Sunken Cemetery

Just off the coast of Camiguin Island in the Phillipines lies a lost cemetery. Those willing to row to the giant cross in the distant waters will find themselves floating above one of the most sacred sports on the island, a graveyard that was the victim of a violent volcano eruption. When the nearby Mt. Vulcan erupted in 1871, it continues to spew lava into the sea for nearly three whole years, making the water level ride nearly 2,000 feet. Entire portions of the island were lost forever, including the town's cemetery. Today, there are few reminders of life on the island before the eruption, just the ruins of a Spanish church.  For years, the old graveyard was still visible during low tide, when the tops of headstones would poke out of the water. That all changed when the volcano again erupted, this time raising the water even higher. In an effort to remember their buried forefathers, the townsfolk erected a large, stone cross on the hardened lava that sealed their lost cemetery.  Today, the Sunken Cemetery is one of the most unique diving spots in the world, where visitors can can get an up close to the coral covered tombstones. A particularly great time to visit the sunken cemetery is during the month of November, when a beautiful procession is organized by the townsfolk as a way to honor their dead by floating flowers and candles to the large marker. Thosw wishing to visit the Sunken Cemetery can do so either by swimming out or renting a boat. The small boats, suitable for up to five people, cost about 100 pesos, but the cemetery itself is free to visit.