Camotes Islands is one of the best places to escape the city life in Cebu.

I’ve been to the island a couple of times and I have to say, I always enjoy my visit to Camotes Islands.

So here is an updated travel guide to the Camotes Islands in Cebu.

Camotes Islands, Cebu

The name itself is intriguing. It sounds like Kamote, which means sweet potato. Does this island have many sweet potatoes? I’m not sure. But this island has much to offer than a root vegetable. I will share those with you.

But before that, I would like to show you that this is not just an Island, but a group of islands. Camotes is composed of four islands: Pacijan, Poro, Ponson, and Tulang. The first two are connected by a bridge. That being said, you can explore the two main islands easily.

Ultimate Travel Guide to Camotes Islands, Cebu 1

How to get to Camotes Islands:

PLEASE NOTE: Due to Quarantine Restrictions, the operation time of the following may not be updated and may be subject to change at any time. Please check their respective social media channels or websites to keep updated. Thank you!

Option 1: OceanJet Fast Craft

This is the fastest option.

  • Go to Cebu Port, Pier 1
  • OceanJet rates:
    • Open-air. -Php500
    • Tourist Class – Php500
    • Business Class Php800
  • Travel Time: 1-2 hours

OceanJet Schedules:

  • CEBU- CAMOTES: 6:00 AM, 3:00 PM
  • CAMOTES- CEBU: 8:00 AM, 5:00 PM

For updated schedules, check OceanJet Facebook Page

Option 2: Jomalia Shipping

  • From Cebu City – Go to the north bus terminal and take a van/bus going to Danao Port, Danao City. The fair will range to Php70.00. It will take 1.5 hours to get there.
  • From Danao Port – Take Jomalia Shipping for Php250.00. It takes 2 hours to get to Consuelo Port in Camotes.

*Terminal Fee- Php5.00

Jomalia Shipping Schedules:

  • Danao – Consuelo
    • 5:30 am (roro), 8:30 am (roro), 9:30 am (LCT), 10:00am (Fast craft), 11:30 am (roro), 2:30 pm (roro), 8:00 pm (roro), 10:00 pm (LCT)
  • Consuelo – Danao
    • 5:30 am (roro), 6:00 am (Fast craft), 6:30 am (LCT), 8:30 am (roro), 9:30 am (Fast craft), 11:30 am (roro), 2:30 pm (roro), 5:30 pm (roro), 6:30 pm (LCT), 8:00 pm (roro)

Please check Jomalia Shipping Corporation Facebook Page for the updated schedule

Transport:

Upon arriving on the island there are many tricycles and multicabs around. You can ask them to rent for the whole day. It will cost Php1500-2500.00 depending on the size. Remember, always haggle. Also, I’ve been to the island 2 times and I can recommend that it is better to tour the island with a group. Less expense, more fun!

Ultimate Travel Guide to Camotes Islands, Cebu 2
Ultimate Travel Guide to Camotes Islands, Cebu 3

Where to Stay in Camotes

Mangodlong Paradise Resort:

Last April 2021, we stayed at Mangodlong Paradise Resort.

We only stayed in the resort for our whole stay. We didn’t go out and explore the island since it was not our first time visiting. And also because we want to have less contact with people just to be safe since it is still pandemic.

I enjoyed the resort a lot and here are the things I like in the resort aside from its wonderful accommodation:

  • They have a restaurant inside and the food is delicious. No need to go outside.
  • The pool is massive.
  • The beach is beautiful and exclusive.
  • You can use their kayak for free.
  • You can book a ticket for Jomalia Shipping at their reception.
  • They accept Credit Card! I prefer using my card so this is a big plus for me.

Please note that the internet connection in this area is not great so if you want to work, that might be a problem. But if you want to disconnect and enjoy this paradise, then it will be perfect!

You can book the resort below:

BOOK HERE

Accommodations in Mangodlong, Himensola (near Consuelo Port):

Accommodations near Santiago Beach:

Places to visit in Camotes Islands

1. Santiago Bay Beach

Santiago Bay

Santiago Beach offers a vast shoreline. Not to mention the fine sand! You can walk the beach strip from end to end.

