Siquijor Marine Sanctuary, Siquijor - Image 1
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Siquijor Marine Sanctuary Siquijor

4
·71 reviews·San Juan, Philippines

Discover Siquijor's underwater wonders! Explore vibrant coral gardens, swim with turtles, and witness barracuda schools in protected marine sanctuarie...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

High tide mornings

More marine life, calmer waters

CrowdLow
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Siquijor Marine Sanctuary, Siquijor - Image 1

Siquijor Marine Sanctuary Siquijor

Best Time

High tide mornings

More marine life, calmer waters

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Siquijor's underwater wonders! Explore vibrant coral gardens, swim with turtles, and witness barracuda schools in protected marine sanctuaries.

4
(71 reviews)

"Dive into Siquijor’s hidden gem at Maite Marine Sanctuary! Crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐠 Hire a Local Guide

Guides enhance your experience, pointing out hidden marine life and ensuring safety. Worth the fee!

🤿 Snorkel or Freedive

Both offer incredible views! Many sanctuaries are shallow enough for snorkeling.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Barracuda School

Barracuda School

Tulapos Marine Sanctuary

Witness mesmerizing schools of barracuda in their natural habitat. A truly unforgettable underwater spectacle.

Instagram+1
Vibrant Coral Gardens

Vibrant Coral Gardens

Maite Marine Sanctuary

Explore a stunning underwater world filled with diverse and colorful coral formations. Perfect for divers and snorkelers.

Reddit
Sea Turtle Encounters

Sea Turtle Encounters

Tubod Marine Sanctuary

Get a chance to swim alongside gentle sea turtles in their protected environment. A magical experience for all ages.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Marine Life

Visit during high tide for the best snorkeling and diving conditions, as this brings more marine life closer to shore. Early mornings are often less crowded and offer calmer waters, perfect for spotting diverse fish and coral formations. InstagramReddit

Gear Up for Underwater Exploration

While some sanctuaries offer rentals, bringing your own mask, snorkel, and fins can ensure a better fit and hygiene. Consider a rash guard for sun protection and a waterproof bag for your essentials. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
High tide mornings
Why
More marine life, calmer waters
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Good visibility for diving
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

did you know there’s a cat sanctuary in Old San Juan? #sanjuan #puertorico #puertoricotiktok #gato #traveltok #puertoricotravel #saveagato #catrescue #catsoftiktok #foru #fyp
@lexilles
51.8K likes • 213.3K views

🐠 Hire a Local Guide

Guides enhance your experience, pointing out hidden marine life and ensuring safety. Worth the fee! InstagramReddit

🤿 Snorkel or Freedive

Both offer incredible views! Many sanctuaries are shallow enough for snorkeling. TikTokInstagram

Power of Color grading 🎨 #freedivingph #freedivingvideo #siquijor #maitemarinesanctuary #colorgrading #colorgradingtutorial
@wavesofnat
30.7K likes • 414.5K views
Id be here every weekend if i could ✨ fav clip from yesterday’s dive! 📍 School of Barracuda, Tulapos Marine Sanctuary, Siquijor Island #freedive #freedivephilippines #siquijorisland #philippines #diving #gopro #underwaterphotography #underwater #blueworld #deepbluecoast #barracuda #seacreatures
tomathoecatsup
321 likes • 6.5K views

💰 Respect the Fees

Sanctuary fees support conservation. Budget around 100-350 pesos per person. InstagramReddit

🐢 Look, Don't Touch

Protect the delicate marine ecosystem. Admire from a distance and avoid touching corals. Reddit

Siquijor Episode 9: Tubod Marine Sanctuary 🤿 🐢 ⛴️ The initial plan was to visit Apo Island after Siquijor and Dumaguete (upcoming travel series) which will cost you around P5,000+ (boat, transportation, guide) based on my research. 🤯 But we discovered that there are sea turtles in Siquijor which is the main attraction of Apo Island so we decided to do it here in Siquijor instead. Plus, you’ll sa...
benjtupas
0 likes • 2.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐠 Hire a Local Guide

Guides enhance your experience, pointing out hidden marine life and ensuring safety. Worth the fee! InstagramReddit

🤿 Snorkel or Freedive

Both offer incredible views! Many sanctuaries are shallow enough for snorkeling. TikTokInstagram

💰 Respect the Fees

Sanctuary fees support conservation. Budget around 100-350 pesos per person. InstagramReddit

🐢 Look, Don't Touch

Protect the delicate marine ecosystem. Admire from a distance and avoid touching corals. Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection

Wear reef-safe sunscreen or a rash guard to protect your skin and the ocean. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4
(71 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Siquijor's marine sanctuaries for their vibrant underwater life, particularly the coral gardens and opportunities to see turtles and barracuda. The affordability and the chance to engage in snorkeling and freediving are major draws. However, some reviewers noted fewer fish than expected in certain areas and expressed concerns about potential overfishing impacting marine populations.

