5 awesome reasons to visit the Caramoan Islands
Last updated on February 10th, 2026.
The Caramoan Islands are a group of islands located in Caminares Sur, a province in the Philippines.
They were one of several places we visited on our 2-week trip to the Philippines.
According to sources, the name ‘Caramoan’ has been used since 1619 — the year it was named after a Spanish friar.
Long before the Spanish, Dutch traders christened the land, ‘Guta de Leche’ (Guta of Milk). It’s most likely the name came from the milkdrop stalagmites they found among the rocks at Guta Port.
As someone who’s traveled to several tropical destinations, including The Bahamas and Mexico, the Caramoan Islands are something truly special.
With more travelers favoring El Nido in Palawan, I want to share why the Caramoan Islands are just as noteworthy. It’s a place where great ocean, and land, adventures await — and why it wins hands down over El Nido.
How to reach the Caramoan Islands
Suffice it to say, the Caramoan Islands aren’t the easiest to reach.
However, as the saying goes, 'good things don’t come easy’. The journey is long and tiring, but it's something you'll instantly forget the moment you set eyes on the islands.
The overall journey time depends on your starting destination.
How long
We started our trip to the Caramoan Islands from the regional Naga Domestic Airport on Caminares Sur.
After a 45-minute flight from the capital, Manila, we drove around 3.5 hours to reach the port. From here, it was another 1.5/2 hours by boat.
Finally, we reached our destination: the best Caramoan Island resort, Tugawe Cove Resort.
Jump to:
5 reasons why the Caramoan Islands is better than El Nido
1. The landscape
There are 10 principle Caramoan Islands along with smaller islets off the coast of the peninsula. The larger islands include Matukad, Katanhawan, Gota and Cotivas.
Love at first sight
I challenge your jaw not to drop the first time you set eyes on the rugged coastline from the speedboat. From this angle, the islands look like something straight out of a National Geographic dream.
A destination filled with white sandy beaches, blinding blue waters and a forest bursting with flora and fauna.
In and around the islands and islets are caves and coves waiting to be explored and a rich marine life. When night time falls, wait for the stars to come out and illuminate the misty sky.
Caramoan Islands map
Pinpoint your Caramoan Islands adventures by clicking on the map and planning your itinerary.
2. There's plenty to do
In an area as picturesque as the Caramoan Islands, you’ll have no issues finding things to do.
Alongside rest and relaxation, the most popular activity is to go island hopping.
Island hop your way around
We ‘hopped’ to several islands in the area, including Pitogo and Katanhawan (Big Katahawan and Small Katahawan Island).
The bigger of the two is home to a self-sufficient community of 100 people; a community that are gracious and kind. Saying that, be sure to respect their home and surroundings if you plan to visit.
The local people are proud to preserve the beauty of their environment and you should too. Sustainable tourism is something widely encouraged here and putting it into practice is easy.
For the thrill seekers
Adventure travelers will have an adrenaline overload on the Caramoan Islands.
As well as trekking the challenging terrain, there’s also the chance to climb limestone cliffs. On Pitogo Island is an uphill trek so steep it'll test even the fittest person's resolve.
For non-adventure seeking visitors coming to Pitogo, make sure to wear suitable shoes and long pants. Sharp shears of grass and uneven rocks and terrain are everywhere.
3. They're not overcrowded
If you prefer your beaches remote, and the water clean and translucent, the Caramoan Islands are ideal.
While traveler hotspot El Nido in Palawan has the same offerings, the Caramoan Islands aren’t as commercial.
This means you can do all the activities you associate on a paradise island and without anyone around. The Caramoan Islands are also one of the most underrated, and lesser-known, spots for scuba diving in the Philippines.
It's all yours
Swim, snorkel or scuba dive, the choice is yours. On Small Katahawan Island, I enjoyed a stretch of beach to myself before swimming in the translucent waters.
The Caramoan Islands are also less expensive than the resorts at El Nido. This does mean there are less choice of accommodations given they're not as widely visited.
But, if you're looking for a paradise island adventure that won't break the bank, consider coming here.
4. Caramoan Islands and Survivor
If you’ve never heard of Survivor, you’re in good company.
