Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island
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106 reviews
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Reichelle C
Metro Manila, Philippines17 contributions
May 2015 • Business
I hope that this review would encourage you to go to the place. I found the place generally safe as there were tourist police everywhere.
We went to Paseo del Mar early in the morning (06:00) to register to the City Tourism Office. You cannot visit the place without their knowledge. The rate is: 1,000 pesos for 10 pax. If your group is less than 10, you would still have to pay 1,000. Since we were only 2, we merged with a group to reach 10 pax.
It's about 15-20 minute boat ride from the peninsula. There is a tourist police with you in the entire duration of the boat ride. When you get to the place, there are tourist police roving around. You will be greeted with employees from the City Tourism Office. They are very friendly and seem to be honest with their work! You can rent a neat cottage for a minimal fee (PhP 50-100). You have to bring your own food - you can grill - as there are no restaurants or sari-sari stores in the area. There are some locals who would offer their catch for the day such as, crabs, fishes, etc.. We were there until it was our scheduled time to go which was around 2:30pm. No one can overnight.
I honestly didn't like anything in my trip at all!
We went to Paseo del Mar early in the morning (06:00) to register to the City Tourism Office. You cannot visit the place without their knowledge. The rate is: 1,000 pesos for 10 pax. If your group is less than 10, you would still have to pay 1,000. Since we were only 2, we merged with a group to reach 10 pax.
It's about 15-20 minute boat ride from the peninsula. There is a tourist police with you in the entire duration of the boat ride. When you get to the place, there are tourist police roving around. You will be greeted with employees from the City Tourism Office. They are very friendly and seem to be honest with their work! You can rent a neat cottage for a minimal fee (PhP 50-100). You have to bring your own food - you can grill - as there are no restaurants or sari-sari stores in the area. There are some locals who would offer their catch for the day such as, crabs, fishes, etc.. We were there until it was our scheduled time to go which was around 2:30pm. No one can overnight.
I honestly didn't like anything in my trip at all!
Written May 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scrattie
Newcastle, Australia60 contributions
Feb 2017 • Business
Me and my work staff were able to have a nice sidetrip to this small island paradise after running our training seminar after hearing good stories from it by our local work counterparts. A local has arranged bookings for our trip, which can also be arranged at the pier area located at the Paseo Del Mar, which is just beside Fort Pilar, which is another attraction in Zamboanga City. The booking has to be done at least a day before, as they are monitoring the number of tourists that are coming into the island. Additionally, everyone is required to bring their own drinking water, at least 1.5 liters or more (the tap in the island is said to be saline and good only for washing).
From the boarding side at Paseo Del Mar, you will board a long hull fast craft boat that doesnt have outriggers, with the basic amenities like wooden seats and a roof (can't expect too much unless you pay more for a much fancier boat like speedboats and yachts!!). The boat may be simple but I can actually transport you across the border of Malaysia after the islands of Tawi-Tawi! it took us less than 30 minutes to reach the island and indeed this boat is fast!
Upon landing at the beach, we took our own quality time inspecting the beach if it indeed is pink, or what makes it pink. The pink shade more or less depends on the time of the day that the sun strikes the sand particles, which upon observation are mainly fine pink coral fragments which are washed onshore and alongshore (pardon the geomorphologist in me) by the waves. On a fine day like between 9 am and 11 am, the beach does appear light pink, and on one part of the island, the pink shade is slightly prominent, presumably because it is near the coral source perhaps.
Take note that the best time to take photos (if it is not overcast or cloudy) would be 830 AM until about 11 AM. at high noon the light pink hue is lost to the reflection of the more yellowish sand. I am not sure in the afternoons as we didn't stay towards sunset.