"I went there to just check out the place . Lots of weeds at the shoreline. Some people were scuba diving & snorkeling. So I just swam, wade, & play in the water. It was fun !! Didn’t see any fish though unlike Paliton. Looked ordinary to me. Just gave a donation."

Xeres Dominguez

"A very beautiful place with a variety of fish rarely found elsewhere (not so many turtles though). Definitely worth a snorkeling session 👍"

Spinning Satellites

"Went at high tide. 350 pp to snorkle with guide. Two people per guide. Saw 2 turtles and many large coral formations. Not as many fish as some of the other santuaries. Suspect spear fisherman sneaking in and taking any large fish. For what we pay. They should keep the fisherman out."

Greco Tucker

What People Like

Vibrant coral gardens
Sea turtle sightings
Barracuda schools

What People Dislike

Fewer fish than expected
Concerns about overfishing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Most marine sanctuaries in Siquijor are accessible by motorbike or tricycle from major towns. Some, like Caticugan, are near the main road, while others might require a short trek. InstagramReddit

Yes, local tricycles and habal-habal (motorbike taxis) are readily available. Negotiate your fare beforehand. Instagram

Absolutely! Renting a motorbike is a popular and flexible way to visit multiple sanctuaries at your own pace. Instagram

Many local guides offer tours, especially for freediving and snorkeling. They can arrange transport and provide valuable insights. InstagramReddit

For flexibility, a rented motorbike is ideal. Otherwise, you can hire a tricycle for a day to take you to several spots. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entrance fees typically range from 100 to 350 pesos per person, depending on the sanctuary and activities like snorkeling or diving with a guide. InstagramReddit

For most sanctuaries, advance booking isn't necessary, but it's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure guides. Reddit

Often, there's a general entrance fee, and then additional charges for guides, equipment rental (mask, snorkel, fins, life jacket), and specific activities. InstagramReddit

Fees usually cover access to the protected area. Guided tours and equipment rentals are typically separate costs. Reddit

While not always advertised, it's worth inquiring with local guides or sanctuary staff about potential group rates. Reddit

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of fish, vibrant corals, sea turtles, and sometimes barracuda schools. Sightings can vary by sanctuary and season. InstagramReddit+1

Both are fantastic! Freediving offers a more immersive experience, while snorkeling is accessible to everyone. Many sanctuaries are suitable for both. TikTokInstagram

Yes, local guides are usually available at the entrance and are highly recommended for the best experience and safety. InstagramReddit

Essentials include a mask, snorkel, and fins. Life jackets are also available for rent. Some sanctuaries offer underwater camera rentals. InstagramReddit

Yes, many sanctuaries have calm, shallow areas suitable for beginners. Guides can also provide basic instruction. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Most marine sanctuaries are in more natural settings, so dining options are usually limited. It's best to eat before or after your visit in nearby towns. Instagram

Bringing your own snacks and water is generally allowed, but be sure to take all your trash with you to keep the area clean. Reddit

Siquijor offers a range of local eateries and restaurants, from simple carinderias to more established dining spots, serving Filipino cuisine. Instagram

Some popular beaches near sanctuaries might have small cafes or bars, but don't expect extensive options directly at the sanctuary sites. Instagram

Try fresh seafood, kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), and local delicacies. Many restaurants offer delicious and affordable meals. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

A GoPro or waterproof camera is ideal. Many sanctuaries offer underwater camera rentals for a fee. Instagram+1

Areas with abundant coral formations and marine life, like the barracuda school at Tulapos or the coral gardens at Maite, are excellent for photos. InstagramReddit

While a dedicated underwater camera is best, even a good smartphone in a waterproof case can capture decent shots in clear water. Instagram

Early mornings often provide clearer water and softer light. Avoid midday sun which can create harsh shadows. TikTok

Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of the marine life and avoid using flash directly on sensitive creatures. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Siquijor's marine sanctuaries offer a fantastic educational and fun experience for families. Tubod Marine Sanctuary is often recommended for its calmer waters and the chance to see sea turtles, which kids find fascinating. InstagramReddit Caticugan Marine Sanctuary also provides opportunities for snorkeling and enjoying the beach. Instagram

Consider hiring a guide who can cater to younger visitors, pointing out interesting fish and ensuring everyone stays safe. Renting life jackets is a good idea for added security. InstagramReddit Pack plenty of snacks and water, as food options directly at the sanctuaries can be limited. Reddit The relatively low entrance fees make it an affordable family outing. Reddit

🐠 Budget Travelers

Siquijor's marine sanctuaries are very budget-friendly. Entrance fees are typically low, ranging from 100-350 pesos. InstagramReddit Renting basic snorkeling gear is also affordable, usually around 50-100 pesos per item. Instagram Hiring a local guide is highly recommended and offers great value for the insights and safety they provide. InstagramReddit

To save more, consider packing your own snacks and water. Reddit Renting a motorbike is the most economical way to get around and visit multiple sanctuaries. Instagram Look for local eateries (carinderias) for delicious and cheap Filipino meals away from the main tourist spots. Instagram

🌊 Adventure Seekers

For thrill-seekers, Siquijor's marine sanctuaries offer incredible freediving and snorkeling opportunities. Tulapos Marine Sanctuary is a must-visit for the chance to swim with barracuda schools. Instagram+1 Maite Marine Sanctuary provides a stunning backdrop of coral gardens for exploration. Reddit

Consider taking a freediving course or hiring an experienced guide who can take you to more advanced spots or even underwater caves, as experienced at Maite. InstagramReddit The island's natural beauty extends beyond the sanctuaries, with opportunities for island hopping and exploring waterfalls, making for a complete adventure trip. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Siquijor's Marine Sanctuaries

Siquijor is home to several protected marine sanctuaries, each offering a unique glimpse into the vibrant underwater world of the Philippines. These sanctuaries are crucial for conserving marine biodiversity and providing a haven for countless species. Popular spots include Tulapos Marine Sanctuary, known for its barracuda schools,Instagram+1 Tubod Marine Sanctuary with its sea turtle sightings,Instagram+1 and Maite Marine Sanctuary, celebrated for its extensive coral gardens.Reddit Each sanctuary has a small entrance fee, which directly contributes to their upkeep and protection. InstagramReddit

When visiting, it's highly recommended to hire a local guide. These guides are invaluable for spotting marine life you might otherwise miss and for ensuring your safety. They often have a keen eye for where turtles congregate or when barracuda schools are most active. InstagramReddit Many guides also offer freediving or snorkeling tours, providing an intimate encounter with the underwater ecosystem. Remember that these sanctuaries are protected areas, so adhering to conservation guidelines is paramount. Reddit

For the best experience, plan your visit during high tide, as this allows for better visibility and brings more marine creatures closer to shore. Early mornings are often ideal, offering calmer waters and fewer crowds. TikTokReddit Whether you're a seasoned diver or a casual snorkeler, Siquijor's marine sanctuaries promise an unforgettable adventure into the ocean's depths. Instagram+1

Freediving and Snorkeling Adventures

Siquijor has become a popular destination for freedivers and snorkelers, thanks to its accessible and rich marine sanctuaries. The clear, warm waters make it an ideal playground for exploring coral reefs and diverse marine life. Freediving allows for a more profound connection with the underwater world, enabling you to glide silently alongside fish and turtles. TikTokInstagram Many visitors, even beginners, find freediving in Siquijor to be an accessible and rewarding experience, often with guides offering introductory lessons. Instagram

Snorkeling is equally fantastic, with many sanctuaries featuring shallow areas teeming with colorful fish and healthy corals. It's a perfect activity for families or those who prefer to stay closer to the surface. Instagram+1 Equipment like masks, snorkels, and fins are often available for rent at the sanctuaries, though bringing your own ensures comfort and hygiene. InstagramReddit The key to a great snorkeling or freediving trip is respecting the environment; avoid touching corals or disturbing marine animals, and always practice responsible tourism. Reddit

Popular spots for these activities include Tubod Marine Sanctuary for potential sea turtle sightings Instagram and Tulapos Marine Sanctuary for its impressive barracuda formations. Instagram+1 The cost for these activities typically includes an entrance fee and a guide fee, which is a worthwhile investment for a richer experience. Reddit