Island hopping from Santa Fe – Virgin Island, Hilantagaan and more.

At a glance

Municipality

Santa Fe (start and most islands); islets off Bantayan town belong to Bantayan

Getting there

Hired bangka from the Santa Fe beach area, booked via the Santa Fe Tourism Office or a boatman

Cost

Boat about ₱1,000–2,500 per boat (₱1,000 for up to five people, more for a bigger private charter) for about half a day, plus island fees (unverified, as of 2026)

Best time

Morning on a calm day; rough seas are most common from November to February

Facilities

Reported on Virgin Island; not confirmed at the other stops

The usual half-day loop from Santa Fe

1. Virgin Island (Silion) – sandy islet, private, entrance fee.
2. Hilantagaan Island – inhabited island, snorkeling reef.
3. Santa Fe Lagoon (Balidbid) – mangrove lagoon; motor boats stay outside.

Further trips: Kinatarkan (also Kinatarcan or Guintacan), a larger island north-east that belongs to Santa Fe and has three barangays (Hagdan, Kinatarkan, Langub) – a full-day trip. West of Bantayan town lie several small islands such as Doong and Hilotongan, which belong to Bantayan town and are usually reached from there.

What it costs

All unverified, as of the source dates:

Agree on the stops, the time and the full price before you leave. Ask which island fees are included.

Rules

• Divers need an accredited guide; Santa Fe charges divers a daily fee (town ordinance, 2023).
• Do not stand on coral, do not take shells, starfish or coral.
• Take your rubbish back to Santa Fe.

Safety

• Everyone wears a life vest.
• Do not go when the Coast Guard or PAGASA warns of rough sea; boatmen may cancel at short notice. The north-east monsoon (Amihan, usually from late October or November into March – PAGASA sets the dates each year) often brings rougher sea, so allow extra time.
• Bring water, sun protection and a dry bag for your phone.

FAQ