Olango Island Group, Island group and wildlife sanctuary in Central Visayas, Philippines.
The Olango Island Group comprises seven islands with sandflats, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs covering approximately one thousand hectares. The waters and coastal habitats support diverse marine life and form a protected wetland system.
The tidal flats received protection in 1992 and gained Ramsar site status in 1994, establishing it as an important conservation area. These designations transformed the islands into a recognized sanctuary for migratory birds and marine life.
Local fishers still use traditional methods to harvest sea urchins, shells, and other marine resources for income and subsistence. These practices shape daily life on the islands and connect people to their coastal environment.
The ideal visiting period is July to November, when migratory birds arrive from Siberia and East Asia. During these months, you can observe the largest concentrations of birds and the most active wildlife.
The deeper waters near Mabini Point are home to hammerhead sharks and other large marine predators that appear regularly. These animals reveal the extent of marine life that exists beyond the shallow coastal areas.
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