Everything You Need To Know
How To Get There
The Camotes Islands, a charming cluster of islands off the coast of Cebu, proved to be one of the most memorable experiences during our time in Cebu. Despite being a 2-hour boat ride away, the journey felt surprisingly brief, and we even managed to catch a nap on the way there. Opting for a local boat, we only spent 355 pesos each (approximately $7 USD) for the ride. To get to the port, you'll need to take a bus from the North Bus Terminal in Cebu City. From there, it takes roughly an hour or two to reach the Danoa Ferry Port, with a fare of around 80 pesos.
Best Time To Visit
Due to their close proximity to Cebu, the Camotes Islands have become a highly sought-after tourist destination among local travelers. However, it's important to note that weekends tend to be very busy, as we've heard from many people. Therefore, we highly recommend planning a visit on weekdays instead, and ideally spending at least 3 days here to fully experience and enjoy all that the islands have to offer.
Transportation on Camotes
To make the most of your visit to the Camotes Islands, you will need to rent a scooter as it is the only way to get around. Fortunately, most of the roads are well-paved, so getting from one place to another is not too much of a hassle. We rented our scooter from a man recommended by our hotel for 350 pesos per day.
Where To Stay
Our stay at RC Huts was an absolute delight. The staff members were incredibly friendly, and the rooms had a cozy tree house-like ambiance with the added bonus of chilly air conditioning. The cleanliness of the accommodations exceeded our expectations, making our stay all the more comfortable. Although the rooms are on the smaller side, they were perfect for the two of us. It's worth noting that cold water showers are the norm, so don't anticipate any hot showers during your stay. It's also worth mentioning that RC Huts is tucked away on a scenic road with breathtaking views, adding to the overall charm of the property. We stayed here for about $20 USD a night.
Where to Eat
Keep in mind that the Camotes Islands can be a bit rough around the edges, especially when it comes to finding food. As vegetarians, it was a bit challenging for us, but we found that bakeries were our best friends and went there for breakfast every morning, taking extra to go. Not only were the baked goods delicious, but they were incredibly cheap. We're talking 12 pieces for 40 pesos! Additionally, we highly recommend making a stop in San Francisco Town. There are fruit stalls selling the freshest and most delicious fruit, especially the mangoes. Further down the walkway, we found a pizza place where we ate most nights of our stay. It was really good and they offered a veggie pizza option too!
Prepare for your trip with the Essentials!
Caves
The main attraction on the island is free diving, which we were surprised to learn is a popular activity here. It's rare to see many other tourists here, particularly those who are not here for diving like us. Instead, we came for the Tulum-like caves, which did not disappoint!
The caves' white rocky bottoms and the mesmerizing mix of fresh and saltwater in each one were breathtaking. Every cave was uniquely beautiful, and the water was so refreshing that it was hard to choose a favorite. Swimming and jumping around crystal clear, but very blue water and learning about the cave systems made for a truly unforgettable experience. The best part was having each cave all to ourselves, making it feel like our own private oasis. We visited a total of 4: Bukalit Cave, our personal favorite, Timubo Cave, Paraiso Cave & Heaven Cave. There is another called Amazing Island Cave, but we didnt have time to check it out.
Waterfalls
Although there are multiple waterfalls in the Camotes Islands, we only managed to visit one during our trip. The journey to the waterfall involved a one-hour drive, followed by an hour-long search for the trailhead. After eventually finding what we believed was the correct path, we hiked for another hour through the jungle in search of the waterfall. Unfortunately, we never arrived at our intended destination and ended up getting lost. However, our spirits remained high as we unexpectedly stumbled upon another breathtaking waterfall along the way. This waterfall is not on google maps, has no name and we think we might be some of the only westerners to have visited this beauty!
Tulang Diot Island
A mere 10-minute boat ride away from the Camotes Islands lies a small, secluded piece of paradise. This hidden gem boasts pristine white sand and crystal-clear blue waters that are perfect for snorkeling and lounging around. However, be sure to pack some snacks and water as there aren't many food options on the island. Trust us, you'll want to spend at least a couple of hours soaking up the sun and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of this idyllic spot.
San Fransisco Bay Walk
San Francisco is the main town in the Camotes Islands, where you can find the Agora Market offering fresh produce and meats, as well as most of the restaurants in the area. During our visit, we had the pleasure of indulging in some delicious local cuisine and strolling along the scenic boardwalk, admiring the majestic mangroves and taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling town. We even stumbled upon a group of talented skater boys showing off their skills, which was a fun and unexpected.
These islands have so much to offer
Much more than we had time to explore, but our experience on the islands exceeded our expectations and left us with a sense of enchantment that we have only felt a few times during our years of travel. Everywhere you look, there are palm trees, cows, and goats which contribute to the island's charm. Moreover, the locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming, surpassing even the warmth we've experienced in Bali. The overall feeling of peace and tranquility made us appreciate every moment of our stay. One of the highlights of our trip was driving around on the scooter, taking in the stunning scenery and enjoying the island's laid-back atmosphere.
