Your first trip to Catanduanes: a quick planning guide

Catanduanes rewards a little planning. Here’s a short checklist to help you put your first trip together.

When to go

The island is green all year, and most visitors come for the beaches, surf and festivals. Catanduanes faces the Pacific and sits in the typhoon belt, so keep an eye on the weather forecast before and during your trip, especially in the second half of the year.

Getting here

You can fly into Virac, the capital, or travel overland to the port of Tabaco in Albay and take a ferry across to the island. Our Trips & Fares page has a route planner to help you work out each leg.

Getting around

• Vans and jeepneys connect the towns along the main road around the island.
• Tricycles are the easiest way to cover short distances within a town.
• For more freedom, rent a motorbike or van, or hire a local driver or guide from our Services page.

Where to stay

Virac has the widest choice, while Baras and Puraran are popular with surfers. Browse resorts, inns and homestays by town under Accommodations.

Before you go

• Bring some cash: not every small shop or eatery accepts cards or e-wallets.
• Mobile signal can be patchy in remote areas, so download maps ahead of time.
• Check the events calendar so you don’t miss a town fiesta.