Philippines Beaches

From Boracay's world-famous White Beach to Palawan's hidden coves - discover the archipelago's most spectacular beaches with powder-white sand and turquoise waters.

Top Beaches

White Beach, Boracay
Aklan, Visayas
Very busy
4kmPowder-white sand

World-famous 4km stretch of powder-white sand divided into three stations. Station 1 offers the widest beach area with luxury resorts, Station 2 is the commercial heart with D'Mall and restaurants, Station 3 is quieter and more budget-friendly.

Perfect for:
Water sportsNightlifeParaw sailingSunsets
Highlights:
  • Iconic paraw sailboats at sunset
  • Three different stations with distinct characters
  • Vibrant nightlife and water sports
  • Palm-lined beachfront promenade
Best season: Nov–Apr (dry season), May–Oct (rainy season with stronger winds)
Tip:

Station 1 for wider beach, Station 2 for action, Station 3 for quiet. Sunset is spectacular - secure a spot early.

Nacpan Beach, El Nido
Palawan
Moderate
4kmCream-colored sand

Spectacular 4km stretch of cream-colored sand with gentle waves. Less developed than other beaches with natural beauty and dramatic limestone cliffs as backdrop.

Perfect for:
RelaxationPhotographySunsetsSurfing (seasonal)
Highlights:
  • Pristine natural beauty
  • Dramatic limestone backdrop
  • Perfect for sunset photography
  • Less crowded than El Nido town beaches
Best season: Dec–Apr (best conditions), Jul–Oct (rain and rough seas possible)
Tip:

Shade is limited - bring sun protection. Best time for photos during golden hour. Simple surfing possible.

Panglao Beach, Bohol
Bohol, Visayas
Moderate to busy
Multiple covesWhite sand

Collection of beautiful beaches on Panglao Island with excellent diving and snorkeling. Alona Beach is the main beach with restaurants and dive shops, while other coves are quieter.

Perfect for:
DivingSnorkelingRelaxationIsland hopping
Highlights:
  • World-class diving and snorkeling
  • Diverse beach options
  • Balicasag Island day trips
  • Relaxed island atmosphere
Best season: Nov–Apr (dry season), May–Oct (rainy season with occasional storms)
Tip:

Alona Beach for activities, other coves for quiet. Diving to Balicasag Island is a must. Tricycle for transport between beaches.

Saud Beach, Pagudpud
Ilocos Norte, Luzon
Quiet to moderate
2kmCream-colored sand

Remote beach in northern Luzon with cream-colored sand and turquoise waters. Less developed with natural beauty and strong winds that attract kitesurfers.

Perfect for:
RelaxationKitesurfingPhotographySolitude
Highlights:
  • Pristine natural environment
  • Perfect for kitesurfing (seasonal)
  • Dramatic mountain backdrop
  • Few crowds
Best season: Nov–Apr (best conditions), May–Oct (stronger winds and rain)
Tip:

Strong winds can make swimming challenging. Best time early morning. Limited accommodation options - book ahead.

Puka Beach, Boracay
Aklan, Visayas
Quiet
800mPuka shell sand

Quieter alternative to White Beach with distinctive sand made from crushed puka shells. More natural environment with less development and crowds.

Perfect for:
RelaxationShell collectingSolitudeNature experience
Highlights:
  • Unique puka shell sand
  • Quiet, relaxed atmosphere
  • Natural environment
  • Perfect for shell collecting
Best season: Nov–Apr (dry season), May–Oct (rainy season)
Tip:

Visit early morning or late afternoon. Less shade available. Tricycle ride from White Beach.

White Island, Camiguin
Camiguin, Mindanao
Moderate
SandbarPure white sand

Uninhabited white sandbar that appears and disappears with the tides. Perfect crescent of white sand surrounded by clear blue waters with Mount Hibok-Hibok as backdrop.

Perfect for:
PhotographySnorkelingDay tripsSunrise viewing
Highlights:
  • Pristine uninhabited sandbar
  • Dramatic volcanic mountain backdrop
  • Perfect for sunrise photography
  • Crystal clear surrounding waters
Best season: Mar–May (calmest seas), Jun–Feb (possible rough weather)
Tip:

Best visited early morning before sunrise. No shade or facilities - bring everything you need. Tide-dependent access.

