Island Hopping Adventures Around Siargao

Siargao is more than just a surfing hotspot; it’s a gateway to incredible island-hopping adventures. Surrounding Siargao are various captivating islets, each offering its unique charm and experiences that promise to be unforgettable.

Daku Island: The Island of Tranquility

Daku Island stands as the largest among the three main islands that are part of the typical island-hopping tour from Siargao. This island is a fantastic setting for relaxation where beach enthusiasts can unwind. The long stretches of fine white sand provide ample room for sunbathing or having picnic moments with friends or family. The clear and shallow waters surrounding the island are perfect for swimming, making it an inviting spot for those who wish to take a dip and cool off.
One of the highlights of visiting Daku Island is the chance to enjoy a meal at one of the small seaside huts. These places often serve mouthwatering fresh seafood and local dishes such as grilled fish. Meals here usually cost around 300 to 500 pesos each, allowing you to enjoy delicious food while overlooking the beautiful sea.

• Activities: From swimming and sunbathing to beach volleyball, you have plenty of options to keep you entertained here, alongside feasting on fresh seafood.
• Why Visit?: With a spacious area, Daku Island is ideal for relaxation and various group activities.
• Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask your boat operator for recommendations on the freshest seafood options available; they can help lead you to the best catches of the day.

Guyam Island: The Tiny Paradise

Guyam Island is a compact, circular paradise that helps you embody your tropical dreams. It is adorned with palm trees and picturesque shallow waters, making it the perfect spot for taking amazing vacation pictures. Given its small size, you can walk around the island in just a few minutes, soaking in the beauty surrounding you.
A tiny bar might be open during your visit, where a refreshing drink awaits you after a hot day at the beach. There’s usually a small entrance fee to access the island, about 50 pesos per person, which is quite reasonable for the beauty you get to experience.

• Activities: Just unwind under the tall palm trees, swim in its inviting waters, and snap photos of the stunning surroundings.
• Why Visit?: The visual beauty of Guyam Island makes it the perfect place for capturing postcard-like photos.
• Tip: Carry some spare change for the small entrance fee and pack some snacks, as food options are limited beyond the tiny bar.

Naked Island: The Sandbar

Naked Island is another name often heard in Siargao’s island-hopping tours, and it stands out as a captivating sandbar—imagine a large stretch of white sand surrounded by vibrant turquoise waters. Unlike the other islands, this spot has no trees or buildings; it’s merely a sand island that transforms with changing tides. This makes it an exceptional spot for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying incredible panoramic vistas of the ocean.
Since there’s no shade on Naked Island, remember to bring sun protection essentials! For the best experience, consider visiting during low tide, when the sandbar is most visible and alluring.

• Activities: Dive into the clear waters for swimming, sunbathe on the warm sand, and pose for stunning photos as the scenery is truly remarkable.
• Why Visit?: Being on a sandbar, with nothing around you but ocean and sky, creates a unique experience that is captivating.
• Tip: Ensure you come equipped with a hat, sunscreen, and other sun protection gear to shield yourself from the sun.

Island Hopping Tour Options

When considering island-hopping tours around Siargao, you will find that they generally include a stop at Daku, Guyam, and Naked Islands. Most of these tours can be booked in General Luna, which is the main tourist center of Siargao. Numerous tour operators are available, and depending on your preference, you can choose from shared group tours or private excursions.

• Shared Tours: Shared tours are often more budget-friendly, typically ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 pesos per person. These involve sharing a boat with fellow travelers, and a popular starting point for these tours is the General Luna public market.
• Private Tours: If you prefer a more tailored experience, private tours are designed to offer more flexibility, especially suited for families or large groups. A private boat can be arranged for about 2,500 to 4,500 pesos, depending on the size of the boat and duration of the tour.
• What’s Included: Generally, your tour will cover boat transportation, a guide, and some snorkeling gear. It’s also best to check ahead if lunch is included, as some tours do offer a simple meal.
• Where to Book: You can book your desired tour directly through your hotel or accommodation, through local tour operators, or safely at the General Luna public market.

