A Complete Guide To White Island in Camiguin
Are you planning to visit White Island in Camiguin?
This post will detail everything you need to know about the picturesque White Island. Including how to get there, what to expect, and how much it will cost.
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Camiguin is known as the Island Born of Fire, for its majestic volcanos that dominate the landscape.
In recent years, Camiguin has been growing in popularity and creeping into many Philippines itineraries.
Visitors are left in awe of its steaming hot springs, pristine waterfalls, and black-sand beaches, unparalleled in the Philippines.
White Island is undoubtedly the most popular tourist spot on the island and the jewel in Camiguin’s crown.
Visiting the powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters of this sandbar is one of the best things to do in Camiguin.
The beauty of White Island naturally attracts boatloads of tourists.
If you plan to add this spot to your Camiguin itinerary, a little planning is required to truly make the most of your experience.
This post will detail everything you need to know about White Island, including how to get there, the best time to visit, the cost, and the main activities.
White Island Camiguin description
White Island is a powdery white sand bar off the northern coast of Camiguin Island.
The sandbar typically looks like a boomerang, but the shape changes with the tides to expose different areas of fine sand.
White Island is totally uninhabited with zero infrastructure. It is surrounded by vibrant turquoise waters and coral reefs, perfect for swimming or snorkeling.
The mountainous backdrop is the real star of the show, offering one of the most picturesque views of Camiguin Island and its volcanoes.
Need somewhere to stay?
The best area to stay in Camiguin is the tourist hub Mambajao. Check out the best accommodation here for every budget –
BORBON’S TREEHOUSE – best low-budget accommodation. Rustic bungalows located on a private black-sand beach.
TONGATOK CLIFF RESORT – medium-budget Camiguin accommodation overlooking the ocean and mountains.
BINTANA SA PARAISO – best luxury accommodation. Private balconies with infinity pool and seaview. Private butler service.
Why is White Island in Camiguin famous?
Along with incredibly soft sand and gorgeous views, White Island is known for changing shape with the tides.
It is the most iconic Camiguin tourist spot and one of the most stunning white sand beaches in the Philippines.
White Island Camiguin history
According to legend, Camiguin Island used to be home to many stunning white-sand beaches.
However, the devasting eruption of Mt. Hibok Hibok in 1871 covered these beaches in black volcanic sand and rock, as can be seen at Agohay Beach.
White Island is therefore said to be the last remnant of the white sand beaches that used to dominate the island.
Must Read: THE ULTIMATE CAMIGUIN TRAVEL GUIDE 2024: Budget & Itinerary
White Island location
You will find White Island about 2 km off the northern coast of Mambajao in Camiguin.
The departure point, called the ‘White Island Ferry Terminal’ on Google Maps, is conveniently located in the main tourist hub Mambajao.
It is right next to the Paras Beach Resort.
From the departure point, White Island is roughly 10 minutes away by boat.
White Island is very straightforward to reach and is located near other popular Camiguin tourist spots. This means there is no excuse not to add it to your Camiguin itinerary.
How to get to White Island Camiguin
To reach White Island, you should head to the Google Maps location ‘White Island Ferry Terminal’ located in Mambajao.
Here, you will purchase your tickets and rent any necessary equipment.
To reach the departure point, I would recommend hiring a scooter. This is the best way to get around Camiguin Island.
We hired our scooter from our accommodation for 350 PHP ($6) a day. For further details, you can check it out here.
Likewise, if you are not confident on a scooter, you can take a tricycle to reach the terminal. If your accommodation is in Mambajao, this should cost no more than 100 PHP ($1.80).
Read my full How To Get To Camiguin Island Guide for step-by-step instructions from all popular destinations.
White Island Camiguin: Entrance fees & opening times
As well as the White Island entrance and boat fee, there are some further optional fees too.
Compulsory fees
- 550 PHP ($9.80) for a boat (suitable for 4 people)
- 75 PHP ($1.40) entrance fee
Optional fees
- 100 PHP ($1.80) snorkel and mask rental
- 50 PHP ($0.90) life jacket
- 150 PHP ($2.60) beach umbrella
All of the compulsory fees are paid at the White Island Ferry Terminal before leaving the mainland. If you need to rent a life jacket or snorkel, this can also be done at the kiosk at the terminal.
If you’re hoping to rent an umbrella, this can be done at the sandbar directly.
Opening times
White Island Camiguin is open every day from 5 AM – 5 PM.
There is no limit on how much time you can spend on the sandbar. However, the last boat trip to White Island will be at 4 PM.
