Things to do · activities
Things to do on Bantayan Island.
Short answer: Bantayan Island is best known for its white beaches, island hopping and a slow island pace. Below you find every activity we cover – beaches, trips on the water, places on land and day trips – each with its own page on how to get there, costs and tips.
Beaches
White sand, shallow water and quiet afternoons.
Santa Fe
Kota Beach – Santa Fe's main white sand beach
Kota Beach is one of the best-known white sand beaches in Santa Fe, close to the port. Free access, sunrise views, sandbar at low tide and tips for swimming.
Santa Fe
Sandira Beach (Paradise Beach) – the cove beach of Santa Fe
Paradise Beach, also called Sandira, is a privately managed cove beach in Santa Fe reached by a short walk. Small entrance fee, calm water, camping.
Santa Fe
Sugar Beach – a quieter stretch next to Kota Beach
Sugar Beach is a calm, shallow white sand beach in Santa Fe next to Kota Beach, with fewer resorts and local fishing boats. Access reported free; tide tips.
On the water
Boats, islands, lagoons and the reef.
Santa Fe
Hilantagaan Island – snorkeling near Santa Fe
Hilantagaan is an inhabited island barangay of Santa Fe, reached by boat. Snorkeling reef, entrance fee, how to get there and respectful visiting.
Santa Fe
Island hopping from Santa Fe – Virgin Island, Hilantagaan and more
How island hopping from Santa Fe works: usual stops, boat prices, island fees, best time and safety. Virgin Island, Hilantagaan, Santa Fe Lagoon, Kinatarkan.
Santa Fe
Pooc Marine Adventure – glass-bottom boat and fishing in Santa Fe
Pooc Marine Adventure in Santa Fe, Bantayan: glass-bottom boat, fishing with local fishermen and boat trips to coves. Open 6 AM to 3 PM.
Santa Fe
Santa Fe Lagoon (Balidbid / Baigad Lagoon)
The Santa Fe Lagoon in barangay Balidbid is a protected mangrove lagoon, relaunched in March 2026 with kayaks and paddle boards planned. No motor boats. Fees and tides.
usually listed under Santa Fe
Virgin Island (Silion) – island hopping from Santa Fe
Virgin Island, locally Silion, is a small privately run islet off Santa Fe. Boat from Santa Fe, entrance fee, best time, rules and what to bring.
On land
Mangroves, old forts, churches and lighthouses.
Madridejos
Kota Heritage Park – the Spanish fort of Madridejos
Kota Heritage Park in Madridejos: ruins of a Spanish-era fort and watchtower with sunset views; the sea walk closed after the 2025 quake.
Madridejos
Lighthouses of Bantayan Island
Light stations around Bantayan: Kota Point in Madridejos, near Bantayan town's harbour, and on Kinatarkan island (Santa Fe). Where they are and what we know.
Bantayan
Mangroves and protected areas on Bantayan Island
Bantayan was declared a wilderness area in 1981 and has many small marine sanctuaries. Visit the Obo-ob mangrove boardwalk and learn the rules for reefs and lagoons.
Santa Fe
Ogtong Cave – the cave pool at Ogtong Cave Resort
Ogtong Cave is a cave with a spring-fed pool inside a private resort in Santa Fe. Day-use fee, hours and its status after the 2025 earthquake.
Madridejos
Spanish-era watchtowers of Bantayan Island
Spanish-era stone towers once warned Bantayan of raids from the sea. Where the remaining towers are – Kaongkod and Kota Heritage Park in Madridejos.
Bantayan
Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church, Bantayan
Bantayan town's coral-stone church (built 1839–1863) of a parish founded in 1580, one of the oldest in the Philippines. Visitor notes and 2025 quake status.
Day trips
Smaller islands near Bantayan.
Medellin
Funtastic Island (Gibitngil) – day trip from Santa Fe
Funtastic Island on Gibitngil, off Medellin: cliff jumping, zipline, slides and swimming. How to get there from Santa Fe by private boat or via Kawit, fees and tips.
Santa Fe
Kinatarcan Island – how to get there and what to expect
Kinatarcan (Kinatarkan, Guintacan) is a remote island of Santa Fe with cliffs, a lagoon and simple guesthouses. Boats from Daanbantayan and Santa Fe, and what to bring.
Looking for places rather than activities? See all sights and beaches, the events and fiestas or a ready itinerary.
Local guide check pending