Small Sta. Cruz Island in Zamboanga City

Last September 23, 2007, I had the chance to visit the small Sta. Cruz Island. Although I was still sick during that time, I woke up at 6:00 AM to go to Ateneo de Zamboanga University where the group will be meeting. I was invited by my students who were taking up swimming as their PE subject. I chose not to miss the opportunity because it would be my first time to go to the small island.

Sta Cruz Island is 15 to 20- minute boat ride from Lantaka Hotel. The rate of the round trip boat ride is around P150 to P200, depending on the number of people. We were all excited when we were on the boat. It was the first time for some of the students to ride on a boat. You cannot see on their face any worry but instead they were eager
to get to the island.

We were all in awe when we see the clear waters when we disembark from the boat. Aside from the clear water, the island also boast of its pinkish sand. The pinkish sand is due to the mixture of white sand and the fragments of red corals which are washed out from the sea.

There is also an extensive and varied underwater life of coral heads and rocks in the island which is conducive for snorkeling and scuba diving. I was lucky that day because Mr. Cuaresma, the PE instructor of my students brought with him snorkeling gadgets and equipment. Gener Cerna and Ritcher Vecina who are members of a diving club in Zamboanga were there to assist us.

Near the small Sta. Cruz Island is the big Sta. Cruz Island. It is quite amazing to see that from the small island, there is a sand bar that is protruding towards the big island. During low tide, the sand bar can be seen and you can actually walk on it. Though, in my opinion, no one should go to the tip of the sand bar because the water is very unpredictable. You'll never know that the water has already risen.

At 1:00 PM, we were already heading back to the Zamboanga's mainland.

I'm planning to go back to Sta. Cruz Island during the semestral break. :)

For more pictures, please visit my Multiply gallery.
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