Top 15 Beach Destinations in the Philippines
The best beaches in the Philippines are also location to many beach resorts that are ideal for families, friends, and even honeymooners. There are also an array of activities to try in between soaking up some sun such as thrilling water sports, scuba diving, and scenic island-hopping tours.
With so many beautiful beaches to choose from, deciding on what to add to your Philippines itinerary can get overwhelming. To help you plan a hassle-free getaway, we've put together a list of the top beach destinations in the Philippines that are perfect for the ultimate tropical vacation.
1. Boracay
Home to the world-famous White Beach, Boracay Island is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the Philippines and is among the top tourist spots in Visayas. Beyond its most well-known stretch of white sand, the island is also blessed with other Boracay beaches that make it a staple summer destination in the Philippines.
- Read about why Boracay is a great place for destination weddings in the Philippines
Aside from White Beach, another must-visit Boracay attraction is the Puka Beach. This beach has slightly more coarse sand since it's made up of thousands crushed puka shells, hence its name. If you head here around dusk, you might be able to spot a species of fruit bats called flying foxes as they fly around the nearby cliffs.
If you're looking for exciting activities, make sure to add Bulabog Beach to your Boracay tourist spots itinerary. This Boracay beach is famous for water activities like Boracay windsurfing, Boracay kitesurfing, and parasailing. Meanwhile, diving enthusiasts can go on a Boracay island hopping tour to explore the top diving spots in Boracay, like Crocodile Island and Crystal Cove Island, which are both teeming with colorful fish and corals.
2. Cebu
Located in Central Visayas, Cebu province is another popular entry point to the Philippines aside from Manila, especially for those heading to popular destinations in the Philippines located in the Visayas region like Boracay and Bohol.
Aside from its ideal location for first-time visitors in the Philippines, Cebu also has the nickname "The Gateway to a Thousand Journeys" since it is home to nearly 170 islands that offer a wide array of activities you can try and places to visit for your Cebu tourist spots itinerary. When it comes to Cebu beaches, some of the must-visit destinations include Bantayan Island, Sumilon Island, and Malapascua Island.
Bantayan Island is located on the northern coast and boasts some of the top white sand beaches in the Philippines, like Kota Beach, that are perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Meanwhile, Sumilon Island is famous in the area for its spotless sandbar and surrounding waters that are full of marine life.
Snorkeling here allows you to see blacktip sharks, schools of vibrant fish, and flourishing coral gardens. As for Malapascua Island, its white sand beaches are complemented by its blue waters that are home to thresher sharks. A day here isn't complete without diving with these fascinating and harmless animals.
3. Palawan
Palawan is the westernmost island in the Luzon region and is blessed with some of the most breathtaking beach hideaways in the Philippines. When planning a vacation here, there's more than a handful of Palawan beaches you can visit that are scattered across top municipalities like El Nido, Coron, San Vicente, Puerto Princesa, and Balabac. You can book a 2-week Palawan vacation package to explore most of these destinations. If you have less time, you can book a 1-week Puerto Princesa to El Nido tour package instead.
The best beaches in El Nido include El Nido tourist spots like Nacpan Beach and Hidden Beach. Meanwhile, the must-visit Coron tourist spots for beach lovers are Malcapuya Beach and Banol Beach.
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As for San Vicente tourist spots, you should not miss Long Beach. True to its name, this stretch of sand goes on for around 14.7 kilometers and is considered the longest beach in the Philippines. For a hassle-free experience, you can book a San Vicente tour.
For those exploring Puerto Princesa tourist spots, you can spend a day on the palm-tree-lined shores of Nagtabon Beach or lounge on Sabang Beach close to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a top Luzon tourist spot and Palawan tourist spot.
And last but not least, Balabac’s Onok Island features an unspoiled beach and a spotless white sand bar that only shows itself when the tide is low.
4. Bohol
Bohol Island is located to the east of Cebu and is best known for natural attractions like the Chocolate Hills, one of the must-visit Bohol tourist spots. Beyond its lush forests, the province is home to stunning beaches where travelers love to snorkel and sunbathe.
