The Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao remains bustling with travelers eager to squeeze in final holiday getaways, according to a local tour guide association. This surge highlights a strong recovery for Samal Island's tourism following recent seismic events.
Post-Earthquake Recovery Fuels Holiday Rush
Landrico Espuerta Jr., a tour guide with the Samal Island Gabay Association (SIGA), reported a significant increase in activity. The association alone now dispatches between 20 to 25 boats each day, a sharp rise from the typical seven boats on regular days.
"This week there are still a lot of people who take advantage of the remaining days when there are no work and classes yet," Espuerta explained in a January 2, 2026, interview with GMA Super Radio Davao. He expressed gratitude for the returning tourists, noting the sector's rebound after the twin earthquakes that hit parts of the Davao Region on October 10, 2025.
Espuerta acknowledged that tourist numbers plummeted immediately after the quakes due to public safety concerns. However, confidence has since been restored. He anticipates passenger traffic to normalize and decrease by mid-January 2026 as the holiday period ends.
Samal's Signature Attraction Draws Crowds
Island hopping around the Island Garden City of Samal is a premier tourist draw. The boat-based tours showcase:
- Pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs.
- Excellent snorkeling sites with rich underwater life.
- Scenic spots around Samal and nearby islets like Talikud Island.
- Popular sandbar destinations.
Espuerta noted that tourist interest traditionally builds from October through November as the holiday season approaches, with Talikud Island being a frequent highlight for these excursions.
Coast Guard Ensures Safe Holiday Travel
Supporting this travel boom, the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) has been actively ensuring maritime safety. Under their "Plan Byaheng Ayos: Pasko 2025" initiative, they reported assisting approximately 263,860 passengers as of January 2, 2026.
Their comprehensive safety checks included inspections of 652 water vessels, 113,098 rolling cargoes, and 7,714 motorized bancas. The CGDSEM continues to encourage the public to use their official hotlines to report emergencies, irregularities, or any safety concerns for immediate assistance.
The current scene at Sta. Ana Wharf underscores a resilient tourism industry in Samal, successfully navigating past challenges to welcome visitors back to its famous island-hopping adventures.
