“We don’t want to get caught in the downpour”: Sport Tourism Activities and The Local Rainy Season in Gorontalo, Indonesia

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify tourism and to determine the period of sports tourism activities according to the local season in Gorontalo Province. This study is using a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytic method. Sports tourism data was obtained through direct visits, observations, and interview with tourism office, tourism object managers, while local seasonal data of Gorontalo Province was obtained through literature study, and interviews with BMKG Climatology, and Maritime Station. Based on study results, beach swimming was conducted in March April May, and September October November during the transition (shady season). Diving and snorkeling in the Gulf of Tomini were conducted in October to April. Hiking, trekking, paragliding, rafting, and tubing in the southern of Gorontalo are conducted in March April May, and September October November during the transition from the first and second rainy seasons. While in the northern should be conducted in April to October during the dry season and transition.