Baclayon: Sea Kayaking

Kayakasia Paddlesports is the latest adventure-laden lure to the beautiful coastline and islands of Baclayon. Offering trips, lessons, rental and retail, Kayakasia caters to all experience levels, ages and interests.

Kayaking the Two Churches
Half day – Historical churches, snorkeling, mangroves, delightful lunch.

The paddle starts at the historic Baclayon Church, the second oldest in the Philippines. After some basic instructions, the paddle will follow the coast of Bohol where you can see mangroves, go snorkeling and interact with local fishermen. The paddle will end at Dauis Church, one of the most charming churches in the Visayas region. A delightful lunch will be served at Cafe Lawis beside the Dauis Church – a fair-trade local enterprise.

Level: Beginner.
Distance: 6km.
Time: 8am departure daily. 4 hours.
Price: Php 1,950 per person (inclusive of a set lunch at Cafe Lawis)

Kayaking the Two Churches
Whole day – Historical churches, snorkeling, mangroves, delightful lunch, beautiful coastlines, organic food.

The paddle starts at the historic Baclayon Church, the second oldest in the Philippines. After some basic instructions, the paddle will follow the coast of Bohol where you can see mangroves, go snorkeling and interact with local fishermen. The paddle will end at Dauis Church, one of the most charming churches in the Visayas region. A delightful lunch will be served at Cafe Lawis beside the Dauis Church – a fair-trade local enterprise. After lunch, the paddling and exploring will continue along the coastlines of Panglao Island. The day will end at the locally-conceived Bohol Bee Farm, where you can indulge in their organic restaurant or simply try their outstanding ube-ube ice-cream.

Level: Beginner/intermediate.
Distance: 14km.
Time: 8am departure daily. 8 hours.
Price: Php 2,950 per person (inclusive of a set lunch at Cafe Lawis)
Min 2 pax. to depart.

Pamilacan Island Kayaking
One day or two day – Sea kayaking, snorkeling, dolphins, island escape.

Pamilacan Island was the only traditional whaling village in the Philippines. While this hundred years old tradition has ceased, there are still plenty on offer on the island. Whales and dolphins have returned giving local villagers an eco-tourism opportunity that we are happy to support. The kayaks are perfect for observing these creatures silently at a distance without disturbance. Take a two day trip with us and stay on one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches on Bohol.

Level: Beginner or advanced
Distance: 6km (beginner) or 24km (advanced)
Price:
1 day beginner – Php 2,950 per person (inclusive of kayak gear, banka trip to Pamilacan, guides, snorkeling gear & lunch)
2 day advanced – Php 3,950 per person (inclusive of kayak gear, support boat, guides, snorkeling gear, 3 meals, beach hut accommodation on Pamilacan Island)

Kayaking Courses
Kayakasia guides are certified kayak instructors (comparable to BCU Level 1 coaches) who can certify individuals and groups (schools, organizations and companies).

Currently Kayakasia is offering the two following kayak courses:

Fun with Kayaking!

Come and discover the joys of kayaking and the beauty of the Philippines waters. Done with minimal technical jargon and with maximum fun, participants will learn the basic of kayaking the leisurely way.

Time: 3 hours
Price: Php 900 per person.

Recreational Kayak Course

Comparable to SCF and BCU 1-star certificate, this intensive 2-day course will teach the participants the essentials of paddling sit-in kayaks. Upon completion, participants will have the confidence to handle a sit-in kayak and build essential foundations for sea kayaking.

Time: 2 days
Price: Php 1,950 per person.

Sea Kayak Rentals

If you have kayaking experience and would like to explore Bohol from the water, Kayakasia are happy to rent kayaks and gear.

Kayak type: 5 meter Roxas sea kayak
Price: Php 1,500 per kayak per day (includes paddle, PFD, bilge pump, laminated local map, whistle, bailer, sprayskirt)

Important Notes:

- Please inform Kayakasia in advance if the rental period is long-term.
- Previous kayak experience is required.
- At least one member of the group must know how to perform self and assisted rescues.
- For multi-day rental, a Php 3,000 security deposit is required, and is refundable upon return of the undamaged equipment.
- A waiver of liability must be signed prior to departure.
- Individuals under 18 years of age must have a signed consent form from a parent/guardian.

Who are Kayakasia Paddlesports Philippines?

Kayakasia Paddlesports Philippines is headed by Buzzy Budlong – GM & Chief Instructor, along with the instructor/guides Rey Donaire, Bong Clarin and Godfrey Amoguis. All Kayakasia guides and instructors have SCF/BCU (Singapore Canoe Federation/British Canoe Union) certification with Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support training.

Buzzy is a professional kayaker/paddler and has paddled more than 5,000km in his life. He is the first Filipino to kayak the entire length of the Philippines in 2009, taking 88 days. He has been guiding paddlers in a sea-kayak to explorations and expeditions since the year 2000, and has been giving professional training to his guides for kayaking skills development and safety. To date, more than 200 people have tried and experienced kayaking trips under his guidance within the last two years.

What equipment is provided on all of the trips and lessons?

- Kayaks and paddles
- PFD (Personal Floatation Device)
- Snorkeling gear
- Water
- Guides
- Logistics boat

What should I bring?

The following items are recommended to be brought along to your kayaking trip to make it as comfortable for you as possible:

- Long sleeve lightweight clothing e.g. rashguards
- UPF-rated sun-protective hat, sun block and sunglasses
- Waterproof container for your electronics e.g. dry bag, waterproof box or ziplock plastic bag
- Towel and a change of clothes
- Jacket for night time kayaking

What happens if the weather turns bad?

Group safety and comfort are the primary concerns of Kayakasia and appropriate steps to ensure them are never compromised. The latest weather forecasts are studied and will be the basis upon which they decide whether to continue with a kayaking trip or lesson. Light to medium rain however won’t cause any problems as the gear provided will protect you from the elements – and paddling in the rain can actually be quite a pleasant experience

What is Kayakasia’s cancellation policy?

Kayakasia reserves the right to cancel trips that do not meet the minimum pax requirements. Kayakasia also reserves the right to cancel any trip prior to departure for any reason whatsoever, including unforeseen weather or logistical problems which may impede trip and safety operations. If the trip is cancelled less than one day before departure, a full refund will be given, but Kayakasia will not be able to refund personal expenses incurred in preparation for the trip (e.g. air tickets, insurance, equipment etc.). If the trip is cancelled is cancelled with advance notice of more than one week, a replacement trip on another date with the same itinerary and comparable value will be offered.

Contact Details:

Address: Baluarte Grounds, Poblacion, Baclayon – beside the Municipal Tourism Information & Activity Center
Mobile: +63-933-358-0081 / +63-933-167-7715 / +63-928-197-9165 / +63-910-486-3519
E-mail: kayakbohol@gmail.com

(Text and photo: baclayontourism.com)