Endless Adventure and Pleasure to Coral Gardens in Concepcion

The beaches in Concepcion are one of the calmest beaches in Iloilo for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. These water activities are without a doubt one of the most enjoyable experiences Concepcion can offer you. The crystal-clear waters and the wide variety of marine life make snorkeling here an unforgettable adventure. Immerse yourself in an oasis of natural tranquility.

Snorkel amidst the kaleidoscopic marine life and the coral garden of Takot Lutaw Reef at Barangay Polopina. The waters are protected by this 10-hectare reef. If you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Takot Lutaw Reef will provide you with an amazing experience you will never forget. The best time to go is in the morning before anybody else starts snorkeling. You have the water to yourself and the tranquility of the morning.

Corals are joined together in this area where you will see many schools of fish. Some of the areas are about 5 to 7 feet to be able to get a bird's eye view of the coral like you can almost reach out and touch the formations. There are a variety of shapes and sizes of corals in the area; some form hard, pointed shapes, while others form soft, rounded shapes, intricate shapes with delicate branching patterns.

If you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Takot Lutaw Reef will provide you with an amazing experience you will never forget. The best time to go is in the morning before anybody else starts snorkeling. You have the water to yourself and the tranquility of the morning. On your scuba or diving adventure, you will probably encounter many species of tropical fish and coral.

Corals are often mistaken as a rock or plant. They are actually composed of tiny, fragile animals called coral polyps. So, when we say coral, we refer to these animals and the skeletons they leave behind after they die. There are hundreds of different species of corals and are generally classified as either hard coral or soft coral. Hard corals are the architects of coral reefs and they grow in colonies. Their skeletons are made out of calcium carbonate or limestone, which is hard and eventually becomes rock. Soft corals, on the other hand, are soft and bendable and often resemble plants or trees. These corals do not have stony skeletons, but instead grow wood-like cores for support and fleshy rinds for protection.

 Corals need to grow in shallow water where sunlight can reach them. Since it depends on the algae that grow inside of them and this algae needs sunlight to survive, corals too need sunlight to survive. It also needs clear water to survive and don't thrive well when the water is opaque. It is sensitive to pollution and sediments that block out sunlight and smothering coral polyps. Pollution from sewage and fertilizers increases nutrient levels in the water, harming corals.

Coral reefs are among the oldest ecosystems on Earth and are the largest living structure on the planet. Coral reefs form natural barriers that protect nearby shorelines from the eroding forces of the sea, thereby protecting coastal dwellings, agricultural land and beaches.

The tourism industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global economy. Coral reefs are a major draw for snorkelers, scuba divers, recreational fishers, and those seeking vacations in the sun. Our northern towns stand to benefit from the recreational value provided by their presence, hoping to attract a share of visitors annually to their beaches.

Discover the many pristine island paradise in Concepcion. Politically subdivided into 25 barangays, eleven of which are island barangays, and fourteen of which are on the mainland and has a total land area of 9,702.04 hectares. There are 14 identified protected areas in Concepcion covering more than 5,000 hectares.

The possibilities for adventure and pleasure are endless. Whatever your preference, from scuba diving, boat excursions, exploring snorkeling wonders, island getaways where you can be left on a deserted beach with lunch and an umbrella, it is all here for you in Concepcion, a destination that boasts of the natural splendors of sun, sand and sea.