El Nido Shimizu Island Waters
Stuffed and rested, our boatman, Felix signaled us that we should be going. We’re getting too comfortable at the Secret Lagoon Beach and remembered that there are still a couple of stops before the afternoon ends. About 10-15 minutes south of Miniloc Island is an islet they call Shimizu Island (Others spelled Zimizu). It’s supposed to be one of popular snorkeling spots in Tour A.
Under the shade at Shimizu
Weeks before the trip, I made sure to upgrade my snorkeling gears. I was bent into enjoy snorkeling in El Nido as much as I can. My old Mask and Snorkel I got from Nautica Makati years ago was still in very good condition. What I replaced were my fins since I left my damaged fins in Coron. With my gears secure, I jumped into the water with my Sony TX1 encased in a waterproof housing and started to explore the surrounding reefs.
Snorkeling in Shimizu
Visibility wasn’t good at that time. The water was filled with what I called small “Sponges” but it was really specks of plants dissolving into the sea water because of the heat. The others brought pandesal bread with them to feed the fishes underwater. There weren’t as many fish as I was expecting and the reef near the shore is mediocre. I tried to go further but the number of huge red jellyfishes were increasing that I pulled back and settled near the shore.
Our boat docked at 7 Commando beach
We left Shimizu Island and made our way to 7 Commandos Beach. I don’t know the story behind the names much like how an island sounded Japanese or if there were 7 soldiers who owned this beach but it was another nice place that reminded me a lot of the TV series LOST. Probably because of the jagged peaks behind which is also part of the same peaks hugging El Nido town on the other side.
Kayaking 7 Commandoes Beach
There was a stall there selling buko (coconut) juices and other snacks. We also discovered Choco Mucho dark chocolate there. I know that cheap but delicious choco but I didn’t know it had that flavor. I think the group had enough of beaches for now and decided to lie off under the coconut trees. I dozed off for an hour there.
El Nido town Ahead
Visiting the Big and Small Lagoons, the sumptuous lunch at Secret Lagoon Beach Lunch, Shimizu Island and 7 Commandos that was part of Tour A was really worthwhile and showcased a piece of what El Nido has to offer. We went back to town late afternoon before the setting sun. It was a great first day.
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wow philippines!
Ganda talaga ng rock formations.
Must’ve been really fun to shoot there. 
picture-perfect! i missed to see these places when I was there. El Nido is just incomparable.
WOW talaga Reena
Loats of great angle here Cedric!
Thanks Claire! I agree, El Nido is one of a kind
ang ganda ng view kaso konti ang isda tsaka bakit ganun ang coral reefs nila nde na healthy and may jellyfish? kaya nawawala ang mga madami isda =(
taking note of this ferdz. i believe the cover photo of Lonely Planet Philippines is El Nido.
I never get tired of looking at photos of this paradise. Kaya lang puro tingin na lang. Kelan kaya ako makakapunta jan.
Yeah Pink Panther! Medyo konti yung isda but only on those parts, but I bet on other parts flourishing naman ang reef. The jellyfish is natural dahil mainit.
Yep Dom, the Cover of Lonely planet is El Nido Town, the Cover for Jens Peters is at El Nido Resorts Miniloc
It’s a refreshing sight Photo Cache!
nice pics. The place is so pristine and heavenly
Shimizu ?? Wondering why the Japanese name instead of authentic Pinoy. 