On the right side, facing the ocean, there’s a beautiful rock formation where you can swim. Most of the time it is low tide, but there’s a right time to swim; around 10 AM. I must warn you that, it will be scorching hot.

On the other side, you can get a delicious meal in Pito’s Sotokil at a reasonable price. During my first visit (a few years ago), there were a lot of people, but believe me, the long wait will be worth it once the food is served. Also, this side of the island offers a beautiful sunset.

At night, it is good to stay outside and watch the stars. Sounds cheesy and romantic. Haha. But I would like to share with you that I am very happy I did that. I had. change to see Shooting Star during one of my first visits here.

2. Buho Rock

Camotes Islands, Cebu
Camotes Islands, Cebu

For an entrance of Php20.00. You can see a beautiful view from the top. Going down, you can experience cliff jumping up to 50 feet. I even saw Korean kids jumping from 15 feet jump. That was awesome. If you don’t want to try the cliff jump, you can swim to the other side where there are amazing rock formations.

3. Lake Danao

Camotes Islands, Cebu

Aside from the beach, this is my favorite part of the island.

Lake Danao offers such beautiful scenery. The best part is you can explore it more with paddling rides, you should take the kayak. It will cost Php50.00 for each person. It is one of the best things to do here.

During my first visit, my friends and I had a little competition about who would get first to the islet. It was exhausting!

Also, there are food stalls at the Lake. Take some food and refreshments to bring back those energies you exerted from kayaking.

4. Timubo Cave

Camotes Islands, Cebu

One of the caves in Camotes. You have to walk a little bit to reach the water. Inside, you can see a Grotto. The water is cold. Also, it is better to be here without too many people.

The entrance fee is Php20.00.

5. Paraiso Cave

Camotes Islands, Cebu

This cave is already developed. Quite smaller than Timubo Cave, but if you like caves that much you can’t also miss this.

The entrance fee is Php50.00.

6. Bukilat Cave

Bukilat Cave is very secluded but I guess it is worth it to visit. The sunlight from the roof opening makes the whole cave look amazing inside.

The cave is in the municipality of Tudela.

The Entrance fee is Php20.00

7. Holy Crystal Cave

Another cave on the island. It is located in Brgy. Union, San Francisco, Camotes.

No entrance fee, just donations. So please give a reasonable amount for the guide since it will take 1.5 hours to tour the 8 levels of the cave.

It is better to tour the place with not more than 5 people. The cave offers great formations of stalagmites, may be the reason it is named Holy Crystal Cave.

8. Busay Falls

This three-level falls with a little pool has natural clear water. It will take a 10-minute hike to get there.

The entrance fee is Php10.00.

9. Panganuron Falls

Panganuron Falls is located on Poro Island. You will have a 45-minute walk to get there. Do not forget to wear proper hiking shoes. It will help you be more comfortable on your way to the falls.

Just ask the locals to guide you on your way in order for you not to get lost.

10. Tulang Diot Island

Remember the 4 islands? Well, this is the smallest island in Camotes. It will only take 10-15 minutes to get here for a fair of Php20.00 back and forth.

Tulang Diot Island offers fine white sand and crystal water.  Also, you can spend the night and camp here.

Tip: Do not rent the boat, it will cost you much.

Bonus!

Other Beaches in Camotes

  • Mangodlong Beach at Mangodlong, Heminsulan, San Francisco, Camotes
  • Borromeo Beach at Bakhaw, Esperanza
  • Bakhaw Beach at San Francisco (Entrance Fee: Php10.00)
  • Esperanza Beach at Mangodlong, Heminsulan, San Francisco, Camotes

Haven’t been here? Go and experience the island! Share this post with your friends.

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My Travel Faves!

🌎 Safetywing: For travel insurance

✈️ Google Flights: For finding flight deals

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

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☀️ Klook: For tours and activities

📷 Canon G7X Mark II: My travel camera

🧳 Luggage: My favorite luggage