San Juanico Cruise started in 2015 as a community-based project to promote ecotourism as well as to provide livelihood for the Yolanda survivors. There were a number of boats donated by an international NGO for the residents, and since there was a fishing ban for 3 years during that time in the area, the concept of San Juanico Cruises was born.
With the joint efforts of DOT Region 8, LGU, Business sectors, and tour operators, this tourism-related initiative was able to provide hope and livelihood for the locals, especially the fishermen.
After years of operation, I got the chance to experience the San Juanico Cruises together with the PHITEX delegates as part of their post-tour. It was our very first activity by the time we arrived in Tacloban that morning.
Credit: Sir Gerry Ruiz / Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours
Our group was divided into two groups, and the boat started sailing. The concept is just simple – let the tourists experience the beauty of nature and witness the iconic San Juanico Bridge from a different perspective.
Travelers in Tacloban or Eastern Visayas have already experienced passing through the iconic bridge. Some even walked on it and got the chance to take some Instagrammable photos. But how about cruising beneath the San Juanico bridge? That’s definitely a different kind of experience.
Honestly, cruising along the San Juanico Strait, known as the world’s narrowest strait is already a delightful experience with all those lush green forest and islets both from the Samar and Leyte areas.
Of course, the highlight of the entire experience was getting the boat closer and closer to San Juanico Bridge until passing beneath the iconic landmark.
The boat became slower until it stopped for a few minutes for us to have ample time to enjoy the view and take some photos. I made sure that I was able to witness and enjoy the view by my own very eyes before taking some photos.
I have to say that it was an overwhelming and inexplicable experience. San Juanico Bridge is just magnificent, the rare opportunity of witnessing the beauty when nature and man-made structure integrates with one another.
Our cruise ended with a sumptuous breakfast at San Juan By the Bay in Sta. Rita, Samar.
How to avail of the San Juanico Cruise?
Get in touch with Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours. They handled our tour within Samar- Leyte including the San Juanico Cruise, and they were awesome. Highly recommended! Just contact them through the below details.
Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours
Calle Zaragosa, Independencia St, Tacloban City, Leyte 6500
(053) 832 0259
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LeyteGulfTravelAndTours/
Website: http://leytegulf.callezaragosa.com/
How to get to Tacloban?
Major airlines such as Cebu Pacific, PAL, and Air Asia have direct flights from Manila to Tacloban. If you prefer the longer and sometimes cheaper option to travel, there are bus companies that offer trips to Tacloban from Manila. For more details, check this blog post – Manila to Tacloban by flight and bus
Note: This travel to Samar was made possible through the Tourism Promotions Board and DOT Region 8. Thank you for the opportunity. Also, huge thanks to Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours for the wonderful service.