There are huts, seats and tables in the inner beach area, even welcome flags, and freshly caught seafood can be bought from local fisherman who are selling these for the arriving tourists. After you pick from their selection, they can have it cooked for you, so long as the dish you want isn't complicated to prepare. We took small blue crabs that are caught from the island itself, as well as three large squids and paid like 500-600 pesos for everything! If your pangs need rice, they are also offering it but we didn't have any to make sure we savor the fresh bounty from the sea. and indeed the seafood are very fresh and sweet! we just had the crabs steamed and the squid grilled.
Our tour guide (who happens to be a former Environment Department Employee) asked us if we are interested to have a look at the mangrove protected area for a small additional fee (about 200 per head) and it was a no brainer that we took it. Our boat took a quick 10 minute ride to the side of the island where the entrance to the mangrove is located. we had to change boats and switch to a small paddled kayak which is considered to be more environment friendly and less damaging to the environment. A Badjao local muslim community who were tasked to protect the area sent two representatives with us to join our tour.
We were treated to a nice tour and view of the mangrove protected area with a variety of species growing across the shallow waters. we were not allowed to jump off the boat so as not to disturb the substrate (and not get injured by the crabs thriving at the bottom!). The best part of all is seeing those no-sting jellyfishes that are scattered across the bottom! these are said to be edible according to our guide and the locals as well. I guess this is also a highlight of this tour (other than the pink beach of course).
we had like around a little more than one hour before heading back to the pink beach for our lunch. souvenirs are being sold at the area though some of the wares i find to be a bit expensive, but if you are supporting the local community then i guess it was alright.....
By 2 pm we needed to leave back for the mainland, and from my memory, tourists aren't allowed to stay overnight unless given a special permit to do so. The view of the boat trip back gives you a great scenery of the entire Zamboanga city, and you may also see the island of Basilan from afar.
From my memory we paid about a total of 4,000 pesos (about 80USD) for three persons, including our sumptous meal! That was considered to be way cheap at 1,300 pesos (about 26 USD) for each!
From the boarding side at Paseo Del Mar, you will board a long hull fast craft boat that doesnt have outriggers, with the basic amenities like wooden seats and a roof (can't expect too much unless you pay more for a much fancier boat like speedboats and yachts!!). The boat may be simple but I can actually transport you across the border of Malaysia after the islands of Tawi-Tawi! it took us less than 30 minutes to reach the island and indeed this boat is fast!
Upon landing at the beach, we took our own quality time inspecting the beach if it indeed is pink, or what makes it pink. The pink shade more or less depends on the time of the day that the sun strikes the sand particles, which upon observation are mainly fine pink coral fragments which are washed onshore and alongshore (pardon the geomorphologist in me) by the waves. On a fine day like between 9 am and 11 am, the beach does appear light pink, and on one part of the island, the pink shade is slightly prominent, presumably because it is near the coral source perhaps.
Take note that the best time to take photos (if it is not overcast or cloudy) would be 830 AM until about 11 AM. at high noon the light pink hue is lost to the reflection of the more yellowish sand. I am not sure in the afternoons as we didn't stay towards sunset.
There are huts, seats and tables in the inner beach area, even welcome flags, and freshly caught seafood can be bought from local fisherman who are selling these for the arriving tourists. After you pick from their selection, they can have it cooked for you, so long as the dish you want isn't complicated to prepare. We took small blue crabs that are caught from the island itself, as well as three large squids and paid like 500-600 pesos for everything! If your pangs need rice, they are also offering it but we didn't have any to make sure we savor the fresh bounty from the sea. and indeed the seafood are very fresh and sweet! we just had the crabs steamed and the squid grilled.
Our tour guide (who happens to be a former Environment Department Employee) asked us if we are interested to have a look at the mangrove protected area for a small additional fee (about 200 per head) and it was a no brainer that we took it. Our boat took a quick 10 minute ride to the side of the island where the entrance to the mangrove is located. we had to change boats and switch to a small paddled kayak which is considered to be more environment friendly and less damaging to the environment. A Badjao local muslim community who were tasked to protect the area sent two representatives with us to join our tour.
