Camotes Islands (Santiago Bay and Lake Danao)
About
Camotes is Cebu's laid-back island escape: three islands, slow roads, white-sand coves and cave pools, about two hours by ferry from Danao. Base yourself in San Francisco on Pacijan Island, home of Santiago Bay, the long white public beach, and Lake Danao, an inland lake for kayaking and boat rides. Rent a motorbike and loop the island: swim in the freshwater pool inside Timubo Cave, jump at Buho Rock, chill at the turquoise Mangodlong Rock cove, then cross the 1.5-km causeway to Poro for Bukilat Cave. Stay at least one night, catch sunset on the west coast, and book the early ferry back on weekends.
Dry until sunset (5:29 PM). Good time to go!
- 2–3 daysTime to spend
- Dry months (roughly February to May) for calm seas; weekdays for empty beaches.Best time to go
- About ₱450 per personSulit · Good value
- Bus from Cebu City's North Bus Terminal to Danao City (₱50–60, about 1–1.5 hours), then the Jomalia or E.B.Getting there
What to do here
- Swim and watch sunset at Santiago Bay
- Kayak or take a boat ride on Lake Danao (Camotes)
- Swim in the cave pool at Timubo Cave
- Cliff-jump at Buho Rock
- Ride across the causeway to Bukilat Cave on Poro
Know before you go
Ferries do not sail when the coast guard raises sea warnings, so keep a buffer day in the rainy season.
Ride carefully at night; many island roads are unlit.
Bring cash; small resorts and gate fees are cash only.
Roadside and resort parking around Santiago Bay; cars can cross on the RoRo ferry from Danao.
Danao–Camotes ferry: published base fare about ₱300–₱360 economy plus a fuel surcharge, so budget ₱400–₱450 one way (Sept 2026). Motorbike rental ₱350–₱500 a day. Santiago Bay is free; Timubo Cave about ₱75, Bukilat Cave about ₱50, Buho Rock ₱20, Mangodlong Rock about ₱20 day use; Lake Danao about ₱50–₱120 plus activities.
Where it is
Santiago White Beach, Barangay Santiago, San Francisco (Pacijan Island), Camotes Islands, Cebu
By commuteBus from Cebu City's North Bus Terminal to Danao City (₱50–60, about 1–1.5 hours), then the Jomalia or E.B. Aznar ferry from Danao Port to Consuelo Port, San Francisco (about 2 hours). A fastcraft from Mactan takes about 90 minutes. On the island, rent a motorbike or hire a habal-habal.
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FAQ
Paano pumunta sa Camotes from Cebu City?
Bus to Danao City (about 1–1.5 hours), then the ferry from Danao Port to Consuelo Port (about 2 hours). From Mactan there is also a fastcraft of about 90 minutes.
Saan mag-stay sa Camotes?
First time? Stay in San Francisco on Pacijan Island, near Santiago Bay. Most of the beaches, Lake Danao and the caves are a short ride away.
Kailangan ba ng motor?
Yes, it is the easiest way. There is no real public transport network, so rent a motorbike (₱350–₱500 a day) or hire a habal-habal.
May entrance ba sa Santiago Bay?
Wala, free ang public beach. Resorts charge if you use their loungers and facilities.
Facts from suroy.ph · cebudestinations.com
Photo credits (5)
- 1. choypictures · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons
- 2. Herbert Kikoy · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
- 3. Rollymagpayo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
- 4. Headshop5 · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons
- 5. Stoni111121 · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons
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