Little Boracay Sandbar (Calatagan)
About
Grill seafood on a floating bamboo cottage, then wade out to a white sandbar in the middle of the sea! Little Boracay is Calatagan's famous low-tide sandbar, about 115 km south of Metro Manila. It is not a separate island: the sand only rises above the water at low tide, so timing is everything. From November to March, low tide falls in the morning; from April it shifts to the late afternoon. Rent a balsa (floating cottage) with your group, buy your seafood at the Calatagan Public Market on the way, and float the day away. Check the PAGASA tide table before you pick your date!
Dry until sunset (5:35 PM). Good time to go!
- Day trip (balsas head back by about 5:30 PM)Time to spend
- December to May for calm, sunny days. Plan your boat around low tide: mornings from November to March, late afternoon from April.Best time to go
- About ₱80 per personValue · Great value
- Bus, then a tricycleNo car needed
What to do here
- Walk the sandbar at low tide
- Grill fresh seafood on your balsa
- Rent snorkel gear (about ₱200–₱300)
- Float and chill with your friends
Know before you go
Plan your boat times around the tide table; the sandbar disappears as the tide comes in.
Skip it if you get seasick easily: the balsa rocks noticeably all day.
The sun on open water dehydrates you fast, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Parking at the jump-off points: ₱100 for cars and vans, ₱50 for motorcycles (2026).
Everyone pays a ₱30 municipal environmental fee and a ₱50–₱150 docking fee per person. A standard balsa rents for about ₱4,000 per day per cottage, up to ₱8,000 on peak weekends, so split it with your group (LakbayPinas, updated September 2026).
It is not a separate island: the sand only rises above the water at low tide, so timing is everything.
Where it is
Off Barangay Bagong Silang, Calatagan, Batangas (jump-offs at Bagong Silang, Pirasan and Hernandez Docking)
No car neededFrom PITX, San Agustin buses to Calatagan leave as early as 3:30 AM (about ₱280, 3–4 hours) and stop at the Calatagan Public Market. A tricycle to the jump-off (Bagong Silang, Pirasan or Hernandez Docking) costs ₱150–₱300 per tricycle one way, 20–30 minutes. Ask your balsa operator which jump-off to use.
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FAQ
When is the sandbar visible?
Only at low tide: mornings from November to March, late afternoon from April onward. Check the PAGASA tide table for your date.
Can we stay overnight on the balsa?
No. Standard balsas are day-tour only and head back by about 5:30 PM; overnight stays use separate floating houses.
How much is a balsa?
About ₱4,000 per day per cottage at the standard rate (2026), and up to ₱8,000 at peak times.
Where do we buy food?
At the Calatagan Public Market where the bus stops, then grill it on the balsa.