White Beach, Puerto Galera
Oriental Mindoro, Luzon
Busy
1.5kmFine white sand

Popular beach destination just 3 hours from Manila with fine white sand and vibrant beach scene. Lined with resorts, restaurants, bars, and dive shops offering easy access to world-class diving sites.

Perfect for:
DivingNightlifeWater sportsBeach bars
Highlights:
  • Easy access from Manila
  • Excellent diving and snorkeling
  • Vibrant beach bar scene
  • Wide range of accommodations
Best season: Nov–Apr (best weather), May–Oct (rainy season but still diveable)
Tip:

Can get very crowded on weekends. Book diving trips in advance. Many beach bars offer happy hour deals.

Hidden Beach, El Nido
Palawan
Moderate
Small coveWhite sand

Secluded beach accessible only by swimming through a small opening in the limestone cliffs. Part of the famous Tour A island hopping route with crystal clear waters and dramatic rock formations.

Perfect for:
SwimmingPhotographySnorkelingAdventure
Highlights:
  • Unique access through cliff opening
  • Completely enclosed by limestone cliffs
  • Crystal clear turquoise waters
  • Instagram-worthy scenery
Best season: Nov–May (calm seas for swimming access), Jun–Oct (rougher seas)
Tip:

Must be able to swim to access. Can get crowded during peak tour times. Waterproof camera essential.

Beach Types

Powder-white beaches
Finest white sand, perfect for relaxation
Examples:

White Beach (Boracay), Bantayan Island, Camiguin White Island

Perfect for:

Sunbathing, photography, water sports

Hidden coves
Secluded beaches with natural beauty
Examples:

Hidden Beach (El Nido), Diniwid (Boracay), Malcapuya Island

Perfect for:

Relaxation, snorkeling, romance

Surf beaches
Beaches with waves for surfers of all levels
Examples:

Cloud 9 (Siargao), Urbiztondo (La Union), Duli Beach (El Nido)

Perfect for:

Surfing, beach culture, water sports

Diving beaches
Beaches with direct access to coral reefs
Examples:

Alona Beach (Panglao), Anilao, Apo Island

Perfect for:

Diving, snorkeling, marine life

Beach Activities

Island Hopping
Discover multiple islands and hidden beaches by boat
Top destinations:

El Nido, Coron, Siargao, Bohol

Costs:

₱1,500-4,000 per person/day

Snorkeling
Explore coral reefs and marine life
Top destinations:

Apo Island, Panglao, Anilao, Coron

Costs:

₱500-1,500 per person (equipment included)

Water Sports
Parasailing, jet ski, banana boat and more
Top destinations:

Boracay, Panglao, Puerto Princesa, Subic

Costs:

₱800-3,000 per activity

Paraw Sailing
Traditional sailing at sunset
Top destinations:

Boracay, Iloilo, Palawan

Costs:

₱1,000-2,000 per boat (1-2 hours)

Seasonal Guide

Dry Season (Nov–Apr)
Conditions:

Calm seas, little rain, best visibility

Best for:

All beach activities, island hopping, water sports

Crowds:

Highest tourist numbers, especially Dec–Jan

Rainy Season (May–Oct)
Conditions:

Frequent showers, rougher seas, less visibility

Best for:

Lower prices, fewer crowds

Crowds:

Lowest tourist numbers, many resorts closed

Costs & Pricing

Beach resorts: ₱2,000-15,000+ per night
Budget accommodations: ₱800-2,500 per night
Island hopping tours: ₱1,500-4,000 per person
Water sports activities: ₱800-3,000 per activity
Beach restaurants: ₱300-1,000 per meal
Umbrella/chair rental: ₱200-500 per day
Beach massage: ₱500-1,500 per hour

Essential Items

Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Hat and sunglasses
Snorkeling gear (your own is more hygienic)
Waterproof bag for valuables
Beach towel or sarong
Water shoes for rocky beaches
Insect repellent for evenings
Sufficient cash (many beaches don't accept cards)
Reusable water bottle
Waterproof camera or phone case
Environmental Protection Notice
  • • Use only reef-safe sunscreen without harmful chemicals
  • • Do not touch or stand on coral reefs
  • • Pack out all trash and leave no trace
  • • Respect marine protected areas and local rules
  • • Do not feed marine animals or fish
  • • Use reusable water bottles
  • • Support eco-friendly resorts and tour operators
  • • Learn about local conservation projects