Pamomoan Beach & Sugba Lagoon Siargao: ULTIMATE DIY Guide
Are you searching for pristine white sand beaches, unique rolling hills, and emerald-green waters? Pamomoan Beach and Sugba Lagoon are a must-see on a day trip from Siargao Island.
This post will let you know everything you need to know for a DIY trip – how to get there, what to expect, and a complete cost breakdown updated for 2024.
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You have probably heard of the famous Sugba Lagoon as one of the best things to do in Siargao. However, lesser known is that this trip can be combined with a visit to the paradisical Pamomoan Beach.
Not typically offered as part of the organised tours from General Luna, a DIY tour is very straightforward and the best option to explore these stunning spots – especially on a budget!
This post will tell you everything you need to know about Pamomoan Beach and Sugba Lagoon, for an unforgettable day trip from Siargao.
Where are Pamomoan Beach and Sugba Lagoon?
Pamomoan Beach and Sugba Lagoon are located on Caob Island, a small land mass off the west of Siargao.
A trip to Siargao is not complete without a visit and both can be accessed after a short boat ride from Del Carmen Port, the jump-off point.
Below I have highlighted Pamomoan Beach, Sugab Lagoon, and Kawhagan Island on the map.
I have also highlighted Del Carmen Port, which is where you buy your tickets. When travelling by scooter, this is the location you’ll head for to begin your trip.
How to get there
If you’re looking for convenience, then an organised tour from General Luna might be your best bet. However, for those on a budget or wanting more flexibility, I would recommend a DIY tour.
Getting to Pamomoan Beach and Sugba Lagoon by yourself is pretty straightforward. To reach Del Carmen Port it takes roughly 50 minutes.
Coming out of General Luna, take the main road heading to Dapa. Upon reaching Dapa you will take the Siargao Circumferential Road up the west of the island until you reach Del Carmen.
You can park your scooter and purchase your tickets directly at the port. It takes about 40 minutes by long-tail boat to reach Pamomoan Beach and about 20 minutes to reach Sugba Lagoon.
The boat ride is part of the experience as you cruise through the mangroves. Some islands are inhabited and it is amazing to catch a glimpse at this unique way of life.
Travel around Siargao like a local and get your bike from a trusted merchant.
Reliable service, a choice of well-maintained bikes, and optional delivery to your accommodation.
Pamomoan Beach
Pamomoan Beach was the first stop on our trip and when we arrived, it took my breath away. This secluded beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Siargao.
Soft white sand, crystal clear water, and of course, untold amounts of coconut trees. Pamomoan Beach is everything that springs to mind when dreaming of a tropical paradise.
Due to the remoteness of the location, this is totally pristine and unspoiled. With only a handful of people when I was there, this is a great spot if you want to escape the flocks of tourists.
Pamomoan Beach is the perfect spot to laze around and soak up the rays, as there is a cooling breeze off of the sea.
The water is the clearest and calmest I experienced in the Philippines. It is great for swimming or snorkelling as coral and rocks are absent.
With a backdrop of nearby Kawhagan Island, the tropical views are postcard-perfect.
There is an affordable Filipino restaurant on the island for refreshments and snacks. If like us you are visiting Pamomoan Beach first, I would recommend grabbing some food here as there is no restaurant at Sugba Lagoon.
We spent just over an hour here but speak to your boat driver if you would like more time, as they are super flexible.
Pamomoan Beach entrance fee
Below is a complete breakdown of the boat fees and how much the day trip will cost you.
To enter Pamomoan Beach, there is an additional 100 PHP ($2) entrance/environmental fee on top of this.
Sugba Lagoon
After cruising through the mangroves, you will catch a glimpse of the epic emerald-green water that is Sugba Lagoon.
The vibrancy of the water contrasted with the rolling hills in the background is simply spectacular.
After arriving, you can set up on the little floating house/restaurant, which can be used as your base for exploration. We left our stuff here and the staff kept an eye on it for us.
Here you can also book activities such as paddle boarding or kayaking for 300 PHP ($5) per hour. We decided to explore the lagoon by swimming but a kayak would give you the chance to check out some of the hidden coves a bit further out.
