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If you’re planning your itinerary in the Philippines and wondering whether White Island in Camiguin is worth visiting, you’re not alone. We met another traveller in Camiguin who chose not to go. He didn’t like crowds and preferred more off-the-beaten-path places. That’s usually exactly how we travel too, but White Island is one of the most popular and easy-to-access attractions on Camiguin, so we decided to check it out anyway.
What White Island is really like
White Island is not a typical island. It’s a small sandbar just off the coast of Camiguin, with nothing on it except white sand and ocean views. You reach it by hopping on a small, traditional boat from the mainland. The ride takes around 10 minutes.
Once you arrive, there’s very little to do apart from a quick walk around the sandbar (it only takes a few minutes), enjoying the views and taking photos, and going for a swim or a snorkel. There are no facilities, no shade, and no food or drinks available. It’s a simple, short experience.
Our experience (and why it surprised us)
We expected White Island to be crowded. That was our main hesitation. But when we arrived around midday, there were barely any people. It was hot, but it also felt quiet and peaceful, which completely changed the experience for us.
We spent about one hour on White Island (including the boat transfer), which felt like the right amount of time for us. Anything longer would have been too much, especially with no shade at midday and as we’re not into relaxing on the beach.
The snorkelling, however, was nice but nothing amazing compared to so many great snorkelling spots in the Philippines. If you’re expecting colourful coral or lots of marine life, this isn’t the place. You will have to go beyond the sandy bottom (~50m) to swim above small coral formations.
But the views? That’s the reason to go. From the sandbar, or when you pop your head out of the water while snorkelling, you get a full panoramic view of Camiguin, including Mt Hibok-Hibok. With the ocean all around you, it’s one of those simple but striking landscapes.
Is White Island (Camiguin) worth visiting?
Yes – I think White Island is worth visiting, as long as you can time your visit to avoid crowds. The views are really special, and the short ride on a small traditional boat is part of the experience (just be ready to maybe get a bit wet). It’s quick and easy to fit into your itinerary. Just go with the right expectations: there isn’t much to do, it’s not a full day out, and the snorkelling isn’t amazing.
If your time is limited and you’re deciding between White Island and Mantigue Island during your trip to Camiguin, some tours combine both in one day, which can be a good option.
Tips for visiting White Island
A few practical tips to help you plan your visit:
- There is no shade at all – Bring sun protection. A hat, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing will make a big difference.
- Timing matters – We went around midday and found it surprisingly quiet. Early morning is more popular as it’s not as hot, but it’s also likely busier.
- Snorkelling is optional – You can hire gear before boarding your boat, but don’t expect exceptional conditions.
- There’s no need to book in advance – We simply showed up, bought tickets at the booth, and were assigned a boat.
- Boats are small and priced per boat – They usually fit up to four people. If you’re travelling as a couple on a budget, you can save money by sharing, but you’ll need to coordinate your return time together.
Where is White Island (Camiguin)
White Island is located just off the northern coast of Camiguin, near Mambajao. It’s only about a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland. Boats depart from the main jump-off point along the coast, and trips run throughout the day depending on weather conditions.
We stayed at Borbon’s Treehouse by the Sea in Mambajao, which made it very easy to get there without rushing. If you want something simple and convenient, staying in this area works well. If you’re after more comfort, there are also a few beachfront resorts, such as Balihao Resort.
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