We were treated to a nice tour and view of the mangrove protected area with a variety of species growing across the shallow waters. we were not allowed to jump off the boat so as not to disturb the substrate (and not get injured by the crabs thriving at the bottom!). The best part of all is seeing those no-sting jellyfishes that are scattered across the bottom! these are said to be edible according to our guide and the locals as well. I guess this is also a highlight of this tour (other than the pink beach of course).
we had like around a little more than one hour before heading back to the pink beach for our lunch. souvenirs are being sold at the area though some of the wares i find to be a bit expensive, but if you are supporting the local community then i guess it was alright.....
By 2 pm we needed to leave back for the mainland, and from my memory, tourists aren't allowed to stay overnight unless given a special permit to do so. The view of the boat trip back gives you a great scenery of the entire Zamboanga city, and you may also see the island of Basilan from afar.
From my memory we paid about a total of 4,000 pesos (about 80USD) for three persons, including our sumptous meal! That was considered to be way cheap at 1,300 pesos (about 26 USD) for each!
Written January 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JOCorciega
Quezon City, Philippines43 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
I never felt closer to the Creator this year than during my time in Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is a non-commercialized stretch of beach. There are no stores, restaurants, hotels, even formal dressing areas/shower rooms. But that is what makes it beautiful. I couldn't begin to explain it, but I felt especially light and carefree during my few hours there.
My friends and I had the chance to play a simple game of beach volleyball with a couple of fellow tourists, a game that I hadn't played in three years. Even though I had to stay close to the shore (because the island slopes steeply and I am not a great swimmer), I enjoyed the clear waters, caught some sun, and spent another good half hour just sitting where the waters met the shore, basking in the uniqueness of the sand and the feel of nature.
For lunch we were treated to some just-caught and -grilled squid offered by local fishermen who also helped us get some fresh banana leaves to serve as our table top/place mat. The nap that I took right after was also the best I've had in quite a while, what with the fresh sea breeze and the relative peace of the place.
Before we left, I stopped by a small group of local merchants who sold assorted gift and souvenir items. My initial intent in approaching them was only to grab a few items to bring home, but I ended up staying longer. Shopping became last of my agenda as I was caught up in the engaging stories of the locals and their everyday life in the island. Since I could speak their dialect, they found it easier to converse with me and I even managed to share part of my life story with them. They were strangers, yes, but the instant camaraderie we built was very endearing and I couldn't help but feel touched when they bid me and my friends good wishes upon our departure.
It was during our boat trip back to the city proper, looking back to the hours we spent in the island, that I felt utterly moved and reconnected with nature and with God. The experience moved me to tears, tears that joined the splashes of seawater that washed our faces during the ride.
It might just be good ol' emotional me, or it might also be that Santa Cruz indeed is one good place to refresh one's spirit. I promised myself that I would return and I hope by then, Santa Cruz, will have just remained the same.
My friends and I had the chance to play a simple game of beach volleyball with a couple of fellow tourists, a game that I hadn't played in three years. Even though I had to stay close to the shore (because the island slopes steeply and I am not a great swimmer), I enjoyed the clear waters, caught some sun, and spent another good half hour just sitting where the waters met the shore, basking in the uniqueness of the sand and the feel of nature.
For lunch we were treated to some just-caught and -grilled squid offered by local fishermen who also helped us get some fresh banana leaves to serve as our table top/place mat. The nap that I took right after was also the best I've had in quite a while, what with the fresh sea breeze and the relative peace of the place.
Before we left, I stopped by a small group of local merchants who sold assorted gift and souvenir items. My initial intent in approaching them was only to grab a few items to bring home, but I ended up staying longer. Shopping became last of my agenda as I was caught up in the engaging stories of the locals and their everyday life in the island. Since I could speak their dialect, they found it easier to converse with me and I even managed to share part of my life story with them. They were strangers, yes, but the instant camaraderie we built was very endearing and I couldn't help but feel touched when they bid me and my friends good wishes upon our departure.
