Dahican Hatchery 1 derives its name from the Pawikan (sea turtle) conservation hatchery program protecting nesting sites along Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines, with 'dahik' being the local term describing sea turtles coming from the sea to nest. Located on Dahican Beach, a 7-kilometer pristine coastline in Mati City on the southeastern coast of Mindanao, approximately 190 kilometers southeast of Davao City, the hatchery sits within an important nesting area for endangered sea turtles. Davao Oriental's coastal communities historically harvested sea turtle eggs and occasionally adult turtles for meat, contributing to population declines of green, hawksbill, and olive ridley species nesting on Philippine beaches. Conservation efforts accelerated during the 1990s and 2000s as environmental awareness increased, with local governments, NGOs, and community groups establishing hatchery programs protecting nests from poaching, predation, and coastal development impacts. Amihan sa Dahican, a group of young local surfers and skimboarders passionate about environmental protection, achieved Green Fins certification for responsible diving and snorkeling while operating hatchery facilities protecting Pawikan nests during the January-June nesting season. The hatchery collects eggs from vulnerable beach locations where they risk being destroyed by high tides, human activity, or predators, relocating them to protected enclosures where volunteers monitor nests and facilitate safe hatchling releases into the ocean after 45-60 day incubation periods. The conservation program educates visitors and local residents about sea turtle biology, threats, and protection importance, creating economic value for living turtles through ecotourism that incentivizes continued conservation rather than exploitation.
Dahican Hatchery 1 offers unique ecotourism opportunities to observe sea turtle conservation firsthand and participate in hatchling release programs when timing permits. Visitors during nesting season (January-June) may witness female Pawikans emerging from the ocean at night to excavate nests and deposit 80-120 eggs before returning to the sea, though sightings require patience and often nighttime beach walks. The hatchery enclosures feature protected nest sites with sand-filled containers maintaining natural incubation conditions, with informative signs explaining sea turtle life cycles, nesting behaviors, threats including plastic pollution and climate change, and conservation measures. Volunteers and staff provide educational presentations about the three sea turtle species nesting at Dahican—green turtles (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), and olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea)—each classified as endangered or critically endangered by IUCN. The most memorable experiences occur during hatchling releases when tiny turtles emerge from nests approximately 45-60 days after egg deposition, with volunteers coordinating releases during evening hours when cooler temperatures and reduced predation risk improve hatchling survival. Visitors may participate in releases, walking to the water's edge and placing hatchlings on the sand to allow their instinctive journey to the ocean, watching the tiny turtles disappear into waves beginning their life journey where only 1-2% will survive to reproductive maturity. Dahican Beach beyond the hatchery offers excellent surfing and skimboarding conditions, particularly during the October-March northeast monsoon season when consistent swells create ideal wave conditions. The 7-kilometer white sand beach surrounded by coconut palms provides stunning natural beauty with crystalline blue-green waters, creating picture-perfect tropical beach scenery. Beach activities include swimming, surfing, skimboarding, beach volleyball, stand-up paddleboarding, and simply relaxing in hammocks strung between coconut palms. The beach's relatively undeveloped character maintains authentic Philippine coastal village atmosphere, contrasting with heavily touristed destinations like Boracay and El Nido.
Dahican Hatchery 1 area and nearby Mati City offer Filipino coastal dining emphasizing fresh seafood and regional Mindanao specialties. Bawud restaurant provides breathtaking Dahican Beach views with Instagram-worthy decor, serving grilled seafood including fresh catch of the day (PHP 300-450 depending on size), kinilaw (Filipino ceviche with vinegar and citrus, PHP 180), and crispy pata (deep-fried pork knuckle, PHP 450), alongside fresh coconut juice (PHP 60). Parola Resto Cafe and Bar offers innovative dishes transforming Mati's dining scene with sisig (sizzling chopped pork with onions and chili peppers, PHP 150), chicken inasal (grilled marinated chicken, PHP 160), and seafood sinigang (sour tamarind soup with fish or shrimp, PHP 200-280). La-Ne's Kan-Anan specializes in Filipino, Asian, and barbecue cuisine with grilled tuna belly (PHP 220), pork BBQ skewers (PHP 25 each), and bulalo (beef shank soup, PHP 180), providing casual beachside atmosphere. Mandarin Tea Garden serves Chinese cuisine with sweet and sour fish (PHP 280), yang chow fried rice (PHP 120), and lumpia shanghai (spring rolls, PHP 100). Ciangi offers seafood specialties with grilled squid (PHP 200), garlic butter shrimp (PHP 320), and mixed seafood platter (PHP 500 for two people), alongside San Miguel beer (PHP 50). Beachfront vendors sell fresh buko (young coconut, PHP 40), grilled corn on the cob (PHP 30), and banana cue (deep-fried caramelized banana, PHP 15), providing quick snacks for beach-goers. Visitors to Dahican Hatchery typically combine sea turtle conservation experiences with beach activities and authentic Filipino Mindanao cuisine, supporting local communities while participating in important environmental protection programs along this beautiful southeastern Philippine coastline.