This reality TV show puts a group of contestants on a paradise island where the goal is to survive.
They compete in challenges for rewards and to get immunity from elimination. Whoever is the sole survivor by the end of the show wins the grand prize.
A dream location
The islands have hosted not 1, but 8 seasons of the show from different countries.
They include the United States, France, Bulgaria and Sweden. Its wild and untamed landscape, and challenging conditions, make it a firm favorite among TV producers.
That said, fans of the TV show will enjoy following in the footsteps of their favorite contestants.
5. An all-in-1 holiday in the Philippines
Above all, the Caramoan Islands are an all-inclusive destination that suits all types of travelers.
It’s ideal for a romantic holiday with your other half or a family vacation with the kids. For families with young children, the beaches are clean, safe and with shallow water when they want to bathe.
Where to stay in the Caramoan Islands
For couples, I highly recommend booking a few nights at a Lakeside Cabana at Tugawe Cove Resort.
The cabanas overlook the lake and the nearby beach is just steps away. At night, candles light the way along the lake and the stairs.
If available, request to dine by moonlight. Sip on a glass of wine while listening to the waves crashing gently against the shore.
If traveling solo, I’d still urge you to visit the Caramoan Islands.
There’s plenty to keep you busy — if you choose — or you can relax at the resort and enjoy a traditional Filipino massage. A perfect way to round off your paradise island getaway it'll send you into a deep, relaxing sleep.
What do you think of the Caramoan Islands? Have I persuaded you to add it to your Philippines travel itinerary? Let me know in the comments section below.
*Prices correct at time of publishing
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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Absolutely stunning!! I am convinced that this will be my Philippines destination!!
Perfect! It's really an incredible part of the country to visit 🙂
How gorgeous! You have me sold on visiting the Caramoan Islands! I love that they are less crowded and what I envision an island paradise. I think it’s worth the extra travel time for a destination like this!
I'm glad you're sold Vanessa! We had an amazing time there, and felt so detached from daily life 😀
Looks incredible! Would love to get here one day!
You must Claire! It's a beautiful part of the country 😀
Wow! Nothing short of paradise indeed. I would love to make my way there someday 🙂
Me too! It was really like being in a dream 😀
That looks very beautiful - I was not aware of those islands before but looks like a gorgeous stop in the Philippines. hopefully we will be able to travel again to Asia soon!
It's incredible and less touristy that El Nido! I'd love to visit Asia again too 🙂
A big Survivor fan here. Probably my all-time favorite TV show. Fun to read about a classic Survivor location from a touristic point of view. Beautiful area!
That's so cool Steven! I'd never heard of the show before they told us 😀
Even if it takes forever to get there, I would go in a heartbeat!!! Caramoan Islands.. I’m coming for you!
Trust me Lannie, it's worth the trip!
I love how full of information this post is. Now I want to visit it someday. Thanks for posting.
Thank you LaRena! I'm so glad you enjoyed reading it 😀
The Caramoan Islands sound like a haven for those who want to see nature at its best. I'd love to visit it some time
You really must, they're stunning
It is undeniably beautiful! I have never thought to want to travel to the Philipines so much! Your pictures are amazing 🙂
Thanks Nati, I hope you see it one day, it's incredible there
It looks like such a beautiful place. I definitely need to visit one day.
You must, it's incredibly beautiful
Loved it. I can so be there and relax all day... Sit on the shore and just let the water touch my feet
It's that kind of place 🙂
These islands look really beautiful. I would love to visit someday.
You must, they're beautiful
I have never heard of these islands. Images are beautiful. This place looks like an ideal place to visit without a laptop and phone for a few days. Away from all the chaos just to relax
It's the place to have a digital detox!
Looks so relaxing. I hope that you enjoyed there, can’t wait to visit it one day!
We really enjoyed it, and sure others will too
Waooo never heard of this island before but yes you have persuaded me to add it to my itinerary thanks for the details ?
You're welcome, it's a wonderful region
The map was really helpful, I will take a print out of this for easy reference.
Wonderful!
This looks like it would be such a beautiful place to visit. I have always seen such fabulous pictures and it makes me want to go so badly!