A trip to Bohol wouldn't be complete without visiting the powdery shores of Alona Beach, a 1.5 kilometer stretch of white sand that is also lined with some of the best Bohol resorts. On top of enjoying the sand and sea, you can also try exciting Bohol water activities such as riding a banana boat, a UFO, parasailing, and Bohol island-hopping tour to nearby islets.
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If you head further east from Alona Beach, you'll reach Dumaluan Beach, another beach hideaway where you can relax with a drink from the nearby bars and Bohol restaurants or wade into the crystal waters for a refreshing swim.
Beyond visiting Bohol beaches, other must-try activities here are going on Philippine whale shark watching tours in Lila, Loboc River Cruise with Filipino food buffet, and Bohol scuba diving in Balicasag Island, one of the best diving spots in the Philippines.
5. Siargao
Siargao Island in the Mindanao region has attracted surfers from across the globe thanks to the constant waves along its coast. While it's earned the nickname of the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines," the island has more to offer outside of riding the waves.
For a more relaxed time, it's highly recommended to go island-hopping to visit the best Siargao beaches. The first stop in Siargao island hopping tours is Naked Island, which features a bare stretch of powdery white sand beach perfect for sunbathing. Another part of the famous trio of islands here is Guyam Island.
In contrast to Naked Island, Guyam Island has a small palm tree forest surrounded by white sand. Aside from wading into the cool waters, you can also lay in the shade as you take in the tropical atmosphere.
Completing the trio is Daku Island, one of the best Siargao tourist spots and Mindanao tourist spots. This islet is bigger than the first two and features a long strip of sand lined by palm trees and cottages. Pack a tasty meal ahead of your trip here so you can feast on it while enjoying the sea breeze.
Aside from the three beaches you can visit in Siargao island hopping tours, you can also rent a motorbike in Siargao and explore other beaches like Alegria Beach and Pacifico Beach.
On top of having some of the best beaches in the country, Siargao is among the best places in the Philippines to travel alone since it's easy to explore on a motorbike. You can also easily meet new people at the beach and local bars since Siargao attracts all kinds of people from various countries.
6. Camiguin
Camiguin is a small island province located in the middle of the Bohol Sea in the Visayas region. Despite its size, the province is home to a wide array of natural and historic attractions that honor the locals' rich culture.
Camiguin is also a great vacation spot mainly because of its iconic White Island, a top Camiguin tourist spot. Known as a beach lover's dream, this islet is famous for its stretch of powdery fine white sand that only appears during low tide.
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Apart from this pristine island, Camiguin is home to Mantigue Island as well. When compared to the former's spotless appearance, Mantigue Island boasts a thriving forest bordered by smooth sand and is surrounded by flourishing coral reefs filled with all kinds of marine animals.
Before leaving Camiguin beaches, don’t miss out on snorkeling here and discovering the best of the province's marine ecosystems. You can explore this island with a Camiguin tour from Cagayan de Oro for a hassle-free trip.
7. Romblon
Situated to the south of Marinduque in the Luzon region, Romblon is a group of islands that are better known as the "Marble Capital of the Philippines" due to its abundance of marble. Along with its massive marble deposits, the province is also blessed with picturesque white sand beaches that the Philippines is famous for.
When it comes to must-visit Romblon tourist spots, Bonbon Beach easily takes the top spot thanks to its long white sandbar that goes on for 2 kilometers. During low tide, you can walk across the sandbar to set foot on the nearby Bang-og Island, which is topped by a lush seaside forest.
Another must-visit attraction you should add to your Romblon tours itinerary is Carabao Island. Here, you'll find more Romblon beaches complemented by nearby cliffs and caves located across the island. More adventurous travelers can head to Cathedral Cave nestled along the island's eastern shore to go cliff diving at different heights.
8. Siquijor
This small island province is located in Central Visayas and is easily accessible by taking flights to Dumaguete, the main gateway to Siquijor. From Dumaguete, you will need to board a ferry going to Siquijor Island. The charming island of Siquijor is blessed with majestic waterfalls, lush forests, and pristine beaches. In addition to the breathtaking natural scenery, the island is also famous for its rich culture that's often known for intriguing myths and legends.
