Caramoan Islands, Bicol Philippines – Full Guide 2025
The Caramoan Islands are a hidden paradise in the Philippines. Imagine a place similar to El Nido or Coron, but with almost no tourists. Yes, white sand beaches and limestone rock formations, like in Palawan, but in contrast, you can have this place all to yourself.
In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know before visiting the Caramoan Islands in the Philippines. We provide comprehensive information, from transportation and accommodation to island hopping tours and activities, to help you plan your trip.
Get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget!
Where are the Caramoan Islands Located?
The Caramoan Islands are situated in the Bicol region within the province of Camarines Sur in the Philippines. When you look at a map, you’ll find Caramoan to the east of Manila.
Caramoan Islands on the Map
Best Time to Visit the Caramoan Islands
The best time to visit the Caramoan Islands is during the dry season, which typically falls between November and April. During this time of the year, you can expect warm and sunny days with temperatures around 30°C. It’s perfect for island hopping and outdoor activities without having to worry about rain.
If you plan to visit during the wet season, which is from May to October, be prepared for rain.
The Caramoan Islands are only popular with local tourists, which is why we recommend avoiding a visit during public holidays and weekends.
How to Get to the Caramoan Islands?
To reach the Caramoan Islands, you have two options, but first, you’ll need to get to Naga City or Naga Airport.
You can fly from Manila to Naga Airport, which will take around 1 hour.
Alternatively, if you have just visited Mayon Volcano, you can take a bus from Legazpi to Naga City, which will take around 3 to 4 hours.
If you choose to take a bus from Manila to Naga City, the journey usually takes around 8 to 10 hours, so it’s a good idea to travel overnight to save time.
Once you arrive in Naga City or at the airport, you have two options:
- You can take a bus from Naga City to Caramoan (4-5 hours).
- Alternatively, you can take a bus, van or taxi to Sabang Port (1-2 hours) and then board a boat to Guijalo Port in Caramoan (2 hours).
From the bus station or Guijalo Port in Caramoan, you can take a tricycle or a jeepney to your accommodation. Don’t forget to download offline maps on Google Maps for this region for confident navigation.
About Caramoan Island Hopping
An island-hopping adventure is the best way to discover the beauty and uniqueness of each of the Caramoan Islands. Remember to check the weather a few days beforehand to make sure you will enjoy your island-hopping day to the fullest.
When we did the Caramoan island-hopping trip in April, there were only local tourists, not even a foreigner. This is why we recommend you avoid weekends and public holidays if you want to experience it with even fewer people than usual. But don’t worry, this place isn’t as touristy as other popular spots in the Philippines
As always, we recommend you start the tour as early as possible in the morning. You can head to the beach, where they sell tickets and organize boat rentals directly on the beach starting from 8 am. the exact location is infront of the Crazy Coconut Cottages.
Caramoan Island Hopping Tours and Prices
There were two trips we could choose from: a short trip and a long trip. The longer one is more expensive, as the islands you’ll visit will be farther away. It was 2000 PHP for the short trip and 3000 PHP for the long one. You’ll need to cover the cost of the entire boat. If you prefer not to go alone and want to split the costs, you can ask about sharing a boat and the locals will try to find another person or group interested in sharing the trip.
As some of the islands are weather-dependent, we first asked which ones were open and decided to go for the short trip. It is also the one the locals will recommend to you. We can’t wait to return and experience the longer trip. If you have enough time, make sure to do both trips.
We were assigned a boatman and a guide for the day. The itinerary is determined by the tour you chose, short or long, but what you can decide is how long to stay at each place, just talk to your guide. On that day, the short trip included visits to three different islands:
- Cagbanilad Island: The clear waters make it perfect for snorkeling with lively fish and vibrant corals.
- Matukad Island: Known for its hidden lagoon, which is accessible by a short climb up the tall cliffs surrounding it. The view from the top and the wide sandy beach are both amazing.
- Lahos Island: Its highlight is a hidden cave beach with soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s like finding paradise in paradise.
