Exploring White Island Camiguin was the highlight of my trip to this tropical paradise in the south of the Philippines. The soft and powdery Camiguin sandbar is located just 2km off the northern shores of Mambajao and it’s one of the best places to see during your visit.
I have put together this complete guide to Camiguin White Island including how to get there, how much it costs, the best time to visit, and what to expect when you arrive!
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Table of Contents
HOW TO GET TO WHITE ISLAND CAMIGUIN
The only way to get to the island is to ride a pump boat from the White Island Ferry Terminal in Mambajao which is located right next to Paras Beach Resort.
Click here to see the location of the ferry terminal on Google maps.
As I mentioned earlier, the Camiguin sandbar on White Island is only 2km off the north coast which takes no more than 10 minutes to reach by boat.
The pump boat operating hours from Camiguin Island to White Island start at 5:30 am and finish at 5:30 pm, 7 days a week.
RELATED ARTICLE → 13 BEST CAMIGUIN TOURIST SPOTS
White Island Ferry Terminal
WHITE ISLAND CAMIGUIN ENTRANCE FEE
The entrance fee is 50 pesos and the pump boat fee is 450 pesos which seats a maximum of 6 people.
For those traveling solo, it would be ideal to find a group of people to split the cost of the pump boat between you.
If you wish to go snorkeling on White Island in Camiguin, you can rent a mask and snorkel set from one of the shops down near the White Island Ferry Terminal for 100 pesos p/day.
The Camiguin sandbar
View of Mt Hibok Hibok
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit this remarkable Camiguin sandbar is at sunrise which is between 5:30 am and 6:00 am.
There are two reasons why I recommend visiting White Island Camiguin as early as possible:
- White Island is one of the most popular Camiguin tourist spots and it can get VERY busy during the day as boatloads of people are constantly coming and going. Get there as early as you can to beat the crowds and enjoy this heavenly sandbar almost completely to yourself.
- There are no trees, houses, or sheltered huts on the island so during the midday sun, it can get sweltering hot! It’s much cooler on the sandbar in the earlier hours of the morning. The only means of shade on White Beach Camiguin are small beach umbrellas which can be rented for 50 pesos each.
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Sunrise on White Island
MY EXPERIENCE
Stepping off the boat and sinking my toes into the sand on White Beach Camiguin was an experience in itself! I don’t think I have ever felt sand this soft before.
We walked from one end of the sandbar to the other in a matter of minutes and noticed there was a second sandbar across a shallow water channel. My buddy Jay crossed over to the other side and I sent my drone up to take a few shots. He had the entire Camiguin sandbar to himself, it was unreal!
I was in complete awe of the vibrant turquoise-colored water that surrounds the sandbar and couldn’t resist taking a dip in the ocean, more than once!
One of my favorite things about this location is the view facing back towards Camiguin Island where Mt Hibok Hibok and Mt Vulcan can be seen reaching high into the skyline, creating the ultimate backdrop. I have never seen a landscape quite like it in my life!
From the sky, White Island Camiguin looks like a boomerang which is a pretty impressive sight and it’s also known to change shapes throughout the year with the shifting tides. How fascinating!
Can you spot Jay on the sandbar?
Camiguin sandbar
HOW LONG TO SPEND ON THE ISLAND
You can spend anywhere between 1 hour and 1 day on White Island Camiguin, it all just depends on how many days you have allowed yourself to explore the rest of Camiguin Island.
I have heard of some people spending an entire day on this. unique sandbar, lounging on the sand, reading a book, and just kicking back all the while taking in the sweeping views.
My friends and I spent about 1.5 hours on the island and felt like this was more than enough time to enjoy this natural wonder!
Must Read → 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
Boomerang shaped Camiguin White Island
WHITE ISLAND CAMIGUIN MAP
WHERE TO STAY IN CAMIGUIN
Camiguin Island has countless accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Bintana Sa Paraiso
I personally stayed at Bintana Sa Paraiso and can’t recommend this place enough! They have 2 properties, one is on the beachfront in Mambajao and the other is high in the mountains in Binunsarun. It’s currently one of the best 5-star accommodations in Camiguin featuring a restaurant, swimming pools, sea views, and mountain views! The rooms are modern and spacious with private bathrooms, air conditioning, flat-screen tv, and kitchenette. Breakfast is also included for all guests.
Mid Range: Tongatok Cliff Resort
Tongatok Cliff Resort is your second best pick for accommodation in Camiguin. Located on the cliffs overlooking Tongatok Bay, the resort features a restaurant, room service, bar, garden, terrace, and free wifi. The units are fitted with air conditioning, flat-screen tv, a private bathroom, a large patio, and ocean views! Breakfast is also included for guests.
Budget: Pabua’s Cottages
Pabua’s Cottages is the best budget accommodation in Camiguin. Featuring beautiful gardens, a shared kitchen, free wifi, and room service. The units are basic but perfect for a few night’s stay, featuring a seating area, flat-screen tv, large bed, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. Recommended for solo travelers, couples, and friends.
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY, SEE MY COMPLETE GUIDE ON WHERE TO STAY IN CAMIGUIN ISLAND.
AIRBNB CAMIGUIN
Another option for accommodation is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals.
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LONELY PLANET PHILIPPINES
One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet Philippines Travel Guide!
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MORE PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDES
- Philippines Guide: 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
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- Siquijor: 3 Day Siquijor Itinerary
- Bantayan: 15 Things To Do In Bantayan
- Malapascua: 11 Things To Do In Malapascua
- Camiguin: 13 Best Camiguin Tourist Spots
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- Carabao: 7 Best Things To Do In Carabao
- Dumaguete: Best Dumaguete Tourist Spots
- Sumilon Island: Sumilon Island Itinerary
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MY SHOP
Before you go, don’t forget to check out My Online Shop!
I’ve got a wide range of digital products for sale and I’m sure you’ll find something that will come in handy during your travels!
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FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions about Camiguin White Island, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Happy Travels!