Top 10 Amazing Facts about Siete Pecados

Fish coral; Siete Pecados- Image by csharker from Pixabay

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Siete Pecados

Siete Pecados, translating to ‘Isles of the Seven Sins,’ is a group of seven rocky islets located between the towns of Buenavista, Guimaras and Dumangas, Iloilo.

The group’s highest point only reaches 8 meters. It is north of Guimaras and south of the island of Panay.

It is a developing tourist attraction together with another small islet called Roca Enchantada (meaning ‘Enchanted Rock’) some distance away from the shore.

1. Siete Pecados is considered a prime snorkelling spot

Woman snorkeling- Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

As a prime snorkelling spot, and the closest to Coron town, Siete Pecados boasts shores of healthy coral, teeming with life. If ever interested in a snorkelling adventure, this is the place to be.

There are so many species of sea animals that could interest you and the place is too beautiful to miss out on.

Additionally, snorkelling in Siete Pecados is like swimming in a giant aquarium. You will see schools of fishes of various species and colour magnificently swimming underwater while accompanied by other sea creatures like small squids, octopus, and baby sharks

2. It has quite an interesting legend behind it

Folk tales and Legends- Author; Warwick Goble- Wikimedia

Since its name translates to mean “Seven Sins,” the local legend has it that there were seven sisters who disobeyed their mother and went swimming in the tranquil despite their mother’s warning.

Unfortunately, they drowned and it is said they are the ones who formed the seven islets you will catch a glimpse of, while at Siete Pecados today.

3. Siete Pecados is a popular tourist attraction

Tourists-Author; Wegmann- Wikimedia

The most popular spot of Siete Pecados is the island hop. It can get very crowded during the high peak season of tourist attractions. Thus, one is always advised to arrive early so as to be able to have the place to yourself for a moment.

Additionally, as a visitor, you can also immerse yourself in the sparkling waters of pecados, which are richly populated with very dynamic and vast marine life.

They are inclusive of schools of tropical angel fish, sea turtles, and squid. One is however advised to keep their eyes open for jellyfish and sea urchins as they swim.

4. Its waters are so clear you can see the fishes swimming

Siete Pecados Underwater- Author; GRMondala- Wikimedia

Because the water is crystal clear, one can see the fishes swimming together while still seated inside the boat.

One can also be able to feed the fish from the boat though it is generally discouraged so as not to distort the natural food chain in the area’s ecosystem.

5. Siete Pecados is home to different types of Corals

Fish and Coral at Siete Pecados- Author; Firth m- Wikimedia

Corals are small marine animals. The “hard” type of coral usually grows with the help of algae, thus giving it colour and nutrients that help it form a sturdy, stony skeleton.

Reefs, which form through the accumulation of hard coral, are a vital ecosystem, that supports an estimated 25% of ocean species.

At Siete Pecados, one can see such corals so well given how clear the waters at Siete are.

6. Boats are not allowed to drop their anchors

An anchor- Image by Sebastian Kopf from Pixabay

In order to avoid any damage to the reefs, boats are not allowed to drop their anchor. Instead of anchors, boatmen can use anchored buoys.

Therefore at Siete, you won’t see boats parked with their anchors deeply burrowed into the sea’s sands underneath.

7. It is considered the perfect spot for amateur and beginner divers

Diving- Photo by Joseph Northcutt on Unsplash

This is a perfect diving spot for amateur and first-time divers as ropes are thrown over the boats ensuring their safety.

This is because of one, the many experienced guides you will find at the place ready to show you the ropes and also because of the clarity of the water. With its beauty and marine life, there’s sure a sight to see

The coral reefs surrounding the islets are shallow and among the healthiest in the region of the Philippines. So you may actually need only a life jacket to explore the place’s underwater wonders.

8. Siete Pecados is considered a marine park

A marine park in Thailand- Image by Penny from Pixabay

A marine park is a type of marine protected area (MPA). An MPA is a section of the ocean where a government has placed limits on human activity.

Marine parks are multiple-use MPAs, meaning they have different zones allowing different types of activities.

Siete Pecados is thus a marine park protected and recognized by the government of the Philippines. Thus, human activity that can easily threaten marine life, like fishing and polluting the waters, is strictly prohibited.

9.  There are a number of restaurants and accommodations nearby

A restaurant in Mattemburgh- Author; G.Lanting- Wikimedia

The islets are lush and rocky, and landings are not allowed. You will find in Coron town, less than 3km from Siete Pecados, many hotels and restaurants.

Day tours usually include lunch and drinks. Inquire when booking. The accommodations nearby makes it easy to visit and enjoy the place till very late.

There’s no need to worry about where you will sleep, in the event that you end up staying till very late.

10. There are so many species of fish at Siete Pecados

Fish aquarium- Image by John French from Pixabay

A good variety of fish inhabits the reef at Siete Pecados. These are inclusive of peacock wrasse, Moorish idols, butterflyfish and pufferfish.

One can easily take a look at the sea anemones living on the reef. Many of them are inhabited by different clownfish species.

Just below the surface, around the boats, you’ll sometimes be surrounded by hundreds of sergeants majors and green Chromis. With luck, it is also possible to spot sea turtles around the islets, but they quickly swim away if there are too many snorkelers around.

The reef hosts abundant sea life, but Siete Pecados’s highlight is to encounter the shoal of barracudas living around the easternmost island. In this area, known as “barracuda point”, hundreds of barracudas are gliding in the blue.