Beyond the Standard Islands

While most people tend to flock to the three main islands in Siargao, there are also more hidden gems and sandbars waiting to be discovered in the region. If you’re looking for a more customized adventure, consider asking your tour operator about additional stops you may be able to add to your itinerary.
Some interesting add-ons would include:

• Secret Beach: This beach is slightly more secluded than the popular islands. While it’s often included in full-day land tours, it can also be reached by boat for a more exclusive visit.
• Corregidor Island: An island further afield, which requires a bit of a hike to unveil stunning views that will leave you speechless.

Keep in mind that these featured stops generally require specific arrangements and additional costs, but they are worth considering for those wishing to embark on a different itinerary.

Tips for a Smooth Island Hopping Experience

• Book in Advance: Given the popularity of these tours, especially during peak travel seasons, it’s wise to book your spot a few days in advance to secure your spot.
• Bring Essentials: Make sure to pack items like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and a reusable water bottle. Using reef-safe sunscreen is a great way to help protect marine life.
• Cash: As some of the small islands have minimal facilities, vendors often only accept cash. So ensure you have small notes and coins handy for convenience.
• Respect the Environment: Be considerate of your surroundings and dispose of your waste appropriately. A simple rule is to take only pictures and leave only footprints.
• Check the Weather: Monitoring the weather forecast a day or two prior to your trip is a good practice, as sea conditions can greatly affect the island-hopping experience.
• Pack Light: Since you’ll be on a boat and constantly moving from one beach to another, it’s best to pack only what you need to keep your load manageable.

Sample Itinerary

If you’re wondering what a day of island hopping might look like, here’s a simple itinerary to guide you:

1. 8:00 AM: Meet at the agreed meeting point, typically in General Luna.
2. 8:30 AM: Depart for Daku Island and set sail.
3. 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Dive into all that Daku Island offers—swimming, sunbathing, and beach games.
4. 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Indulge in a delicious seafood lunch right on Daku Island.
5. 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Head to Guyam Island for some great views and relaxation.
6. 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Spend time exploring Naked Island, swimming, and enjoying beautiful photographs.
7. 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Make your way back to General Luna.

This sample itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted to fit your preferences or the specific offerings of the tour operator.

Accommodation Choices

Even though you’ll be exploring different islands during the day, it is still important to secure a comfortable place to stay while on “mainland” Siargao. Here are some suggestions based on different price points:

• Kermit Siargao: This option leans towards a higher end but is well-known for its scrumptious Italian cuisine and a chill atmosphere.
• Sinag Hostel: A budget-friendly option ideal for solo travelers or small groups, conveniently located in the heart of General Luna.
• Bulan Villas Siargao: If you don’t want a basic hostel but still want to save some money, this accommodation could be a nice step up.

Remember to secure your place to stay ahead of time, particularly during busy peak seasons.

FAQs

What is the best time of year to go Island Hopping?
Generally, the best season for island hopping is during the dry months from March to May, when weather conditions are ideal, and the seas are calmer. Do note that prices might be slightly higher during this period, and booking in advance is recommended.

Are there restrooms on the islands?
On Daku Island, you will find restrooms and basic facilities available. However, facilities are minimal or absent on Guyam and Naked Islands. Most visitors use local businesses at Daku Island for restroom purposes, so it’s wise to carry some extra change if you need to use their facilities.

Can I rent snorkeling gear on the islands?
Most tour operators provide basic snorkeling equipment, but if you have preferred gear, bringing your own is certainly a good idea to ensure comfort and familiarity.

Is it safe to swim at these islands?
Yes, swimming is generally considered safe at these islands. However, you should always be aware of changing surf conditions. Stay within comfortable swimming limits, and always respect the natural environment around you.

How long do the island tour trips usually take?
Typically, island hopping tours last between 5 to 7 hours, depending on the specific tour you have booked.

References

• Cebu Pacific Travel and Lifestyle Guide. “Island Hopping in Siargao: Guide to Guyam, Daku and Naked Island.”
• Philippine Primer. “Island Hopping in Siargao: A Guide to Guyam, Daku, and Naked Island.”
• The Poor Traveler. “Siargao Island Hopping: Guyam, Daku, and Naked Islands.”

Are you ready to embark on an amazing island-hopping adventure in Siargao? Plan your trip today, book your tour, gather your essentials, and prepare for a memorable exploration of this beautiful tropical paradise!