Are you looking for a good and memorable beach experience to share with your friends and family? Have you considered Island hopping? How about Island hopping in the Philippines? We got you covered, and this tropical country is the best summer destination because of its many unique formations. These beach hot spots share a refreshing experience of clear waters and a white sandy experience. There are more than 7000 islands within the Philippines. Having this country as your destination for your summer island hopping experience is a sure-fire treat for you, your friends, and your family.

In the southern island group of the country, Mindanao offers some of the best islands the Philippines has to offer. With so many islands in the country worth viewing, your average two-week vacation time won’t even be enough to view the great islands of the Mindanao region without proper planning. Whether you are a foreigner or a local who plans to visit the southern islands, we will help you know the top 8 island hopping destinations in Mindanao in this article. Together, we will tackle the best beach islands to give you the ultimate Samal island hopping experience.

Siargao 3 Island

Just near Surigao City, Siargao Island is a beautiful island that has charming islets and colorful reels surrounding the place. Island hopping is a popular activity in this area, and you can hop around and visit up to four islands. Daku Island, Naked Island, Corregidor Island, and Guyam Island. Each of these isolated islands is a great destination rich with activities. You can spend your time exploring each Island, sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, or just playing around at the beach with your friends and family. If you want a better activity guide for each Island, local tour guides are also available to help you out in planning what to do on each Island. You will experience the ultimate tropical marine life in these isolated island sanctuaries on this Island hopping adventure.

Sohoton In Bucas Grande

Sohoton Entrance

This place is an absolute beach wonderland, and it has several gorgeous-looking caves, a jellyfish sanctuary, sparkling clear waters, and a unique beauty. The sohoton cave is a great tourist destination to visit, and this cave is located on the Bucas Grande Island. This unique-looking place will have you head over heels with nature. This area is rich with activities you can do with your friends and family.

The caves in Sohoton are worth exploring, and there are various caves here that could make your trip a memorable one. Some caves require some climbing, some caves have you jumping off them, and some of them even require you to dive inside them. These caves are filled with adventures. The jellyfish sanctuary is also worth visiting, afraid they might sting you? Don’t worry! These cute guys are stingless, and that’s the best part about them! Be sure to pack and ready your snorkeling gear as well because the underwater world in Sohoton is worth diving in.

Zamboanga Once Islas And Sta Cruz Island

The beautiful marine life of Zamboanga City is a place one must visit when you are Island hopping in the Philippines. Once Island is an island group with 11 different islands to explore, perfect for island hopping! These islands have tourist-friendly features, complete with trekking trails and cottages.

Santa Cruz Island is, without a doubt, one of the unique beaches in the Philippines. Unlike the other beaches, the sand here is pink. Yes, you read that right. The sand on this Island is colored pink, the famed pink beach of Zamboanga. The crushed red corals, known as organ pipe corals, are washed ashore, giving the sandy beach’s pink appearance.

Be sure to grab your snorkeling gear. Diving and exploring the underwater life in these islands is a sure treat to make your trip a memorable one.

Britania In Surigao Del Sur

Buslon Island

Britania is a group of islands located in Surigao Del Sur. However, its main secret attraction is the four major islands: Buslon Island, Hagonoy Island, Naked Island, and Hiyor-Hiyoran Island. These four unique islands are worth consideration when planning to do some island hopping in the Philippines.

These islands have unique features. For example, the Naked Island ultimately has no trees, making it a naked island, true to its name. Hangonoy Island has a few coconut trees here and there, making it different from the Naked Island but somewhat similar if you exclude the trees. Hiyor- Hiyuran Island features a lot of things, from fresh seafood to silver-lined sand. This mushroom-shaped Island features a lot of sea urchins and starfish, so be careful when you are on this one. Lastly, The Buslon Island is the biggest among the four major islands. It features beautiful limestone formations and has a shrine with a cross and statue of the Virgin Mary on it.

White Island In Camiguin

The White Island is the most popular tourist destination in Camiguin. This Island is surrounded by nothing but white coral sands. It is almost similar to the Naked Island from Surigao Del Sur. What makes this White Island unique and different is the glorious and majestic view when you are on the beach of Mount Hibok-Hibok and Mount Vulcan. There are other nearby attractions aside from the White Island, and this includes Tungatok Cove, Old Church Ruins, and the famous Sunken Cemetery. The White Island features white sand and crystal clear water, perfect for relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing. The surrounding underwater sea life is a sure threat as well, so be sure to bring your snorkeling gear!

Samal Island

The Island Garden City of Samal, which features white sand and clear blue waters, is blessed with abundant marine life, prosperous flora and fauna, and magnificent rock formations. This place is just a 30-minute boat ride away from Davao City. This location is stacked and filled with various activities that could make your adventure with friends and family a memorable one.

Samal Island is a must-visit place where tourists and locals can go snorkeling, diving, island hopping, swimming, sunbathing, and other fun beach activities!

Panampangan Island In Tawi-Tawi

This peaceful and charming Island in Tawi-Tawi is found in the southernmost area of the Philippines. Locals describe this Island to be like a hidden treasure, the main attraction of Tawi-Tawi is the Panampangan Island, which has access to the longest sandbar in the country. Island hopping in Tawi-Tawi is a surefire way to make one trip memorable. You can travel around to other areas within the place, including Sangay Siapo Island, Simunul Island, and Bud Bongao Peak.

Island Hopping In Dinagat Island

Last on our list is the excellent and majestic Dinagat Island. There is a unique sense of peace on this Island. It is relatively new compared to the others and was just established in 2006, hence the un-commercialized and raw look of the area. This place highlights natural attractions, offering a peaceful and comfy vibe that is more inclined to the past.

There are hiking and climbing areas located in the area; Mount Redono is popular among the tourists and locals. Island hopping is a popular activity in Dinagat Island, with nearby islands such as Basilia and Libjo with unique and enthralling features and activities. Basilia contains several beach coves, and the nearest Island is called Unib Island. This Island alone has five white sand beaches you can explore, Cabacungan Cove, Pagkawasan Beach, Duyos Beach, Gealan Beach, and Bitaog Beach. These areas contain unique rock formations, clear turquoise water, and many more!

Key Takeaway

Have you made up your mind on what island-hopping destination to visit? Well then, pack your bags and gather your essentials and fly to Mindanao now! The Philippines is rich with various majestic and unique islands worth exploring. Mindanao is a great location that houses a lot of the exciting islands, beaches, and caves that you can find within this tropical country.

From majestic caves, underwater cemeteries, unique rock formations, turquoise blue water, rich marine life, and pink sands, Island Hopping in the Philippines is a fun and memorable adventure best experienced with friends and family. Be sure to pack your swimsuits, snorkeling gear, snacks, and lots of sunblocks because these island-hopping locations will surely be worth the hype and preparation. After all, it’s more fun in the Philippines.