White Island is Camiguin’s most iconic spot, and for good reason!
The soft, fine white sand is something your feet will always remember.
Pair that with the refreshing blue water, and the majestic view of Camiguin island, and White Island is truly unforgettable.
In this guide to White Island, I’m going over:
- Everything you need to know before visiting
- Where it is and how to get there
- Opening hours and entrance fees
- Planning tips for travelers visiting White Island
- White Island vs Mantigue Island
And some trivia and FAQs about the island.
Let’s get to it!
Check out my 18 best Camiguin tourist spots list here! Or my Camiguin travel guide if you’re visiting the island soon.
Everything You Need to Know About Camiguin’s White Island
White Island is the epitome of a tropical paradise.
White sand.
Blue water.
And endless sunshine.
What more could you ask for?
Well… maybe you could ask for a little shade 😂
Because White Island is a sandbar, there’s absolutely ZERO shade on the island.
The good news is that your tour boat has umbrellas for rent (I’ll get more into this in a bit).
Despite that, it’s still best to come during sunrise before the Philippine sun gets too hot.
What to do on White Island
To be honest, there isn’t a lot to do on White Island.
It’s a wonderful experience to be in a random patch of sand out at sea.
But aside from taking in the beautiful view of Camiguin’s mountains, watching the sunrise, or maybe taking a dip in the refreshing water, you quickly run out of things to do.
You can also sunbathe, or hide underneath your rented umbrella.
You can play or read a book in the sand.
And there’s sometimes a man selling fresh sea urchins.
So if you’re hungry and feeling adventurous, you can try some!
How to Get to White Island
To get to White Island, make your way to the White Island Ferry Terminal in Yumbing. From there, it’s a 10-minute boat ride to White Island.
The ferry terminal is about 15 minutes away from Mambajao town proper.
You can get there by riding a westbound tricycle (the orange ones), and ask them to drop you off at the White Island terminal.
If you’re renting a motorbike (which is the best way to get around Camiguin), you can search for “White Island Ferry Terminal” on Google Maps!
White Island Opening Hours and Fees
Here are White Island’s hours and fees!
White Island Opening and Closing Times
Trips to White Island start at 5 am and end at 4 pm. At 5 pm the island closes and visitors are asked to leave.
White Island Fees
- Entrance Fee – php50 ($1) / head
- Boat for 4pax – php550 ($11)
- Beach umbrella set rental – php150 ($3)
- Sea urchins – php100 for 3 (only if the guy is around)
The boat is a set price, so you won’t get a discount if you’re fewer than four.
And if you’re more than four in your group, you’ll have to rent two boats!
Planning Tips for White Island + What to Bring!
- Try as much as possible to get on the 5 am trip! You’ll get at least 3 hours before the heat starts to kick in. Plus, if you come at 6 – 7 am, the island is usually already full of tourists.
- Bring snacks! Relaxing is one of the best ways to spend your time on White Island. And since there’s absolutely NOTHING on the island, it’s worth it to bring some snacks like chips along.
- Most people visit White Island and Mantigue on the same day. If you’re doing this, it’s best to visit White Island first – as early as 5 am before the sun rises. Mantigue has plenty of shade, so you can enjoy it even during the hottest hours of the day.
- White Island is halfway between Mambajao town and the Catarman attractions. If you don’t feel like visiting Mantigue on the same day, you can opt to go straight to Catarman to see the Sunken Cemetery and Guiob Ruins, or go even farther to Sto Nino Cold Spring and Tuasan Falls.
- Your boat will wait for you on White Island, so you can go back to the mainland whenever you want.
- Don’t forget your sunblock! Again, there is absolutely nothing on White Island. So bring sunglasses, a cap or hat, and sunblock. You can rent an umbrella and beach mat for php150 ($3), or you could also just bring your own.
White Island vs Mantigue Island
The main difference between White Island and Mantigue is that Mantigue has trees. White Island is also smaller than Mantigue, and it doesn’t have a coral reef just a few feet into the water as Mantigue does.
I personally enjoyed Mantigue more.
There’s a lot more to do there than on White Island.
However, this does NOT mean you can skip White Island!
Again, it is Camiguin’s most iconic spot.
And when it comes to enjoying the sea, sand, and sun, there really aren’t many places better than White Island.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Island
How Much Time Should I Spend on White Island?
You can spend as much or as little time as you want on White Island! We stayed for about an hour, which we felt was enough already. But you can stay much longer if you want!
Does White Island Change Its Shape?
Yes! White Island’s shape shifts with the tides. When we visited, it was forming a very obvious J-shape. However, it can just as easily for an I or some other shape.
What is the History of White Island in Camiguin?
According to local legends, Camiguin used to be FULL of white sand beaches. However, when Mt Vulcan erupted in 1871, it covered these beaches with black sand and stones. White Island is said to be the last remnant of Camiguin’s white sand beaches.
What is White Island Known For?
White Island is a sandbar known for its incredibly soft, powdery white sand – and also its stunning views of Camiguin Island.
What is the Best Time to go to White Island?
The best time to go to White Island is the first boat trip at 5 am. This allows you to watch the sunrise, escape the heat of the day, and avoid most of the tourists who start arriving in their numbers at 6-7 am.
Do I Need a Tour to Visit White Island?
No! You don’t need to book a tour in advance to visit White Island.
Conclusion: Should You Visit White Island?
That’s an absurd question.
The real question is…
Have you really been to Camiguin if you haven’t been to White Island???
That’s how iconic this spot is.
So yes, if you’re visiting Camiguin, you MUST visit this spot!
Looking for more Camiguin tourist spots? Check out 17 other spots here. Or if you’re looking for more tips on traveling the Land Born of Fire, I wrote a travel guide too!