Add it to the list and go before everyone else does 😀
Caramoan Islands looks like a paradise in heaven. I have to go here for the next tropical paradise getaway.
You must, it's amazing
Never heard of the Caramoan Islands until now, will definitely look into travelling there one day.
You must, it's incredible
Love these reasons! You've definitely convinced me that this is totally a place I need to add to my list.
Perfect Tiffany, hope you visit one day
These islands look amazing! The beautiful water and the scenery. I would love to visit - it looks like the perfect place to relax and enjoy exploring too.
You must, it's an amazing place 😀
This looks like a really great place to vacation to, and since it isn't a major tourist attraction it makes it even better, the pictures are marvelous, that crystal clear water, sandy beaches, lush greenery all around, heaven on earth.
They're a gorgeous part of the country, and of the world!
Caramoan islands is such a beautiful place. I loved the photographs. The fact that it is not touristic makes it more appealing. Couples, families and even group of friends will find this destination perfect.
Thank you, it's an awesome place
Such a wonderful place to take a wonderful vacation. It’s so really nice ambiance to spend with family and loved ones.
Pretty much a perfect all-round destination!
OMG! It's near my hometown!!! I rarely read posts about Caramoan (usually blog posts are about Palawan/Manila/Siargao), so this got me excited! Would you believe I have never been there, and it's just few hours away from us?! Every time I go to the Philippines, the weather is not ok or there is a typhoon coming. Anyway, thanks for all the inside scoop!
That's incredible Carmen! I urge you to visit, it was the highlight of my trip 😀
Pictures are stunning, really luring me to plan for Caramoan Islands. I used to watch Survivors religiously while growing up, it will be great to actually see the locations.
Then you really must visit, Survivor's a big show there
There's much to see here. I'd love to see these views in person. Love the idea of open land.
It's like nowhere I've been in the world
What a gorgeous island! There are so many gorgeous places in the Philippines.
There are, and still unspoiled too
I haven’t been to Caramoan Island and it looks really amazing. My aunt lives in Bicol and she was actually inviting me to go there.
You have to go! We had an incredible time, once in a lifetime experience 😀
I would love to go Island hopping on the Caramoan Islands—a great reason to visit.
It's the activity to try there
I would love to go to any of those places
You'd have the best time
I have never heard of the Caramoan islands, they look simply stunning
Add it to the list, it's a spectacular place!
That water is breath taking! Feels like you are on set of a movie; it's so picturesque. Keep the photos coming!
Thank you so much, it was a pleasure to capture
Oh my goodness. This place looks amazing. I would love to visit Caramoan Island soon.
I hope so too Sue, it's wonderful there
Oh my.goodness this looks like such a beautiful place! I love how blue and clean the water looks! I would love to visit this tropical paradise 🙂
The Caramoan Islands are spectacular!
Oh wow! Thanks for sharing the Caramoan Islands with us! It looks so remote and unspoilt x
They are and worth visiting 🙂
Never heard about these islands. It's a new knowledge for me. Hope I can visit it someday. Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome!
I’d love to visit here someday!
You should
Looks beautiful and not overly crowded! Would be a very long trip for me though to visit!
Trust me, it's worth it!
Looks like a lovely place!
Thanks
The place, the beaches looks amazingly beautiful. A place I would like to visit.
I hope you do John, it's an amazing part of the world
Okay... after reading this I totally want to go visit there right now! Looks and sounds amazing!!
The Caramoan Islands are everything and more 😀
BRB, booking my trip! Beautiful photos and it truly looks like a beautiful place to visit.
Wonderful Danielle, hope you get there one day
It’s funnu when this is just close from my hometown and yet I haven’t been to Caramoan. I will make sure when I go to the Philippines, I will visit this place as well.
Then you really must visit, it's an awesome place
Ive never been here but the pictures as well as your subscription sounds amazing. I'll have to go there some time in my lifetime.
Thanks Brandy, I really appreciate the feedback
OMG, I want to jump on the plane now and head to Caramoan Island, looks so picturesque and the waters so blue
Even more when there!
