Taklobo Tours: Giant Clam Conservation
Giant Clam Conservation in Samal Island, Philippines — a destination with a mission.
A Destination with a Mission
Taklobo Tours is an ecotourism destination which highlights Tridacna species, their unique characteristics, conservation status, and the vital role of marine protected areas in safeguarding these benthic charismatic megafauna.
The initiative promotes biodiversity conservation and protection of threatened giant clam species, while enhancing ecotourism, strengthening local capacities, and providing livelihood opportunities for local communities.
As a result, the giant clam conservation initiative has contributed to the restoration of degraded reef ecosystems, heightened global environmental awareness, and created sustainable livelihood opportunities for local stakeholders — underscoring both biological and socio-economic benefits.
What You Need to Know About Taklobo Tours
Quick facts about the Taklobo conservation & ecotourism initiative in Samal Island.
An eco-tourism destination
An eco-tourism destination that features the indispensable role of marine sanctuaries in giant clam conservation, while upholding fishery rules and regulations.
Giant clam restocking site
Started as one of the Giant Clam Restocking Sites of the UP–Marine Science Institute.
Location
Located in Barangay Adecor, Kaputian District, Island Garden City of Samal.
Marine reserve park
Operates in a Marine Reserve Park that is now home to more than two thousand giant clams of different species.
Local livelihoods
Provides livelihood opportunities to the surrounding coastal communities.
Community empowerment
Empowers and capacitates locals to become tourist guides and conservation warriors.
Responsible tourism
Proves that responsible tourism can flourish in a protected area for environmental conservation.
Conservation awareness campaigns
Initiates conservation awareness campaigns by creating and exhibiting Gigacos, a mascot named after Tridacna gigas, the biggest clam in the world. Gigacos symbolizes a call to embrace environmental stewardship and support ongoing conservation efforts for the Taklobo.
Socio-Economic Impact of Giant Clam Conservation
For 22 years of operation, Taklobo Tours has 136,005 total guest arrivals (2013–2025) and generated an income of Php 14,025,305.00.
For the last 12 months (October 2024 – September 2025) it recorded 8,647 guest arrivals. Taklobo Tours has reached 69 nationalities; among the top nationalities are:
- Filipinos - 91%
- American - 2.7%
- Chinese - 1.6%
- Korean - 1.3%
- Japanese - 0.5%
- Others - 2.9%
Taklobo Tours has been featured in multiple vlogs, webpages, media features and publications, has received several awards, and has established partnerships and linkages that support its conservation and livelihood goals.
