Categories
Philippines

Island Hopping in Siargao (2023)

Island Hopping in Siargao should be a non-negotiable to anyone’s itinerary. Read on to see what awaits you on this beautiful island.

Naked Island

As someone who loves tropical destinations, I was thrilled to explore Siargao – a Philippine island known for its incredible surfing scene. While I didn’t initially have high expectations for the beaches, as soon as I stepped onto the powdery white sand and plunged into the crystal clear turquoise water surrounding its three stunning islands, I knew I had found my private patch of paradise. In fact, I never wanted to leave!

Siargao Tri-Island Hopping Tour

On our third day in Siargao, my friends and I made the decision to go island hopping. We discovered that there are plenty of boatmen in Siargao who offer island tours, so no reservation is necessary. Some surf resorts even provide these tours and include tour guides and lunch. However, in our case, we decided to organize the island tour with a boatman we had met the day before. It cost us 1,500 pesos, which was good for a group of 5 to 6 people.

Your Ate Girl in Daku Island

Naked Island

Our first stop was Naked Island (Pansukian). It’s not really an island but a white sandbank, so there were no coconut trees and other vegetation. Nevertheless, its pristine white sand and azure waters were great! We spent an hour here and took plenty of photographs. 

drone shot of Naked Island in Siargao
Drone shot of Naked Island in Siargao

Daku Island

Our second destination was Daku Island, one of the best islands in the Philippines. This island is my favorite among the 3 because the quality of the beach is perfect. I absolutely love its calm turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and coconut palm-fringed shoreline.

resident doggo in Daku Island

Inhabited by only a number of local families, the island is a great place to relax and unwind. You can rent a Nipa Hut on the beach and have the local fishermen cook up some of their fresh catch. You can also buy buko (fresh coconut juice) for refreshment! If you are feeling adventurous, there are a few good surf breaks at Daku Island.

Guyam Island

After spending some time in Daku Island, we decided to move along and check out Guyam Island, an uninhabited islet located merely 2 kilometers from the main island of Siargao. Its sand may not be as fine as in Daku Island, but Guyam is still a great place for swimming and beach bumming.

first time in Guyam Island

Island Hopping in the Philippines

Calaguas Island used to be the top 1 on my list of the best islands in the Philippines; Siargao Island easily claimed that spot! In my opinion, island-hopping in Siargao is highly underrated.

boat docked in Naked Island
Naked Island

It was hard to believe that the 3 islands of Naked, Daku and Guyam can give beach lovers a fantastic beach holiday without going too far. The islands are just 15 minutes away from General Luna, so you won’t have to spend too much time traveling. If you are confident with your kayaking skills (and swimming), then you go to the islands on your own. We saw two couples kayaking and it looked very enjoyable!

Where can I book an island hopping in Siargao?

There are many boatmen in Siargao who offer island tours, and you can easily find them by asking around or visiting the main pier in General Luna. Alternatively, resorts also offer island tours as part of their packages. If you prefer to book your island hopping tour in advance, you can also check online platforms such as Klook, Viator, or GetYourGuide for available tours and deals.

aerial shot of Guyam Island
drone shot of Guyam Island

Where is a good place to stay in Siargao?

Siargao has a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. If you’re looking to stay in the center of action, consider staying in General Luna, which is the main hub for surfers and beachgoers. For a more authentic island experience, you could also consider staying in the nearby town of Del Carmen.

Some popular options in General Luna include the luxurious Nay Palad Hideaway, the budget-friendly Mad Monkey Siargao, the laid-back Buddha’s Surf Resort, and the cozy Reef Beach Resort.

Is 3 days enough in Siargao?

If you’re planning a trip to Siargao and wondering whether 3 days is enough to explore the island, my advice would be to stay as long as you can. While I did spend 3 days in Siargao on my first visit, I felt like I could have stayed much longer. If you’re a surfer, you’ll want to spend a few days trying out different surf spots and catching some waves. And if you’re island hopping in Siargao, you’ll need to set aside a full day for this adventure.

Have you been to Siargao? What can you about the 3 islands? Let’s chat down below! Feel free to share on Twitter or Facebook by using the super-easy share buttons! 🙂 Have an awesome week, everyone! 

By Project Gora

Hey there! My name is Milet Miranda, and I'm a full-time corporate employee during weekdays and a traveler during weekends (and holidays...you get the picture). I'm a foodie at heart and I love joining food tours. When I'm not traveling, you'll find me walking my dogs or biking around my neighborhood.