Sport Fishing

Sports Fishing in Boracay is one of the water activities that is currently picking up steam. Sports fishing is essentially fishing on a boat but the difference is in the type of game they catch. The catches are normally bigger and harder to obtain than traditional ones. The fishes tend to be the deep sea fishes like small sharks and other heavyweights.

The best time to go sports fishing would be the during the cold months from November to January, as opposed to other months for it is when fish gather in bulk and make it easier to catch them. Fishes like sailfishes, marlins, and cudas can be caught but one should not expect much if one is trying this out for the first time.

There are normally a few fishing charters at all the stations 1-3 but they are normally expensive since a lot needs to be settled before heading out. The costs normally cover the gas and other misc needs. What most people do is approach any local fish vendor and pay them roughly half or even less of what the charter trips cost. One should avoid picking any person without knowing if he is a ferryman or a true fisherman. The difference is that a ferryman would only carry people from one area to another while a fisherman knows where to fish and the type of fish available.

Most sports fishing involves the use of bangkas and not the traditional ferry type boats. A bangka can be rented out for at least $40 - $50 for the whole day. This includes the service of the fisherman or person who mans the bangka. The fees might differ depending on the season but it is the standard going rate. One may opt to pay in dollars or in the peso, the local currency.

Bringing one's own equipment is a must for most bangkas have their own versions of fishing rods and sometimes one has to figure out how they are used and may end up being disappointed in their use. It is always a good idea to bring one's own gear so that one is assured of a great time.

Other treats that may be picked up while sports fishing are a string of squid and if lucky, some crabs. If one has the time, the local shrimp can also be caught and brought ashore for a grilling adventure. More and more tourists who seek a break from the mundane would find sports fishing an excellent way to enjoy Boracay.426

The presence of tennis courts on Boracay is always a given considering the island tries to be as accommodating as can be to the wants and desires of its guests. There are a limited number of tennis courts. The ones most accessible to public use are the ones found in the Tirol Tirol Resort. These tennis courts are the most popular for there is only a small charge of P150.00 per hour and the rates go higher during peak season. Tirol Tirol is found near station 2 of the island and there are usually a lot signs that point to various tennis courts but a few stand out in terns of sanitation and service. Resorts like the Beach Coconut Resort or the high class Shangri-la Resort have their own courts and charge around p200.00 per hour.

Most tennis courts are not meticulously maintained like high class ones in Metro Manila but they are maintained to the point of being completely functional. Boracay originally did not intend to have such facilities but as the clientele's demand increased, the more resorts offered them. There used to be a plethora of tennis courts but most owners found maintaining them to be another problem altogether.

It is a must for tennis court players to bring their own gear. The most essential one would be one's own personal racket and their choice sports shoes. All the tennis courts may have a simple, generic racket to use but that's about it. One should plan and pack their gear early. One should not expect for a 5 star treatment but should be realistic in their expectations. While there a few sports shops, most are not equipped with the most modern equipment and some might only carry sports accessories and nothing else. One should also bring their own water bottles for the local water might not be to ones stomach and could possibly ruin ones vacation.

Although tennis lessons are available on the tennis courts, one might have to book reservations in advance for the actual schedule of the tennis instructor. Those who value privacy while playing may opt to use the courts found in the Club Panoly Resort area. The hotel rating of Club Panoly is AAA while others like Tirol rate a single A.

In Boracay, those who wish to play tennis would be relieved to see that there are a variety of tennis courts on the island that can suit their budgets and their love for the game.