Activities in the Caramoan Islands
Whether you’re seeking underwater exploration, adventures or simply the joy of soaking in the beauty of nature, Caramoan offers activities for every kind of traveler.
- Diving & snorkeling
- Swimming & sunbathing
- Kayaking & pedal boating
- Cliff jumping
- Exploring lakes & coves
- Breathtaking views from Tugawe Cove Lighthouse
What to Bring to the Caramoan Islands?
Don’t forget to bring sun protection, plenty of water and food for lunchtime, depending on how long you plan to stay on the tour.
We decided to bring some takeaway food from a local eatery called Angie’s Place next to the beach. We ordered the food 40 minutes before leaving for the boat tour. It was delicious, affordable, and packed in reusable containers, which we gave back after the trip. No plastic was used.
“Survivor” TV Show on the Caramoan Islands
The Caramoan Islands became famous because they were chosen for a popular TV show called Survivor. This attracted local tourists to come and see this wonderful part of the Philippines.
Best Tours for the Caramoan Islands
Are you short on time? Don’t want to plan and arrange everything by yourself? Book an organized tour to the Caramoan Islands from Manila. These tours typically offer options such as a 2-day/1-night or a 3-day/2-night package. They cover all essential aspects, including transportation, accommodation, and guided island-hopping excursions. This can be the perfect choice for you if you:
- Have limited time in the Philippines and want to make the most out of your visit, ensuring you get to see and do as much as possible.
- Want an all-inclusive and hassle-free experience, allowing you to relax and enjoy without worrying about anything.
- Are traveling solo and would like to join a group rather than traveling by yourself to Caramoan.
Where to Stay in the Caramoan Islands?
Even though accommodations in Caramoan are limited, there are some simple guesthouses and a few more luxurious resorts. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons. One notable beach resort is Tugawe Cove Resort.
Check out top-rated and handpicked accommodations near the Caramoan Islands in different price ranges:
Best Hotels near the Caramoan Islands
- Budget ($): Magindara Guesthouse
- Mid-range ($$): RMTM’s Beachfront
- Luxury ($$$): Tugawe Cove Resort
Our Expenses for the Caramoan Islands
These are the expenses we had on our trip to the Caramoan Islands:
- Bus from Manila to Naga City: 800 PHP (≈13€)
- Bus from Naga City to Caramoan: 300 PHP (≈5€)
- Tricycle from Caramoan Bus Station to our hotel: 100 PHP (≈1.5€) per person
- Hotel: 1800 PHP (≈30€) for a double room
- Meal: 100 PHP (≈1.5€) per person
- Island-hopping tour (short tour): 2000 PHP (≈33€) for a private boat
Where to Go After the Caramoan Islands?
If you’re planning to visit the Bicol region of the Philippines and explore the Caramoan Islands, you may also want to consider visiting some other amazing nearby destinations:
- Mayon Volcano: In Legazpi City, you’ll find a perfectly shaped cone volcano. Visit Mayon if you’re interested in stunning viewpoints and adventurous activities like hiking, ziplining and ATV rides.
- Donsol Whale Sharks: Known as the “Whale Shark Capital of the World,” Donsol offers an opportunity for snorkelers and divers to swim with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Remember to go during the right season for the best chances of spotting them.
- Calaguas Islands: The Calaguas Islands are a group of pristine islands with powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. They are perfect for camping and enjoying the beach. It’s relatively untouched, so you get a true island escape.
- Catanduanes: Often called the “Land of the Howling Winds” due to its strong winds during certain seasons, this place is a paradise for surfers. The waves are fantastic, and the beaches are beautiful.
Conclusion
Forget about all the touristy places that everyone visits in the Philippines, such as Coron or El Nido. The Caramoan Islands are a hidden gem full of beautiful beaches, clear waters and amazing adventures. We highly recommend it to everyone who shares a passion for stunning landscapes and off-the-beaten-path locations like us.
Have you been to the Caramoan Islands or discovered other secret places in the Philippines? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments! Also, if you have any questions, let us know below.