I've never heard of The Caramoan Islands, but it's on my bucket list now! The islands look so stunning; your photos are so pretty. Island hopping sounds like so much fun!
Thanks Sam, I really appreciate it. Taking photos here was a dream 😀
Thanks for educating me about the the Caramoan Islands. I have to confess that I've never heard about them. My only excuse is that I haven't been in Asia yet. I'd love to visit the Philippines and spend some time on these beautiful islands. They look so relaxing!
Anda, you really should visit. They're unspoiled (for now), and the people are so helpful and accommodating too
This place truly looks like paradise with that turquoise water. I love visiting places that are not too over crowded from tourists and have a lot of nature, so I can imagine that I would enjoy this island. I used to watch the very first seasons of Survivor. It would be interesting to visit some of the filming locations.
It's nice to meet someone who's watched the show! I can really understand why it's so popular with producers
Wow the Caramoan Islands look simply perfect! Those viewpoints are stunning - you capture them so well. The beaches alone are enough reason to visit!
Thanks Katie! We had an awesome time, and I'd return in a heartbeat
I had never heard of the Caramoan Islands before, and I am Filipino! Well half anyway. I will have to ask all my aunties about visiting this island when I go to see them in Manila!
Trust me you have to visit! It's a stunning region of the country
Overcrowded islands are a big no no. You don't enjoy your time there. For me that's wasting money. This is a good alternative to have in mind.
Thank you! I totally agree.
It looks picture postcard perfect. I can just imagine my toes in that clear water. I love the sound of how unspoilt and remote it is.
It's really like that, and the beach is yours to do as you please!
The Caramoan Islands look lovely and the fact that they are not overcrowded is a big draw for me. I think it would be a wonderful place for a tech-free getaway.
The Caramoan Islands are the perfect place for a digital detox 😀
Enjoyed panoramic photographs and insightful post on Caramoan Islands. Would love to visit there.
Definitely add it to the list, it's a wonderful destination
Looks like such a fun and beautiful trip. Just stick me on that beach please!
Lol the beaches are beautiful there!
I love the atmosphere there, looks so relaxing and natural. It's a pity it is not on my agenda for now to go visiting, but definitely some day.
That's ok, just as long as it's on your radar 😀
Oh wow! Those views are the only reason I need! It's so gorgeous there.
The views are wonderful!
This sounds like an incredible place to visit - I definitely don't mind having to travel that extra little bit to get to a beautiful destination 🙂 Sounds lovely!
The Caramoan Islands are straight out of a dream! Trust me, they're incredible 😀
Wow I'd heard so much about El Nido but never of Caramoan Islands. Planning to visit the Philippines this year so I'll make sure I go here! Thanks for telling us about this
You're welcome, hope you get to visit!
This is actually one of our target destinations this year. Those beaches are gorgeous! Do you know if they have scuba diving outfitters there?
I'm not sure, but I'd be surprised if they didn't 🙂
I'm planning a trip to the Philippines this year and I was seriously considering the Caramoan Islands. It's so hard to choose where to go on a limited time because the Philippines have so many nice islands and cities. However, after reading this article, I think I'll definitely visit Caramoan Islands.
Yay so happy to read that Daniel! There are incredible islands there, and it's hard choosing one set to see
Been following your blogs lately on Caramoan islands. I would like to say that staying in Tugawe Cove Resort itself is a major reason for me to visit the islands. By the way, thanks for mapping the island out and mentioning about the activities that we can do when there.
You're welcome. It's lesser known than El Nido, but worth seeing for yourself
We are putting together lists of places we want to visit in the Philippines. We have just added the Caramoan Islands thanks to your article. It is exactly the type of island we want to include.
That's awesome Jane! Trust me, it's stunning, and not as busy as El Nido. Would love to know what you think
Looks so relaxing and makes you to turn off from the world. Ohh I hope that you enjoyed there, can't wait to visit it one day! 😀
We really enjoyed it there! Definitely add it to the list
Wow this sure looks like an amazing Island. The beaches look so clean and just the whole view looks beautiful. Never heard of this island but now I can add it to my travel inspiration list
That's wonderful to read! It's an incredible area and great to explore