SANTA SOFIA BEACH

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Santa Sofia is a beach located in southern Leyte at Tangkaan, or Tancaan, Point in Barangay Padre Burgos. The relatively uncrowded stretch of alabaster sand is lined with mangrove and palm trees that provide natural shade. Calm, clear waters make Santa Sofia an excellent beach for swimmers and snorkelers. Once out of the water, climb the concrete watchtower for spectacular views of Sogod Bay and Limasawa Island. The nearby Buenavista Fish Sanctuary also offers diving and snorkeling opportunities. Read More: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/beaches-leyte-island-philippines-54943.html

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Santa Sofia marine protected area is a great dive site. It is situated south of Padre Burgos follow the road to Brgy Tankaan. This dive can be done from shore or boat. It has an abundance of hard coral mostly around 10 to 12 meters 45 degree coral slope drops down to 25 meters has sandy patches where nudie branchs and crocodile fish are regularly found. Has been a marine sanctuary since 2005. Things to see nudie branchs, ghost pipe fish, flamboyant cuttlefish, hawks bill turtles, giant travally, frog fish humped head wrasse and occasional eagle ray. Read More: http://divingsogodbay.blogspot.com/2009/01/santa-sofia-marine-protected-area.html

Photo from: http://www.theislandergirl.com/2013/11/diving-sogod-bay-southern-leyte/

The local government here is stepping up conservation efforts for sea turtles after discovering that their area is one of the nesting sites of this endangered reptile.

They have launched an information drive in coastal communities to raise public awareness on marine protection after a female turtle nested in the sands of Santa Sofia village here on April 13.

Last week, the local government in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources released the baby turtles to the wild after three weeks.

It was the second time that turtles hatched their eggs in Santa Sofia shoreline. This is a proof that female marine turtle find suitable sand in which to create a nest.

Santa Sofia village is a host to a 15-hectare fish sanctuary. Read More: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2017/05/10/southern-leyte-town-steps-sea-turtle-conservation-drive-541114