briefing which discusses the do’s and don’ts during the giant clam encounter. The main don’t is to never touch nor step on the clams while swimming under the sea which may take almost an hour. Your tour guide will tell you the age of the clams and even identify the biggest one.

Photo from VIVOMIGSGEE Blog

Is It True that Giant Clams Attack People?

There are claims that giant clams attack people under the water. This has been disproved by the National Geographic and even called it an unmerited reputation for such endangered species in the ocean. Truth is, these giant clams feed on proteins and sugars produced by the algae on their tissues.

If you do your own research, no diver or swimmer has been reported hurt or swallowed by these beautiful creations. However, it is strictly prohibited for tourists to touch the giant clams as they are sensitive and may die. You can take some underwater photos with these huge colorful clams on the background for an IG-worthy post.

Appreciating Their Endangered Beauty

Clams come in different colors including yellow, blue, brown, green, and violet. They look like colorful flowers under the sea without suspecting their real age which is usually beyond 10 years. The clams in the sanctuary may grow up to one meter long which is really huge for a clam.

So, are you excited for your Samal Island hopping trip? Check out the Giant Clam Sanctuary for an unforgettable experience!