For travelers craving a beach getaway, Siquijor is often considered one of the underrated places in the Philippines, as it is usually overshadowed by more popular neighboring provinces like Cebu and Bohol. However, those who visit this charming province are rewarded with a relaxing trip to pristine Siquijor beaches that don’t have as many tourists as other famous Philippine beaches.
One of the best Siquijor tourist spots you can include in your itinerary is Paliton Beach. This beach is usually a highlight of Siquijor tours thanks to its soft white sand and crystal waters. Wade in the shallow parts of the beach for a relaxing day or snorkel to see the coral reefs that thrive here.
Another noteworthy destination here is Salagdoong Beach, which is known as the best cliff diving spot. Lastly, Tubod Beach to the east of Paliton Beach also boasts powdery white sand. However, its best attraction is its natural spring water pool, where you can take a refreshing dip.
9. Bicol
This coastal region makes up the southernmost part of the Luzon group of islands and is best known for being home to the almost perfectly conical Mount Mayon Volcano. Along with this iconic active volcano, you can visit stunning Bicol tourist spots nestled in its different islands.
One of the best Bicol beaches destinations includes the Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur, which has a handful of secluded beaches away from the usual tourist hubs.
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Thanks to remaining mostly untouched, the area has allowed coral reefs to thrive in its surrounding waters. Along with snorkeling here, you can also explore the island to find caves filled with stalactites and other rock formations.
Another beloved beach destination in Bicol is the Calaguas Islands in Camarines Norte. Aptly known as "The Concealed White Beach of Bicol," this group of islands is famous for its pristine coastline and three main islands, namely: Tinaga, Guintinua, and Maculabo.
You can also head to Sorsogon to spend a day on Subic Beach, a hideaway that has pinkish-white sands lined by turquoise waters. Meanwhile, off the shores of Donsol, you can go whale shark watching to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat when you join Donsol tours.
10. Zambales
Situated about 195 KM northwest of Metro Manila, Zambales has become a popular weekend getaway spot for city folks craving time outdoors. Aside from trekking nearby Philippine mountains, the province is best known as a beach spot where you can enjoy a variety of activities like seaside camping, surfing, and snorkeling.
Among the best Zambales beaches to visit during a Zambales tour are Anawangin Cove and Nagsasa Cove. Both bays' shores are made up mostly of ash-colored due to the previous eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Instead of beach resorts, you will set up camp on its sandy beaches and enjoy a night listening to the waves lap the shore.
Aside from its scenic coasts, Zambales is also home to Inflatable Island, a floating theme park located along Subic Bay. In this Zambales tourist spot, you can have fun in a massive inflatable playground that sits just off the shore. Go down giant slides, conquer obstacle courses, and jump right into the cool waters as you enjoy a day here.
11. Samal Island, Davao
Davao City is located along the southeastern coast of the Mindanao region and is home to outdoor adventures and local delicacies that make it a top spot for culinary tourism in the Philippines. It is also a popular jump-off point for Samal Island, which features top Davao tourist spots and over 30 resorts that make it a popular beach family destination in the Philippines. Among the best Davao beaches you can find on Samal Island is Kaputian Beach, which boasts fine white sand that you can camp on.
Along with Kaputian Beach, travelers can take a short boat ride in Samal Island tours to the nearby Talikud Island and stroll on its pristine beach. If you want to immerse in the area's biodiversity, you can scuba dive or snorkel in the surrounding reefs to see what animals live here.
Lastly, consider adding a day tour to Pearl Farm Beach Resort to your Davao itinerary as well, it’s one of the best resorts in Samal Island. On this resort's private beach, you can try water activities like jet-skiing, diving, and kayaking.
12. Iloilo
Iloilo province sits along the southern coast of Panay Island in the Visayas region and is best known for Iloilo tourist spots like Islas de Gigantes. This group of islands consists of secluded caves, lagoons, and pristine beaches. One of the places you shouldn't miss is Cabugao Gamay Island, which is a staple in any Iloilo island-hopping tour.
