18 Jun 2025

A Grand Time at Bucas Grande

Our last stop in the Philippines was an absolute cracker - the wonderful limestone formations of Bucas Grande and its inland lagoons home to two species of jellyfish - Moon jellyfish and Spotted jellyfish.

We started with a Zodiac cruise where most viewed Hornbills, Kingfishers and Brahminy Kites while exploring the coastline and islands which look like mushrooms due to the ocean erosion of the limestone. Making our way to the changeover platform to transfer to local outrigger canoes, donned our hard hats and life vests for safety. All aboard the outrigger and off we went to explore the limestone tunnels, caves and formations, enjoying the natural scenery of the huge lagoons surrounded by forest covered hills. The kayakers were out and about with their own local guide paddling along the tranquil waters and entering the lagoon through the limestone tunnel pulling themselves along the rocks before paddling through the lagoon area filled with jellyfish.

Those in the outriggers had chance to swim among the transparent moon jellyfish and explore the cave network around the lagoon. Returning to the platform we were greeted with sweet, glutenous rice snacks, chilled fresh coconuts for drinking and chats with the locals who live and work in the area.

On a warm blue-sky day, it was such a stunning way to finish our time in the Philippines, having visited the elite natural areas where we have been made so welcome and for four stops were the first ever ship visit. The Filipino love language of hospitality still going strong through to the end, back on board Heritage Adventurer with the bow pointing south for Indonesia, the afternoon was spent at sea.

Images © C. Finch & K. Gillies, Heritage Expeditions