Note: White Island is perfectly located to catch both sunrise and sunset. However, the opening times mean that you will only be able to catch a sunrise.
To maintain the beauty and tranquility of the island, boats do not hang around waiting for you. Be sure to talk to your boat driver and let them know what time you would like them to pick you up.
The best time to visit
The best time to visit White Island is Camiguin is very early in the morning (5 AM – 7 AM) or later in the afternoon (3 PM – 5 PM).
I would personally recommend visiting for sunrise. This is for two important reasons –
- White Island is a sandbar totally exposed to the elements with no shade. The earlier in the morning you visit, the less vulnerable your skin will be to the harsh sun.
- Visiting White Island is the most popular thing to do in Camiguin. It gets very busy with tourists who arrive in boatloads from about 6 AM. Catching the first boat for sunrise is therefore the best option.
Philippines Essentials Packing List
What to expect from White Island Camiguin
Arriving at White Island and witnessing the backdrop of Mt. Hibok Hibok and Mt. Vulcan is simply breathtaking.
With powdery soft white sands surrounded by crystal-clear waters, White Island feels like an isolated slice of paradise miles away from the mainland.
Changing shape with the tides, this is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Camiguin. Be sure to take a walk around the sandbar to snap some photos with the iconic mountainous backdrop.
Depending on the shape, you might have to cross some shallow waters to reach other exposed areas of sand.
Whilst the sand is mainly powdery soft, in some areas the coral sand is a little hard and rock, so you might benefit from some water shoes.
The earlier you come, the more tranquil the experience will be with fewer tourists. Keep an eye out for one of the locals selling fresh sea urchins.
Top Tip: there are no shops or people selling refreshments on the island. Make sure to bring any snacks and plenty of water.
White Island activities
White Island is an uninhabited sandbar with no infrastructure at all. This means that whilst it retains its paradisiacal beauty, there are not many activities.
The main White Island Camiguin activities are –
- Basking in the sunlight and catching a tan
- Refreshing dip and swimming in the turquoise waters
- Snorkeling or diving to appreciate the marine life and corals
The soft white sands make this the perfect spot in Camiguin to soak up the rays and catch a tan. As you are in the middle of the ocean, there is a nice breeze off of the ocean to keep you cool.
However, be sure to wear plenty of Reef Safe Sunscreen and rent an umbrella if necessary.
If you’re hoping to cool down and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, I would recommend doing this in the area enclosed in the crescent shape.
On the other hand, if you’re hoping to snorkel, then there is a slope coral reef on the outside of the crescent shape. Here, you can see many fish and coral varieties, as well as colourful starfish.
However, whilst the local government has tried to implement sustainable practices, the influx of boats and tourists has led to a depletion in fish species.
If you were hoping to dive, White Island boasts a unique black coral garden on one side. Here, you might have the chance to see jacks, snappers, groupers, or fusiliers.
Some recommended dive schools in Camiguin are Black Beach Divers or Volcan Beach Dive Resort.
Important: on the outer side of White Island where you would snorkel or dive, there can sometimes be a strong current. Please be careful of this.
Mantigue Island vs White Island
Visiting Mantigue Island is another one of the best things to do in Camiguin.
Being the two most popular islets to visit from Camiguin, there is a debate about whether Mantigue Island or White Island is better.
It isn’t easy to compare these two Camiguin tourist spots because they are very different. White Island is a sandbar, whilst Mantigue Island is an island and protected marine sanctuary.
Both offer phenomenal postcard views of Camiguin Island in the distance and soft, powdery white sand.
Full Post: Mantigue Island Nature Park Camiguin: The COMPLETE Guide
On both islands, you can snorkel, but I have heard that the biodiversity and marine life at Mantigue Island are better.
Mantigue Island is also home to lush greenery at its center, perfect to cool down from the heat.
This is the main downside to White Island. It is totally exposed with no shade, meaning you should try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the harsh sun.
White Island is also one of the more popular things to do in Camiguin, meaning it is always busy with tourists. The peace and tranquility are therefore not comparable to that on Mantigue Island
These two islands offer different experiences but are both well worth a visit if you have time on your Camiguin itinerary.
VISIT BOTH OF THESE AMAZING SPOTS ON A CAMIGUIN ISLAND-HOPPING ADVENTURE
Where to stay in Camiguin
When visiting Camiguin, the majority of travelers tend to stay in the tourist hub Mambajao.
From here, you will be perfectly located near all of the main Camiguin tourist spots and restaurants.
