e-book From a Non Swimmer

I would avoid c if you can't swim. Although plenty of people do c wearing a life jacket, you have to be towed into secret beach on your back by a tour guide, and the last stop has deep water snorkeling though you can stay closer to shore. So I agree with Kegler on that. In seven commandos beach, most people just walked along the beach or walked in the water not swimming much.

At one of the snorkeling points, the currents were so strong that 2 ppl who were swimming in the water just could not reach the boat and had to be rescued by the boat captain. Thankfully they were wearing life jackets. The water is very shallow and still, and the scenery is pretty and easily appreciated from the boat itself. Just see the photos of each attraction on each tour when you go to book it in EN, the tour shacks in town proper have a brochure with photos of each tour - just choose the ones that appeal to you.

One has a trip to an island with a 40 year old abandoned house and shrine, all have a visit to at least one beach, some visit caves, etc. Practice snorkeling in a pool with a life vest. Learn how to clear water from your mask and snorkel and you are good to go. Make sure you have fins, it is the only propulsion you need. Don' be intimidated, once you learn to breathe through your snorkel and relax you will be fine and ready to enjoy the beauty of a coral reef.

I'm sure no matter which way I decide to go I'll have a good time. I enjoyed the island hopping while in boracay so I'm sure I will be able to enjoy El Nido as well and make the most of it. I'll just be sure to keep the life jacket on. Stephen K, it also makes it much easier and you'll have more confidence if the bangka boat has steps. Fewer than half the bangkas I have ridden in have these. At times I have swum against the current but it is always challenging. Non swimmers who have a life jacket on can always stay close to the boat and hang on to one of the bamboo outriggers.

If you get into difficulty as unlikely as that is , one of the crew may jump in and 'freedive' beneath you and push you up onto the boat, or otherwise assist. With hardly any exceptions, on about 20 to 30 different snorkelling experiences in most parts of the land of islands, the boat crews have been fantastic.

While not mandatory, I usually tip as most of these men and lads really want to make your day a happy one and are only too pleased to accommodate reasonable requests. My wife and I went with our 17 year old son in March of ' We took the A and C tours. We both used life vests and I felt very safe and actually felt pretty comfortable as time went on.

We took part in every activity except for the Hidden Lagoon on tour A, as the sea was rough and crashing against the cliffs pretty fiercely. A group of Korean girls, all non swimmers went to the Lagoon and had to be rescued by the captain as they were unable to return through the hole in the wall. You also need to be careful at the lagoons on Tour A when there's a lot of boat traffic. I nearly got crushed at the small lagoon while swimming.

General Pool Rules

We saw a guy get his arm crushed between two outriggers there. He was bleeding profusely and they wrapped his entire arm up, loaded up the boat and the boat sped off to El Nido town. We had heard that there was no facilities that could handle his injury and he would have to go to Puerto Princesa. I generally air on the side of caution and wont get into a position that makes me uncomfortable.

While swimming floating around in a life jacket during the Island hopping in Boracay I stayed between the boat and outrigger the whole time and the boat crew definitely made me feel comfortable, they were extremely professional. They were being very diligent in watching all the swimmers. No swimming under or walking across the bulkhead. All toys and floatables must remain in the shallow end. A swim test must be administered in order to swim or use the diving boards in the deep end and a wristband must be put on by lifeguard or pool attendant.

If a swimmer does not have a wristband, then under no circumstances are they allowed to be in the deep end. The swim test consists of swimming 50 ft. Diving Area Rules One person will be allowed on the diving board at a time.

Swinging or hanging from boards will not be permitted. Wait unit area is clear before diving. Persons must dive straight off diving board.

There are no flips or twists allowed off the boards. No running is allowed on the board. No diving off of the high dive. Only feet first entry from high dive. Wibit Rules No more than two adults or four children per section at a time. Under no circumstances is anyone allowed to: Stand on the top of the bridge section or the slide section. Dive off of the side of the Wibit. Swim underneath the Wibit.