WHITE ISLAND CAMIGUIN: Ultimate Travel Guide 2022

Jul 12, 2020 | Philippines

White island camiguin, white island camiguin Philippines, camiguin island, camiguin white island, white island in camiguin, camiguin tourist spots

White Island Camiguin is the pride and joy of this island province, an adventure seeker’s haven between Bohol and mainland Mindanao in Southern Philippines. This ever changing sand bar is one of the only patches of white sand on the entire island, since most of the beaches are black and rocky thanks to its volcanic past (and present). 

Growing up on Camiguin, White Island was always one of Zowie’s favourite places to visit, obviously for the sun and sand, but also for the incredible view looking back at Camiguin. The beauty of White Island deserves to be shared with everyone, which is why we’ve created this ultimate guide to White Island Camiguin for anyone planning on visiting. 

Best time to visit White Island Camiguin

Since there’s absolutely no shade on the island, unless you rent an umbrella, it can get extremely hot. For this reason, we encourage you to go as late or as early as possible – sunrise or sunset. You don’t have to worry much about the tides. Unlike a lot of sandbars, there’s still plenty of White Island to enjoy during high tide. The shape of the island will change depending on Amihan or Habagat season. 

White island camiguin, white island camiguin Philippines, camiguin island, camiguin white island, white island in camiguin, camiguin tourist spots

How to get to White Island Camiguin

The port to White Island is in the town of Yumbing, around 15 minutes out of the main town of Mambajao. A lot of visitors will stay in the popular resort towns of Yumbing and Agoho, so if you’re staying nearby you’re in luck. The port is right next to Paras Beach Resort, and a lot of resorts in the area have tours that will take you to White Island. From the port in Yumbing, it’s only 10 minutes by pump boat to White Island, and your boat captain can either wait for you if you don’t plan on staying too long, or you can set a time for him to return.

RELATED ARTICLE: 13 BEST CAMIGUIN TOURIST SPOTS

 

Up until just recently pump boat was the only way to access White Island, but if you’ve got some cash to splash, Nouveau Resort – the newest 5-star resort on Camiguin – offers speed boat packages to White Island and Mantigue Island. It’s a stunning, scenic 30-minute speed boat journey between the two islands.  

What to bring to White Island Camiguin

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)

Entrance fee for White Island Camiguin

A trip to white island will set you back around $9 for a boat of 4 people plus a $1 environmental fee per person. Before setting sail, you can rent or buy snorkelling gear at the souvenir kiosks by the port. Once out on White Island, you can rent beach umbrellas for $3, which we recommend if you want to avoid the killer sun on the island.

What to expect at White Island Camiguin

Pulling up in the boat at White Island is like stepping into literal paradise. The water surrounding the sandbar is almost too blue to be true, the sand powdery soft and bright white. You’ll definitely want to wear your sunglasses here, and don’t forget your sunscreen.

In terms of activities on White Island Camiguin, there isn’t a whole lot to do other than swim, sunbathe and take stunning photos. You can rent an umbrella (we recommend it) or some snorkelling gear, however there isn’t a reef around the island. This is the place you come to relax and enjoy the incredible view.

White island camiguin, white island camiguin Philippines, camiguin island, camiguin white island, white island in camiguin, camiguin tourist spots
White island camiguin, white island camiguin Philippines, camiguin island, camiguin white island, white island in camiguin, camiguin tourist spots

We’ve always been pretty lucky when it comes to timing our visits to White Island Camiguin when it’s quiet, but our biggest advice is to anyone trying to avoid throngs of tourists is to never visit on a weekend, public holiday and never ever Holy Week. 

Despite the midday heat, White Island attracts a lot of local tourism, and since Filipinos are used to sweltering heat they don't mind sleeping in and visiting the island around lunch time. You'll be photoshopping boat loads of tourists out unless you time your visit correctly. If you get to the port and it looks crowded, you can always visit some waterfalls or springs until later in the afternoon when the crowds have thinned.  Not sure what else to do on the island? Check out our ultimate Camiguin Island travel guide for all the inspo you need.
Despite the midday heat, White Island attracts a lot of local tourism, and since Filipinos are used to sweltering heat they don't mind sleeping in and visiting the island around lunch time. You'll be photoshopping boat loads of tourists out unless you time your visit correctly. If you get to the port and it looks crowded, you can always visit some waterfalls or springs until later in the afternoon when the crowds have thinned.  Not sure what else to do on the island? Check out our ultimate Camiguin Island travel guide for all the inspo you need.

Not sure what else to do on the island? Check out our ultimate Camiguin Island travel guide for all the inspo you need.

Camiguin Island Philippines Travel Guide 2

Pin it for later

White Island Camiguin Philippines Travel Guide

Where to stay in Camiguin

Bintana sa Paraiso - Binunsaran

A boutique mountain resort with panoramic views overlooking White Island

Bintana sa Paraiso - Naasag

Santori-style villas built along the cliffside

Nouveau Resort

The newest 5-star resort and event space on the island

Related posts

15 BEST RESORTS IN EL NIDO

15 BEST RESORTS IN EL NIDO

El Nido is arguably the most famous destination in the Philippines, known for its towering limestone islands and impossibly beautiful beaches. If El Nido is on your bucket list, then keep reading for the 15 best resorts in El Nido, from budget to boujee. Best time to...

28 BEST CEBU TOURIST SPOTS

28 BEST CEBU TOURIST SPOTS

Cebu - Queen City of the South, land of waterfalls, home of Gatorade blue water. This stunning island has become a must-visit destination for tourists coming to the Philippines, thanks to its ease of access and incredible sights. We've been fortunate enough to be...

9 BEST CAMOTES ISLAND TOURIST SPOTS (2023)

9 BEST CAMOTES ISLAND TOURIST SPOTS (2023)

Camotes Island is a picturesque – and in our opinion, wholly underrated – island off the east coast of Cebu. Whilst a popular weekend destination for Cebu City residents, Camotes Island has stayed off the radar of foreign and even most domestic tourists. We personally...

10000 Roses Cebu – Ultimate Guide

10000 Roses Cebu – Ultimate Guide

If you know anything about Cebu’s vibrant dining scene, you’ve probably heard about 10000 Roses Café & More. As the name suggests, it’s so much more than a café. 10000 Roses Cebu has an art installation of – you guessed it – 10000 roses that illuminate at...

Follow along on socials