Borbon’s Treehouse By The Sea
Our favourite accommodation in the Philippines and a great option for travellers on a budget.
These cozy bamboo beachfront cottages are located in the heart of the tourist hub Mambajao but feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
With its own black sand private beach, you are just steps away from the ocean. You can enjoy sunrise and sunset each day in this slice of tropical paradise.
These beautiful private cottages have a rustic feel and each is equipped with a spacious room and a private balcony area.
The owners are digital nomads, so all of the cottages boast super-fast wifi. There is also a fully-equipped shared kitchen.
Prices start at about $27.00 per night.
Tongatok Cliff Resort
A great Camiguin accommodation for couples or groups with a medium budget.
Nestled perfectly on the cliff’s edge, this Camiguin accommodation offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and nearby mountains. It is one of the best spots to catch sunset.
Each room has a private terrace, some with hammocks. The resort also boasts its own private beach area, a locally sourced restaurant, and a bar.
Prices start from about $60 per night.
Bintana Sa Paraiso
The best place to stay in Camiguin for luxury travelers.
Located in Mambajao at the foot of Mt. Hibok Hibok, this accommodation offers one of the most jaw-dropping views in Camiguin.
Each room has a balcony area and a private infinity pool overlooking the sea. The modern and spacious rooms also come with a 24-hour personal butler service.
This resort also offers meditation, yoga, and massage services, as well as a delicious restaurant elevated above the beach.
Prices start from about $100 per night.
There are 3 main entry points to Camiguin Island –
- Camiguin Airport
- Balbagon Port in Mambajao (coming from Cebu/Bohol)
- Benoni Port on the eastern coast (coming from Mindanao)
Your best option would be to fly. Either fly direct from Manila with Sunlight Air or change in Cebu.
There are no direct ferries from Cebu to Camiguin.
You will first have to take a ferry from Cebu to Bohol (book here) and then a ferry from Bohol to Camiguin (book at port).
If you’re coming from Cagayan de Oro or Davao, the bus and ferry schedule is super regular and does not need to be booked in advance.
For my full post from Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, or Davao, check out my full How To Get To Camiguin Guide here.
Is Camiguin worth visiting?
A small but mighty island, Camiguin is worthy of a place on your Philippines itinerary.
Camiguin and its natural wonders make this one of the most unique places in the Philippines. If you’re looking for a change of scenery and a true topical island feel, then Camiguin is the place for you.
The island hasn’t been overwhelmed with tourism, so the island still has a rustic laidback charm and some of the friendliest locals ever.
As with most destinations in the Philippines, the WiFi in Camiguin can be a little patchy and unreliable. For a stress-free trip, I would suggest getting a data plan with an Airalo eSIM.
How many days do you need in Camiguin?
Camiguin is a very small island and you can visit most of the main tourist spots in a couple of days.
I would recommend 3 days in Camiguin to visit all of the highlights. You cannot miss White Island, Ardent Hot Springs, Katibawasan Falls, and the Sunken Cemetery.
However, if you are hoping to take advantage of this laid-back island to relax and unwind, then 5 – 7 days would be ideal.
You can read my Camiguin Travel Guide with a recommended 3-day itinerary here.
Camiguin tour packages
If you’re short on time or simply prefer to have things booked in advance, below are the most popular Camiguin tour packages –
CAMIGUIN: 3 DAYS, 2 NIGHTS (hassle-free) – includes all main Camiguin highlights, as well as two nights’ accommodation, breakfast, and lunch.
FULL-DAY CAMIGUIN TOUR WITH WHITE ISLAND – includes all main Camiguin highlights, plus White Island.
CAMIGUIN DAY TOUR (best value) – main Camiguin highlights.
ISLAND HOPPING CAMIGUIN – White Island & Mantigue Island.
What is Camiguin known for?
Camiguin is known as Isla del Fuego, for its seven volcanos that dominate the surface.
The seven volcanos create a unique landscape of towering waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and steaming hot springs.
These volcanos are totally omnipresent and many of the most popular tourist spots act as a testament to the island’s volcanic past.
When is the best time to visit Camiguin?
The best time to visit Camiguin coincides with the best time to visit the Philippines in general.
This would be in the dry season, from March – October. However, in general, Camiguin boasts a tropical climate and is generally hot all year round. We visited in March and had great weather.
I would recommend visiting for the annual Lazones Festival in October, a sweet tropical fruit Camiguin is famed for.
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This post has detailed everything you need to know for an unforgettable trip to White Island Camiguin.
If you’re going to be spending some time in Camiguin, feel free to check out my other helpful guides –
