Vigan Island Snake Island
El Nido's Vigan Island, famously known as Snake Island, captivates with its S-shaped sandbar, visible at low tide.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sandbar fully visible
Vigan Island Snake Island
Best Time
Sandbar fully visible
Highlights
Must-see attractions
El Nido's Vigan Island, famously known as Snake Island, captivates with its S-shaped sandbar, visible at low tide.
"A postcard-perfect spot with an iconic sandbar, best experienced at low tide for stunning photos."
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
The sandbar is the star! Plan your visit around low tide for the best experience and photos .
Hike for the Best Views :mountain_snow:
A short climb offers incredible panoramic shots of the island and sandbar. Worth the effort!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The S-Shaped Sandbar
Connects mainland Palawan to an islet
A stunning, serpentine sandbar that emerges at low tide, creating a unique, walkable pathway across the turquoise waters.
Panoramic Viewpoint Hike
On the islet
A short hike rewards you with breathtaking aerial views of the sandbar and surrounding Bacuit Bay islands.
Snorkeling and Marine Life
Around the island and sandbar
Explore vibrant coral reefs and discover marine life, including starfishes, especially when the tide is lower .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Sandbar
Beat the Crowds for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
The sandbar is the star! Plan your visit around low tide for the best experience and photos.
Hike for the Best Views :mountain_snow:
A short climb offers incredible panoramic shots of the island and sandbar. Worth the effort!
Private Tour for Solitude :couple_with_heart:
Arrive before the crowds or book a private tour to enjoy the sandbar in peace.
Bring Your Snorkel Gear :fish:
Discover colorful marine life and starfishes in the clear waters around the island.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
The sandbar is the star! Plan your visit around low tide for the best experience and photos.
Hike for the Best Views :mountain_snow:
A short climb offers incredible panoramic shots of the island and sandbar. Worth the effort!
Private Tour for Solitude :couple_with_heart:
Arrive before the crowds or book a private tour to enjoy the sandbar in peace.
Bring Your Snorkel Gear :fish:
Discover colorful marine life and starfishes in the clear waters around the island.
Drone Shots are Amazing :camera_with_flash:
Capture the unique snake-like shape from above for truly epic photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Snake Island's unique, snake-like sandbar, especially when visible at low tide, calling it a postcard-perfect spot. The short hike to the viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views. While some find the sand a bit gritty, the overall experience is highly praised, particularly for photography and the chance to see marine life.
"Nice and photogenic causeway that can be easily crossed at low tide. It was past low tide when I visited which was a shame because the sandbank was all under the sea, although I still managed to wade through the water. Ideally the sandbank needs to be visible for ease of crossing as well and for instagram shots. Visit at low tide."
Chung H
"When we arrived, we were on the sandbar alone. What an amazing place, like from a postcard! Private tour was well worth it as we came here before all the crowds ☺️"
Martin Krzan
"A spit sand dune walkable at low tide and viewed as light coloured strip when under water. A bit gritty sand not white soft powder and not the most picturesque we've seen but popular."
Kevin Stephens
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Snake Island, officially Vigan Island, is typically visited as part of El Nido's island-hopping tours, most commonly Tour B.
While Tour A and C are popular, Snake Island (Vigan Island) is most frequently included in El Nido Tour B.
It's challenging to visit Snake Island independently as it's part of the protected Bacuit Bay. The most practical way is through organized island-hopping tours.
Island-hopping boats are the standard mode of transport. The journey offers scenic views of the Bacuit Bay archipelago.
No, Snake Island is an islet accessible only by boat as part of island-hopping tours from El Nido.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees are usually included in the overall El Nido island-hopping tour packages. However, it's advisable to confirm this with your tour provider.
Snake Island is accessible during daylight hours as part of organized tours. The specific times depend on your tour schedule.
Yes, El Nido has an environmental fee that is typically collected upon arrival in El Nido town or included in tour packages. This fee helps maintain the pristine condition of the islands.
Yes, many tour operators in El Nido offer online booking for island-hopping tours, including those that visit Snake Island. This is a convenient way to secure your spot.
Tour prices can vary, but expect to pay around PHP 1,200 - 1,500 for a group tour that includes lunch and entrance fees. Private tours will be more expensive.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting. However, the sandbar is most photogenic during low tide, regardless of the time of day.
The S-shaped sandbar itself is the primary subject. The viewpoint after the short hike also provides stunning aerial perspectives.
Drone photography is generally permitted, but it's always a good idea to check with your tour guide or local authorities for any specific regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the sandbar and landscape. Waterproof gear or a protective case is advisable for water activities.
The unique snake-like shape of the sandbar, especially when partially submerged at high tide, offers a different photographic challenge and aesthetic.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can walk along the sandbar, swim, snorkel to see marine life, and hike to a viewpoint for panoramic photos. Kayaking is also an option on some tours.
It can get crowded, especially during peak season and when multiple tours arrive. Visiting during low tide and opting for an early tour or private option can help avoid crowds.
The sand is described as a bit gritty rather than soft powder by some visitors, but still beautiful and part of the island's charm.
Generally, there are no permanent facilities on Snake Island itself. Lunch is usually served on the boat during island-hopping tours.
Light, quick-drying clothing, swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen are recommended. Water shoes can be helpful for walking on the sandbar and in the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The short hike to the viewpoint might be a bit challenging for very young children, but it offers a rewarding view. Ensure children wear life vests if they are not strong swimmers, and always supervise them closely near the water. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited.📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1🐠 Snorkelers and Divers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Sandbar
+1 This natural wonder is not a permanent fixture; it dramatically emerges from the sea during low tide, creating a breathtaking spectacle and a unique pathway connecting the main island to a smaller islet. The unofficial name change by locals highlights the island's distinctive serpentine shape, which is best appreciated from a distance or from the elevated viewpoint.+1The visibility of the sandbar is entirely dependent on the tidal cycle. Visiting during high tide means the sandbar will be submerged, appearing as a lighter strip of sand beneath the water. While still beautiful, it misses the iconic visual that draws many visitors. Therefore, checking tide charts is crucial for experiencing Snake Island in its full glory and capturing those sought-after photographs.
Experiencing Snake Island: Activities and Views
For those who love the water, snorkeling around Snake Island reveals a vibrant underwater world. Visitors have reported seeing various marine life, including colorful fish and starfishes, particularly when the tide is lower.
Even when the sandbar is submerged, the waters remain clear and inviting for swimming and wading.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit