Hire a bangka (outrigger boat) and spend a day hopping between the small islands that ring Catanduanes. Every stop is different: a powdery sandbar here, a quiet cove for swimming there, and a picnic lunch on a beach you might have to yourself.
Palumbanes Islands, Caramoran
The remote Palumbanes group off Caramoran is the classic trip: Bitaog Beach on Parongpong Island, Tignob Island and Calabagio Island offer white sand and turquoise shallows. Boats leave from the Caramoran coast; the crossing takes about an hour depending on the sea.
Closer to Virac
Around Igang in Virac, the islets of Twin Rock and the rocky outcrops exposed at low tide make an easy half-day outing, and Panay Island off Bagamanoc is another quiet escape.
Good to know
Go between March and June when the sea is calmest, leave early, and agree on the boat price, route and return time before you set off. Life jackets are a must; trips are cancelled when a storm signal is raised.
Where to do it
6 spots across Catanduanes. Tap one for directions, fees and photos.
What to bring
- Swimwear and a change of clothes
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
- Dry bag for phones and cash
- Snorkel and mask
- Cash for boat and entrance fees
- Packed lunch, water and snacks