The diving board will catch your eye right away and jumping into the water is great fun for the dare-devils. It is a great photo opportunity too!
We swam about for 1.5 hours before heading back to Del Carmen.
Note: there is a 3-hour limit on visiting Sugba Lagoon – this is to allow all tourists enough time to appreciate its beauty.
Sugba Lagoon entrance fee
Like Pamomoan Beach, the entrance/environmental fee for Sugba Lagoon is also 100 php on top of the boat fees.
What is Sugba Lagoon known for?
Sugba Lagoon is one of the top tourist spots in Siargao for good reason. Known for its pristine, emerald-green water and unique domed rolling hills, Sugba Lagoon is simply breathtaking.
How long is the boat ride to Sugba Lagoon?
The boat ride to Sugba Lagoon from Del Carmen port is approximately 20 minutes through scenic mangrove forests and islands.
Is Sugba Lagoon worth visiting?
Sugba Lagoon is well worth a visit and is not to be missed if you are in Siargao. Despite its beauty, Sugba Lagoon does not attract as many tourists as other lagoons in the Philippines.
Sugba Lagoon is not just to be marvelled at, but there are also lots of activities for an action-packed afternoon.
There is a diving board for the dare-devils and the opportunity to paddle board or kayak around the spectacular waters.
Visit the main Siargao highlights including the Maasin River, Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko Rock Pools, and Coconut Viewdeck.
All entrance fees, a private guide, and roundtrip transport to your accommodation included.
When is the best time to visit?
Pamomoan Beach is not so touristy, so any time of day should be okay.
Sugba Lagoon requires a little pre-planning. Some recommend going first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. The first boat leaves the port at 8 am.
However, we’re not early risers, so we set off at about 1 pm. We visited Pamomoan Beach first which I would recommend, as it meant we arrived at Sugba Lagoon at about 3 – 3:30 pm.
At this time there were very few people and we had the dive board to ourselves. Bear in mind that all boats have to return by 5 pm, so this final hour is the least busy.
Ultimately, if you choose to go early, head to Sugba Lagoon first before the majority of boats arrive. If you choose to go later, I would visit Sugba Lagoon last. Just try to avoid midday.
The best time of year to visit Pamomoan Beach and Sugba Lagoon coincides with the best time to visit Siargao in general, during the dry season from March to October.
Cost breakdown and budget
When visiting Pamomoan Beach and Sugba Lagoon you can book at the port on the day.
The boats can fit 6 people so either come with a group, or you can just wait around at the port to join with others like we did.
At the port, you are given 3 options:
Just Sugba Lagoon
The price was 2400 PHP for the 6-man boat + 100 environmental fee.
Total: 500 PHP ($9) each
Sugba Lagoon + Pamomoan Beach
This was the option we opted for. The price was 2700 PHP for the 6-man boat + 100 environmental fees for each destination.
Total: 650 PHP ($11.50) each
Sugba Lagoon + Pamomoan Beach + Kawhagan Island
The price was 3050 PHP for the 6-man boat + 100 environmental fees for each destination.
Total: 810 PHP ($14) each
I would say that this is your best option to make the most of your time.
Kawhagan Island is a beautiful sandbar, just opposite Pamomoan Beach. Unfortunately, we did not have the time for all 3 but it is so worth it for that complete tropical experience.
Our total cost breakdown
650 PHP for the Pamomoan Beach and Sugba Lagoon tour (including fees)
20 PHP scooter parking at the port
350 PHP scooter rental for the day + 70 PHP for petrol
Total: 1090 PHP ($20)
As you can see, this is a fantastic affordable activity for those travelling on a budget and cannot be missed as a day trip from Siargao.
Where to stay in Siargao
When visiting Siargao, most people tend to stay in the tourist hub General Luna, close to the main bars, restaurants, nightlife, and activities.
I would recommend Mao Mao Surf Hostel. This hostel offers a laidback surfing vibe and rustic private bungalows at a medium-range budget.
Embrace the tropical island vibes and live in the jungle, with an outdoor bamboo shower, hammocks, and an amazing surf school.
This is a great option for couples. Prices for a private room start at $50.00 per night.
If you’re visiting Siargao and you liked this post, then be sure to check out my other handy guides:
