Pink Paradise Awaits: Discover Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga

Santa Cruz Island Tour – Zamboanga City

Great Santa Cruz Island is one of Zamboanga City’s most famous attractions, known for its pink sand beach, pristine waters, and mangrove lagoon with stingless jellyfish. It’s a protected area, so visitor access is regulated to preserve its natural beauty.

Why Visit Santa Cruz Island?

✔ Pink Sand Beach – A rare sight caused by crushed red organ pipe corals mixed with white sand
✔ Clear Waters – Perfect for swimming and beach relaxation
✔ Mangrove Lagoon Tour – Explore a lush mangrove forest with stingless jellyfish
✔ Badjao Community Visit – Learn about the indigenous sea gypsies of Zamboanga
✔ Limited Visitors – Avoids overcrowding for a peaceful and exclusive experience

How to Get to Santa Cruz Island

✅ Boat Ride from Paseo del Mar
• Register at the Zamboanga City Tourism Office (located at Paseo del Mar)
• Ride a motorized boat (10-15 minutes) to Santa Cruz Island. A boat can ride 10 people.
• Boats operate daily from 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM (last return trip is at 3:00 PM)
• Round-trip boat fee: ₱1,000 (good for 10 people) We rented the boat for us with 4 people for 1000 pesos fixed price per trip so we can enjoy our time.

✅ Mangrove & Lagoon Tour (Optional)
• Ride a small paddle boat to explore the mangrove forest
• See stingless jellyfish and other wildlife
Ride their infamous vinta which is a traditional boat used by tribes for fishing
• Tour fee: ~₱300–₱500 per boat

Tour Fees & Guidelines

✅ Environmental Fee: ₱20 per person
✅ Cottage Rental: ₱200–₱500 (for day use)
✅ No overnight stays allowed (Santa Cruz is a protected area)
✅ Bring your own food & drinks (No stores on the island)

Travel Tips

✔ Book in advance – Only a limited number of tourists are allowed daily
✔ Visit on a sunny day – The pink hue is more visible under bright sunlight
✔ Respect the environment – Avoid littering and follow the rules set by local authorities
✔ Stay hydrated & bring sunscreen – There are no resorts or commercial facilities


#travel #mindanao #fypyoutube #travelvlog #solotravel #paradisephilippines #zamboangacity #jellyfish #mangrove #philippines #tribe #indigenous