Melo Villareal
If you think that activities in Mindoro are just limited to swimming, snorkeling, diving, and island hopping, then you should visit San Teodoro and try Whitewater Kayaking in Arigoy River. Located near Calapan and Puerto Galera, San Teodoro is fast becoming a famous eco-tourism destination in Oriental Mindoro.
Sandbar in Puerto Galera
After visiting Long Beach in Puerto Galera, we headed to Elizabeth’s Hideaway Hotel & Restaurant for lunch. Popularly known as Sandbar, Elizabeth’s Hideaway Hotel & Restaurant is a resort located in Boquete Island, Sto. Nino in Puerto Galera.
Braving the rapids in Arigoy River
Our lunch was followed by a trip to San Teodoro town in Oriental Mindoro for our Whitewater Kayaking activity in Arigoy River. At the kayak put-in area, we were told that the kayaks are limited, so I opted not to join the group since river kayaking is no longer new to me.
Whitewater Kayaking in San Teodoro
Learning how to Kayak
From the registration area where participants were asked to sign a waiver, I joined everyone at the put-in area to take photos and just enjoy the cool spring waters at the riverbank while waiting for the activity to start. Unlike other rivers I’ve been to, Arigoy River is wide with clear waters that are surrounded by mountainous terrain with lush vegetation.
Whitewater Kayaking in San Teodoro
A few minutes after the safety orientation, the participants started to brave the rapids. Since dealing with the fast current, bouncing off boulders, and the splashing cold waters is challenging for beginners, guests who do not know how to swim were advised to take the front seat of the two-seater inflatable kayak as the guide directs the paddling direction and movement. From the put-in, it takes almost two hours to conquer the 17 rapids in Arigoy River.
Kayaking Adventure in San Teodoro
Whitewater Kayaking Safety Orientation
Opened in 2012, Whitewater Kayaking in San Teodoro is a nice attraction for those who want a different challenge beyond water sports in Puerto Galera.
Due to limited kayaks, guests are required to book two days in advance by contacting the municipal tourism office.
More than just an exhilarating experience, whitewater kayaking in San Teodoro also gives an opportunity for cultural immersion. With its lush vegetation and friendly locals, this will definitely complete your island getaway.
Fees
Arigoy River is free to visit, but if you plan to do Whitewater River Kayaking, the fee is P1,200/head, which includes the transportation of the kayaks, the guides, safety gear, and the environmental fee.
Travel Tips
- Whitewater Kayaking is only open to guests 11 years old and above.
- Guests under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs will not be allowed to do the kayaking activity.
- Whitewater Kayaking reservations will be canceled during bad weather.
- There is no cellphone coverage in the area.
- Bring your own food and drinking water.
- Wear Dri-FIT clothing.
Where to Stay
You can contact the Municipal Tourism Office for homestay programs; otherwise, camping is also possible in selected areas.
Tourism Contact Info
Tourism Officer of San Teodoro
Contact Person: Julius Bae
Sitio Arigoy, Brgy. Calangatan, San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro
PHONE 0908 728 5049
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Also read: A Trip to Tukuran Falls in San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro
