Diving the Reef of Cagtinae, Surigao del Norte

GPS waypoint: N9 38.422 E125 23.694
Location: Brgy. Cagtinae, Municipality of Malimono, Province of Surigao del Norte

Reef of Surigao
Through Zati and Jeanne, newly met friends in Surigao, I got introduced to more of their friends and tagged along some of the interesting things they do. They are into a lot - running, yoga, traveling, eats and drinks, etc. But perhaps scuba diving makes the most of the natural features that Surigao City is blessed with. One evening, I tagged along Zati and was introduced to her couple friend, Jo and Marlon. The next thing I knew, I was invited to a dive...woohoo! In their candid talks, I've already heard a lot about Surigao's diving features. I even had a glimpse of this when I went snorkeling and free diving at Birok Islet and Nonoc Reef. Finally, I get to dive these reefs and see it up close at depth.

Cagtinae Reef, Brgy. Cagtinae, Municipality of Malimono, Province of Surigao del Norte

Scouting for Reefs
A recent 'discovery' by the group is the Cagtinae Reef in Surigao del Norte, about 30 minutes from Surigao City by private car. These divers ask fishermen where they go fishing and how deep the waters are. This gives them a clue on what might lay beneath. Some make the exploratory dive, and if all goes well, the entire group makes an outing for it.

The Boat Issue
Marlon discussed diving around 2 big rocks. Its surrounding walls are said to be animated with lush corals and abundant fish population. Although close to shore, a boat entry was still needed. That's were the problem started. There were too many things that went wrong with the boat episode employing a boatman from the barangay - the rope wasn't long enough for the anchor to be laid, we were dropped too far from the site and had to make a long swim, and we were dropped where we still couldn't see anything at 70 feet, so we all surfaced up. It was a test of patience and restrain on Marlon's part not to go postal on the boatman.

Reef Attributes
We did two dives, but not on the site Marlon wanted. Nonetheless, the dive gave me an introduction to Surigao's seascape. The rock corals were healthy, there were some imposing fan corals. I remember seeing a majestic purple fan. On the second dive, we even saw a school of Trevalis (aka Talakitoks). The water was calm (a reprieve from the torrential currents I'd been hearing about Surigao's dive environment) and the sun was out. Visibility was limited due to the run-off from the Agusan River. Aside from the Trevali sighting, fish population density was fairly thin. Perhaps it's because we were still relatively close to shore.

Peoplescape
Interestingly, as a juxtaposition, I get introduced to the seascape as I am being introduced to Surigao's peoplescape. After over a month in Surigao, it's only now I get to meet on a social basis (apart from clients and colleagues), some of its denizens. They are far more colorful and animated than the fishes I've seen. They'd been here the entire time - I just did see and didn't know. Perhpas Surigao's reef system is also like that. It perhaps harbour the most colorful and interesting fish life...it's just beyond my sight until the right moment comes along.

Thank you Zati and Marlon for peeling off another layered dimension to Surigao City. Big thank you too to Ayet, Boom-boom, Clint and Barok!

--- TheLoneRider

ps - If you want me to objectively review a diving gear or cover a dive for your dive shop for this website (scuba gear, party boat dive, wreck dive, snorkeling, etc.), email me.

To make scuba dive arrangements in Surigao City and the Caraga region, contact:

Punta Bilar Dive Center
location: Brgy. Punta Bilar, 8400 Surigao City
mobile: 0920.909.0999 | email: jake_miranda1@yahoo.com
rates: starting at P800 for shore dives and P1200 for boat dives, minimum 2 pax. If you are diving alone, then you pay P500 for the divemaster, which already includes his gear. Gear rental for whole day is only P750

FYI

1. Surigao divers are strong divers, able to swim against currents that shame the most experienced divers. Some divers at Punta Bilar Dive Center are among the country's most adept cave divers. Read: You're in good hands with Punta Bilar Dive Center folks!