It was during our boat trip back to the city proper, looking back to the hours we spent in the island, that I felt utterly moved and reconnected with nature and with God. The experience moved me to tears, tears that joined the splashes of seawater that washed our faces during the ride.
It might just be good ol' emotional me, or it might also be that Santa Cruz indeed is one good place to refresh one's spirit. I promised myself that I would return and I hope by then, Santa Cruz, will have just remained the same.
Written November 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Farah_Jane
Zamboanga2 contributions
Aug 2012 • Friends
Great if you're only plan is to swim and take some pictures. Be sure to bring your own foods and lots of fresh water. There is the lack of facilities such as shower rooms and mini/convenience stores.
Written August 23, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorielyn Nuqui
Caloocan, Philippines202 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
This pink sand beach dubbed as one of the best beaches in the world by the national Geographic is difinitely awesome! Joined a tour to this beautiful island and it comes with a tour to the mangrove, you get to experience touching the stingless jellyfish, harvest the seaweeds and ride on a vinta, and the most important is that part of the tour goes the local of sta cruz island
Written February 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carljosephburlat
Zamboanga City, Philippines77 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
This island is just 30-minute drive from mainland Zamboanga City. Tourists are advised to book ahead of time, preferably a week before their scheduled trips by calling 0927-2835-684. The iconic pink sands of Zamboanga City are very accessible with a jump-off point in Paseo del Mar. The island is only open to the public from 7am until 2pm and overnight stays are not allowed. Each boat can accommodate up to 10 persons and costs Php 1,000.00 for a round trip. An entrance fee of Php 20.00 and Php 5.00 terminal fee are collected once you get to the island. Cottages at the beach front cost Php 100.00-200.00 while a pavilion that can fit a party for 30 people costs 500.00. An optional lagoon tour near the community and a visit to the sandbar near the Small Sta Cruz Island are also possible depending on the tide. Please inform the management ahead of time if you want to avail the lagoon tour. You may also arrange with the Asociacion de Guia Turistico del Zamboanga (AGTZ) for a package from tour operators (0917-724-3199).
Written January 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
frank c
Muara, Brunei Darussalam186 contributions
May 2017 • Family
You will have to book your boat at Paseo the day before.They now allows only 200 visitors a day to the island.you must go in the morning n all boats will leave island by 2-3pm...no overnight stay at the island.
There are huts on the island which you could use for a small fee of p100.water is cool clean n beautiful.you could see bits of red coral in d sand which gives it the pink tinge.There is toilet facilities but there is no water in the facilities which is the most disappointing thing.There are stalls selling pearls bangles n necklace.No restaurant n bring lots of water.
There are huts on the island which you could use for a small fee of p100.water is cool clean n beautiful.you could see bits of red coral in d sand which gives it the pink tinge.There is toilet facilities but there is no water in the facilities which is the most disappointing thing.There are stalls selling pearls bangles n necklace.No restaurant n bring lots of water.
Written May 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
May Antonnette L
4 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
Visited this island in 2011. Very very near the city, 15 mins travel by boat. We did not rent any cabin or tables. Just stayed in under tree/bush-shaded area. You can also buy very affordable seafoods (crabs, big squids) from vendor in the island and ask them to cook it for you. Make sure to bring rice or corn to partner with your seafood and drinking water, goggles/snorkle.
Written June 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy P
Manila77 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
The public beach is a bit small, but is far from being crowded. Best time to visit is early in the morning when the current isn't too strong for swimming. However, boats traveling to the area still ferry people to the island until midday, but tourists could only stay on the beach until around 4 pm. If traveling solo, I suggest talking to one of the tourist guides in the Paseo del Mar booking office to check if you can join another group to save boat fees. Otherwise, the current rate is Php 1,000 per boat.
Written October 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
frank c
Muara, Brunei Darussalam186 contributions
Aug 2014
The very rare pink beach of this world.The pink color is actually broken bits of red coral in the sea.
