What a beautiful and gorgeous day this started out! I was lucky to find parking on this sharp and stimulating Saturday morning. When I first arrived three of my classmates with their family members were already seated at the top deck, calm and cool in their sunglasses and island attire. The crew was very helpful in getting us situated by announcing where we could settle in. I was a bit apprehensive on this boat ride as I easily get motion sickness but as I stabilized myself, I didn’t feel the abrupt movement as like the smaller vessels I’ve been on plus it helped that the sea was not rough. We were also being offered sea sickness medicine but I refused because I remembered the time I took, it made the situation worse and I was throwing up so bad that my back was hurting and I couldn’t enjoy the outing.
As the rest of the gang trickled in, I noticed many smiling and happy faces piling into the 53 foot Catamaran and I knew we were going to have a great adventure. The food spread was extensive and very delicious. My classmates were very generous with the potluck and we almost finished the food. As the vessel slowly pulled out of the dock and headed out to the big blue ocean waters we saw huge parts of the island terrain.
Some of the mountain sides were scarred with many patches of soil, devoid of vegetation which we discussed in the classroom; which led me to see firsthand what it is like to ensure that we take care of not only our oceans but our lands which majority of the population live on. As we passed a couple of boats, we saw one that was being chased by dolphins, I didn’t capture any pictures of them but they were a sight to witness. The dolphins swam in groups of three and we kept trying to keep count on when they would come up to the surface, but our timing was off. Someone mentioned that they were attracted to the waves the boat was making through the water. That was one highlight of the day.
As we traveled further out to sea we saw a huge land mass that possibly could be a habitat for humans, perhaps a rich, tycoon could afford to convert it to a nice lodge or bungalow, but then again some parts of nature should be left alone for the true beauty to be preserved. When it was time to anchor the boat, I was super excited. I didn’t hesitate to get into the water that I forgot that I wasn’t a good swimmer and failed to wear a life vest. But I soon lost most of my fear and wandered around in the deep blue. I got me a snorkel and tried to venture down to the bottom but that didn’t happen as I wasn’t that strong enough to submerge myself but I had so much fun swimming. I saw many types of fish, but none of which my brothers would bring home for the family to eat, as the boat crew started tossing bits of bread and hotdog around me to lure them in our swimming area. I saw the bottom of the sea floor and it was quite mesmerizing as I saw fish coming out of the rocks and corals to come up and feed. Someone saw a turtle but I wasn’t fast enough to see it.
This field trip gave us opportunity to view other aspects of ECOTOURISM. Guam’s economy is driven with the sights and experiences nature has to offer. In fact, Tourism is one of the top three ways Guam thrives economically. With advances in transportation and data innovation, even the most remote places of the earth are viewable to the curious, locals and tourists alike. Truth be told, tourism is currently the world's biggest industry, with nature tourism the quickest developing section. Individuals need to experience nature and the world, yet ought to attempt to do as such in a way that doesn't affect the indigenous habitat. In light of this expanding venture for nature encounters, another travel ethic has emerged called ecotourism. There are several ways that tourists and locals can enjoy what Guam has to offer throughout its beautiful waters. The ocean is wide, deep, and full of mystery. It is one of the parts of the Earth most people have yet to see. We’ve always loved to swim at the beach and be amazed with colorful coral reefs as we snorkel, but we’ve never known everything about the waters – the deepest, darkest parts of it. We’re not even sure if we’re ready to explore it or just prefer to leave it untouched.
Here are a few ways we can enjoy Guam’s tropical waters.
Boat Charters. Guam has several boat operations providing day and evening charters, snorkeling, dolphin watching and on-board bar-b-ques. Many are available for parties and special occasions. Guam offers excellent wind conditions for sailing, without fighting rough surf. Vessels can launch in selected areas for snorkeling, diving and fishing. Sometimes dolphins frolic in front of sailing vessels, and if you are lucky you may see a turtle or whale.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling. Guam's extraordinarily clear waters with temperature 82-86 degree year round, boasts a pristine undersea life and various World War II remnants which make it one of the best nature sites on the planet offered to tourists and locals. Extraordinary encounters can be experienced through photography; you must be mindful to not disturb the reef inhabitants by removing or destroying coral. Diving adventures can be started from the shore or on a boat but you must abide by the laws and regulations of water safety.
Deep Sea Sport Fishing. Located in the Pacific Ocean just to the West of the Marianas Trench, the deepest part of the Ocean in the World, and ringed with coral reefs, Guam offers some of the best open ocean sport-fishing in the world. Schedule with one of the local fishing charter boats and head out for sailfish, marlin, yellow fin, mahi-mahi, skipjack, wahoo and much more. The charter captain will provide the gear and bait and know where to go to bring back the fish. All you need to do is relax and enjoy.
Water Parks and Beach Clubs. Businesses have beach buddies on shore who offer a wide array of water activities closer to land such as kayaking, windsurfing, water aerobics, swimming pools and water slides. You could also go outside the shoreline towards the reef with jet skis, paddle boats, canoes and parasails hooked on speed boats.
Ecotourism has wonderful qualities because it gives the people employment which bolsters curiosity for the unknown as well as local legends. With government and private sectors working together a lot of areas can be discovered and enjoyed for the future generations. I understand that areas cannot afford the presence of humans because of the destruction caused by paving roads or paths but there are safe ways though arduous exercise that we can observe and capture these natural wonders. Be that as it may, this same development opens doors for both preservation and neighborhood groups to take part and claim pride and ownership of our island’s well-being.
Ecotourism is very important and easy way to provide revenue, but we must take great heed when we venture out to the waters by not disturbing and destroying the ecosystems. We must be fully aware and responsible by not polluting the waters, with human debris and waste. We can have fun and fully enjoy the myriads of sites the ocean has to offer but as with every activity we do, it must be with done with moderation and great care.
*Margarita Boat Charters