• About Surigao City
• Hotels in Surigao City
• Things to do in Surigao City
• Culinary delicacies of Surigao City

SUGGESTED ITINERARY
(along the Surigao coastline from Surigao City to Surigao del Sur)

Surigao City

• Rite of Passage on Cantrasa Shoal Jul 12, 2013
• Karma Yoga in Surigao City July 5, 2013
• The Wooden Footbridge and Waterfall of Cantiasay, Surigao City July 1, 2013
• Outdoor Adventure Tour in Nonoc Island, Surigao City Jul 1-2, 2013
• The Deadly Bitaugan Whirlpool of Surigao City Jun 26, 2013
• Beaching it at Pebble Beach and Looc Beach, Surigao City Jun 22-24, 2013
• Exploring Silop Cave of Surigao City Jun 22, 2013
• Free-Diving the Coral Reef of Birok Islet, Surigao City June 12, 2013
• Boat Ride through the Floating Village of Day-asan June 12, 2013

Surigao del Norte

• Island Hopping Adventures in Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte July 23-25, 2013
• Exploring Siargao's Cloud 9 July 18-20, 2013
• Judging Del Carmen's Beauty Pagent and Street Dancing July 15-16, 2013
• Diving the Reef of Cagtinae, Surigao del Norte Jul 7, 2013

Cantilan

• Ayoke Island May 27, 2013
• Casarica Island May 27, 2013
• General Island May 27, 2013

Carmen

• Sua Cold Spring - in Brgy Esperanza. From main highway, get off at Madrid terminal and take motorcycle ride for the spring. If coming from Lanuza, get off at crossing of Cangcaban then take habal-habal for the spring
• Hubason River May 18, 2013

Lanuza

• Lanuza Marine Park and Sanctuary May 17, 2013 - coral reef, snorkeling, cafe. Also a short walk to Magkawas Falls.
• Magkawas Falls in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur May 16, 2013
• Silop Spring May 16, 2013
• Campamento Cave May 16, 2013
• Herrera Ancestral Home

Cortes

• Lubcon Falls - from Tandag, take jeep for Cantilan or Cortes and ask the driver to drop you off at Lubcon Falls, P25, 30 mins, 15 kms
• Burgos Togonan Falls
• Laswitan - strong waves crashing against the rocks and spilling over to fill up a rock pool (while you're dipping in it)
• Campiri Rocks - going over huge boulders, dipping in a rock pool, standing on a rock summit as waves hits and splash against it, and to cap all, you rest on the base of the light house perched on top of the rocks in full view of the magnificent Pacific Ocean
• Bakwitan Cave - a refuge by the towns folk during the Japanese occupation and during the typhoon of 2004
• Buybuyan Beach - small beach, almost like a personal beach, fine white sand (there are no commercial establishments on the beach...its undeveloped)
• Sihagan Beach - fine white sand for long walks on a beach (there are no commercial establishments on the beach...its undeveloped)
• Uba Marine Sanctuaries - scuba dive with gear from the LGU. At P250 per dive, you can't beat it!
• Capandan Marine Sanctuaries - scuba dive with gear from the LGU. At P250 per dive, you can't beat it!
• Balibadon Marine Sanctuary
• Mabahin Marine Sanctuary
• Tigao Marine Sanctuary
• Poblacion Marine Sanctuary

Tandag

• Exploring Dayao Cave of Tandag, Surigao del Sur May 12, 2013
• Brgy. Bongtud - Twin Linungao Island, Mancagangi Island & MPA (Marine Protected Area - fish sanctuary)

Cagwait

• white sand beaches

Salvacion

• Britania Islets May 6-8, 2013 - small islets dotting the bay. Island tour, beach, mangrove forest.

Hinatuan

• Enchanted River May 6, 2013
• Sibadan Fish Cage May 5, 2013

Mangagoy

• Tinuy-an Falls

The following people like this:

Ayesha Laurente

Joni Gualvez Villamil

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Maynard Castillo

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