Camotes Island has no short supply of beaches, but Santiago White Beach is by far the most famous on the island. Also known as Santiago Bay Beach, this stunning cove is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. If Santiago White Beach is on your Camotes Island itinerary – and it should be – keep reading for all the info you need to know before you visit.

Best time to visit Santiago White Beach

We stayed right next door at Santiago Bay Garden & Resort, and our room had a killer view of the beach, so we were able to see the beach in its many forms. We actually recommend visiting at high tide when the water covers most of the sand. It’s still very shallow even at high tide.

How to get to Santiago White Beach

Santiago White Beach is on Google Maps as Santiago Bay Beach so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it. There is a pin for Santiago White Beach but it’s not accurate, so make sure you search for Santiago Bay Beach.

What to bring to Santiago White Beach

Prepare for your trip to Santiago White Beach with our must-have travel essentials. (click for prices)

• Snorkel, mask & fins
• Quick-dry microfiber travel towel
• Insulated water bottle
• Hiking Sandals
• Waterproof backpack & phone case

If you’re interested in photography and/or videography this is the gear we can’t live without:

Professional camera: Sony a7iv (click for price)
Action camera: GoPro HERO10 Black (click for price)
Drone: DJI Air 2s (click for price)

Santiago White Beach Entrance Fee

Santiago White Beach is a public beach so it’s free for everyone to enjoy! There’s no entrance fee, but we do recommend bringing some cash to spend at the beachside grill restaurants or if you want to rent a cottage. Cottage prices vary from one resort to another, but they’re around 300PHP.

What to expect at Santiago White Beach Camotes

There’s a good reason this is the most popular beach on the island. Its soft white sand stretches out for hundreds of metres, and at high tide when the tide comes up it’s perfect for shallow wading.

You can do as little or as much as you want at Santiago White Beach. If all you’re craving is a day in the sea and sun, claim a sunbed and settle in for some R&R. Otherwise, there are a number of activities like beach volleyball and kayaking.

The left side of the beach closest to Santiago Bay Camotes is lined with BBQ restaurants which come alive at night. Stay for sunset then pull up a chair and enjoy some freshly grilled seafood and meat with a side of karaoke. Our personal favourite is Pito’s!

Santiago Bay Camotes Garden & Resort

If you really want to make the most of your visit to Santiago White Beach and Camotes Island, we can’t recommend Santiago Bay Garden & Resort enough. Not only will you have the beach on your doorstep, accessible by a private staircase leading right into the water, but it’s by far one of the best Camotes Island resort.

The grounds and facilities are welcoming, with bungalow style accommodation, manicured gardens and two pools to choose from. Plus, with a view like that of Santiago White Beach, it doesn’t get much better.

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