This island is characterized by its elongated shape whose one end is covered in lush foliage while the other features rock formations and a viewing deck. In between is a smooth white sandbar bordered by emerald waters.
Other than Cabugao Gamay Island, you can sail to Bantigue Island, which also boasts a long sandbar. What sets this islet apart, though, is that you can camp here and watch the sunset and sunrise from the powdery shores.
In between swimming and snorkeling in Iloilo beaches, you can feast on the fresh scallops sold here by locals - perfect for a seaside snack or lunch. Don’t miss a trip to the best Iloilo restaurants during your vacation to this province.
13. Guimaras
Off the southeastern coast of Iloilo City, you'll find the island of Guimaras province. When planning a trip to Guimaras, it's highly recommended to stay in beach resorts along popular coasts like Alubihod Beach. This stretch of cream-colored sand features spectacular rock formations and blue waters that are great for swimming and snorkeling. From there, you can also go on Guimaras island-hopping tours to visit more Guimaras beaches such as Tatlong Pulo, Natago Beach, and Naburot Island.
Tatlong Pulo translates to "Three Islands" in English and is an apt name as this group is made up of three islets. Each island also features a white-sand beach. Meanwhile, Natago Beach offers a more secluded escape since it is a privately-owned beach.
Along with its more quiet atmosphere, the beach features limestone rocks topped by a bamboo house. As for Naburot Island, it is often regarded as an off-the-beaten-path hideaway due to its more rustic appeal and smaller accommodations that you can find here.
14. La Union
La Union sits on the western coast of Luzon region and is only about 270 KM north of Manila City, making it a popular beach destination for local travelers craving a quick beach getaway. If you plan on heading here for a quick escape as well, make sure to visit La Union tourist spots like Urbiztondo Beach. As one of the most famous La Union beaches, this stretch of sand has become home to various La Union resorts and La Union restaurants that you can choose from.
It is also one of the best surfing spots in the Philippines, thanks to the constant waves that lap the shore. In fact, La Union is also known as "The Surfing Capital of Northern Philippines" due to the amount of travelers that come here to ride the waves.
Many resorts even offer surfing lessons for beginners, so you won't have to worry about having no experience. After surfing, you can grab a drink at nearby bars and socialize with locals and fellow travelers as well.
Aside from surfing, you can head to Bauang Beach for a refreshing swim since the waters here are calmer. When the tide is high, you can snorkel in the area to discover what marine animals live in the nearby waters.
15. Batangas
Another popular beach escape near the metro is Batangas, located about 100 KM south of Manila City. Batangas is best known among travelers for its beaches and surrounding waters that are home to flourishing marine ecosystems for Philippine diving. Among the best places to stay in Batangas are Nasugbu, Laiya, and Anilao since this is where most Batangas tourist spots can be found.
No Batangas vacation is complete without swimming in the various Batangas beaches and soaking up some sun on the sand. You can also maximize your time here by joining Batangas tours like island-hopping to nearby islets where you can snorkel above colorful coral reefs.
For a better look at the marine life here, it's recommended to head to Anilao to try scuba diving since the area is filled with thriving corals that house several species of underwater creatures like fish, nudibranchs, and more.
Relax at the best beach destinations in the Philippines
See the best of the Philippines by visiting these best beach destinations. Swim in clear waters, stroll along powdery shores, and soak up some sun worry-free by booking our top Philippine travel packages and tropical vacation packages.
Beyond visiting white sand beaches, the most beautiful islands in the Philippines are also perfect for going on Philippine island-hopping tours and trying out scuba diving Philippine packages. If you’re craving a more intimate beach getaway, check out luxury vacation packages and Philippine honeymoon packages that come with accommodations at top beach resorts.
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Make the most of your vacation by adding more Philippine tours to your travel itinerary that will take you to world-class beaches, majestic mountains, and lush forests. Make sure to read our Philippine travel guide as well to stay up to date on Philippine travel requirements and even find sample itineraries that can help you plan your beach getaway. For starters, you can look at our 8-day itinerary, 2-week itinerary, or even 3-week Philippine itinerary.
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