Dawel River Cruise Relaunched!

The Dawel River Cruise takes us back to the time of the forefathers of Dagupan City when the early settlers painstakingly built fishponds with their bare hands and simple tools, to the present when the rivers have been revived and revitalized until the future when the fruition of the sparkling clean rivers are enjoyed by the next generation of Dagupeños.


The Dawel River Cruise will let you experience the serenity and pristine beauty of Dagupan’s rivers. One would definitely enjoy the refreshing breeze, invigorating sight of the clean river, mangroves, different avian species, various freshwater fishes including Dagupan’s treasure and the world’s tastiest milkfish– the Dagupan Bangus!

It was one of the eco-tourism and livelihood projects of the late Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim and now relaunched by his son Mayor Marc Brian C. Lim in time with the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, Patron Saint of Dagupan City. 


The Dawel River Cruise starts from the wharf or quay aptly called Daungan ed Dawel at the foot of the Dawel bridge in Catacdang, Bonuan Gueset. The cruise which would last for about an hour, passes through the calm rivers of Dawel and Watac-Mamalingling- two river tributaries of Pantal and Bayaoas rivers. Pantal and Bayaoas rivers are two of the Seven Rivers of Dagupan City which include Patogcawen, Magueragday, Paldakit, Calmay and Tanap.


Along the stretch of the riverbank where the boat passes, one could see lush green trees called mangroves or bakawan. There are about fourteen (14) identified species out of the forty eight species of mangroves found in the Philippines. Situated at the turn-about of the cruise are the ruins of the old Ferrocarril de Manila-Dagupan railroad track built in the early 1900’s that led to Damortis, La Union.
The Dawel River Cruise boat is proudly Dagupan-made as it was locally built by the finest craftmen and boatmakers from Dagupan's island barangays. It is made of an engine-powered flat deck catamaran with two hulls. Its roof is made out of Nipa palm leaves securely fastened in stainless steel frames. Bamboo strips make up the boat's flooring. From afar the boat looks like a floating Nipa hut or bahay kubo. The Dawel River Cruise boat can seat around twenty four (24) persons. Safety provisions like lifesavers are placed in boat railings. Boat drivers, boat assistants and tour guides are trained swimmers and rescuers.
Provisions for dining, onboard entertainment, massage and spa while cruising are in the works. More activities and added facilities and amenities at the identified pit stops are envisioned by Dagupan City Tourism Officer Rose Mary Teng - Mejia. Bangus. One of the special features of the original river cruise is the feeding of Dagupan bangus in one of the fishponds along the route which can be done through special arrangement with the fishpond owners, the City Agriculture Office and City Tourism Office.

So the next time you visit Dagupan City, be entertained and captivated by the Dawel River Cruise!

Enjoy your stay here. Have fun in Dagupan!


Written and edited by: @SiRVis
© What's Up Dagupan

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