This beach has got beautiful clean water n one of the few beaches that is untouched in this world.I m sure it would be a diver paradise.
Facilities like toilets n shower has just been built and not good now but I m sure when its fullu operational it would be very good.
We go there by boat n cost P125 person.Hire per boat cost P1000.cost include return fare.Best to go back by 3pm.Boat ride took about 15 minutes.
There are islanders selling trinkets of pearl lockets bracelets etc.They also sell crabs and squid at P200 each n they will cook for u.
On the whole a good day out n the sun is viciously hot.Bring lots of sun screen n sun bather would be cooked n sun burnt in no time!
Beautiful unique beach and a lovely place for a sunday outings!
This beach has got beautiful clean water n one of the few beaches that is untouched in this world.I m sure it would be a diver paradise.
Facilities like toilets n shower has just been built and not good now but I m sure when its fullu operational it would be very good.
We go there by boat n cost P125 person.Hire per boat cost P1000.cost include return fare.Best to go back by 3pm.Boat ride took about 15 minutes.
There are islanders selling trinkets of pearl lockets bracelets etc.They also sell crabs and squid at P200 each n they will cook for u.
On the whole a good day out n the sun is viciously hot.Bring lots of sun screen n sun bather would be cooked n sun burnt in no time!
Beautiful unique beach and a lovely place for a sunday outings!
Written September 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the travel requirements needed for tourist coming from manila? We’re planning to visit Zambonga on March 11-14 and starting looking for activities and accommodation. Thanks in advance
Written February 16, 2022
Gud mrng! 😁 Where and how much do i pay for reservations for two?
Written April 19, 2019
Ask ko lang po kung kelangan ba talaga ng reservation? Hindi po makakapunta ng walk in lang? Thanks
Written February 27, 2019
Para 100% sigurado mas mabuti mag pa reserved in advance.Depende sa dami tao,puwede din mg walk 50/50 Chance
Written February 27, 2019
how much money would i probably spend? im from lanao del norte by the way
Written January 20, 2019
When you’re going to Island you’ll only pay 1000 for the banca rental... but you can share it with other passengers. Environmental fee is i think 20php only.
Written May 8, 2019
How to book a boat ride to the island?
We will visit Zamboanga City by April 27 or 28.
Pls reply, we and my wife are from Manila.
This is my contact number 09231778991.
Written April 15, 2018
Hi there, Dan.You'll need to take a flight going to Zamboanga City and there are lots of affordable accomodities and a lot of food cuisine you can try. Also, there is an official page for Sta. cruz island and how to book a visit on the great island. :)
Written April 17, 2018
Hi, there. I am sorry. There are only cottages available and staying overnight isn't allowed on the island.
Written April 17, 2018
Hi there, you will need to book a flight for a stay on Zamboanga City. There are lots of affordable accomodities and are near the said site (berthing place) before going to the island. You may contact or visit the office at "Paseo del Mar" to book a visit to the great island.
Written April 17, 2018
Hi! How we charter a boat ride to and from the Island? Do you have a contact number so we could book in advance? Please let me know. Thanks!
Written September 26, 2017
you go to Paseo Del mar one day in advance n book seats for the boat to the islands.I don't think they have contact number.Apologise for late reply.
Written October 1, 2017
Can you please let me know how to fly from Manila? Thank you.
Written February 9, 2017
What is the cheapest way to get to this island from the airport ? Planning to backpack solo and stay overnight. Does anyone have any contacts?
Written June 10, 2016
Take a tricycle from the airport to Paseo del Mar. Here you can take a boat to take you to Sta Cruz Grande or Little Santa Cruz (there are two Sta Cruz Islands). It's 20 minutes boat ride from Paseo del Mar to the islands. The boat costs Php1,000 roundtrip (good for 10pax); Php20 entrance fee and php5 terminal fee. There are nipa cottages for a day rent in the islands. Expect to be accompanied by armed guards.
Written July 5, 2016
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