Beach & Island
Virgin Island
The sandbar that looks too good to be real.
About this destination
What makes it worth it
Virgin Island is a narrow strip of powdery white sand rising out of water so clear you can see the grain on the seabed from above. It sits a short bangka ride off the coast of Bantayan, and on a good morning, if you arrive before the day-trippers, it can feel completely yours.
The snorkeling just off the sandbar is some of the best around Bantayan: shallow coral gardens, fish that haven't learned to be afraid, and visibility that stretches further than you'd expect. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and nothing else you're afraid to get wet.
Things to do
- Snorkeling on the coral gardens
- Sandbar walking at low tide
- Swimming in shallow turquoise water
- Lunch on the beach
Best time to visit
November to May for calm seas and clear skies. Avoid June to October when southwest monsoon swells can make the crossing rough.
How to get there
From Santa Fe, take a 30–45 minute bangka ride directly to the island. Our Virgin Island Hopping tour leaves from Santa Fe Beach at 9:00 AM.
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From recent trips
Seen on the island
Plan your trip
Travel guides
Planning
3 Days on Bantayan Island: A Day-by-Day Itinerary
A paraw sail on day one, a sandbar on day two, and the island's quieter side on day three. A simple plan that leaves room to slow down.
· 4 min read
Planning
Best Time to Visit Bantayan Island: A Month-by-Month Guide
Calm seas, Holy Week crowds, rainy-season bargains: how to pick the right month for Bantayan, and which trips suit each season.
· 5 min read
Planning
How to Get to Bantayan Island from Cebu City
A bus to the top of Cebu, a short ferry across, and you're on the island. How the route works, how long it takes and how to make it easy.
· 4 min read
Good to know
Common questions
Is there an entrance fee for Virgin Island?
Yes. Visitors pay an island entrance and ecological fee. On our Virgin Island Hopping tour all entrance fees are included, along with the boat, guide, lunch and snorkeling gear.
Is Virgin Island good for snorkeling?
Yes. The shallow coral gardens just off the sandbar are some of the best snorkeling around Bantayan, with visibility that stretches further than you'd expect. Bring reef-safe sunscreen.
How do I avoid the crowds on Virgin Island?
Arrive early. Before the day-trippers turn up, the sandbar can feel completely yours.
Can I visit other islands on the same trip?
Yes. Hilantagaan Island is a short bangka extension from Virgin Island, and Kintarkan Island is often added as a quieter stop on the same day trip.
Ready to visit?
Plan your trip to
Virgin Island
Message us on WhatsApp and we'll put together an itinerary, sort the logistics, and answer any questions before the day.