Disclosure: This guide is published by Mariden Resort. While we've aimed for accuracy, we encourage you to research both areas for your trip.
Route Map from Mariden Resort
The map below shows the driving route from Mariden Resort to General Luna Port / Tourism Office, approximately 50 minutes by motorbike (see Siargao scooter and van rates ).
Driving route from Mariden Resort to General Luna · Tri-Island Tour departs from here · Click marker for distance & drive time
The Tri-Island Tour is Siargao's quintessential island-hopping experience - a rite of passage for every visitor to the island. In one sun-soaked day, you'll explore three completely different islands: Naked Island (a tiny sandbar in the middle of the ocean), Daku Island (the largest, with white-sand beaches and local eateries), and Guyam Island (a palm-fringed sandbar great for photos). Whether you're chasing shots, snorkeling, or simply soaking up island life, this tour covers a lot of Siargao's best water scenery in a single day. For other boat tour experiences, check out turquoise Sugba Lagoon (from Del Carmen port) or the adventurous Sohoton cave tour . Here's your complete guide to Siargao's Tri-Island Tour, from booking and transport to what you'll see on each island.
Quick Facts
- Islands Included: Naked Island (sandbar), Daku Island (largest), Guyam Island (most photogenic)
- Jump-off Point: General Luna (exclusive primary jump-off point)
- Travel Time from Del Carmen : 45-60 minutes to General Luna, then 30-40 min boat ride
- Tour Duration: 6-8 hours (full day)
- Best For: Beach lovers, snorkelers, photographers, families, groups
- Cost: ₱1,500/person (~$26 USD) standard (shared group/joiner tour) | ₱5,000–₱9,000 total (~$87–$156 USD) for a private boat (price varies by group size; confirm with operators)
- Mandatory LGU Fee: ₱100 per person (~$1.75 USD) (₱80 for seniors/PWD, free for children 10 & below)
- What's Included: Boat rental, life jackets; lunch and entrance fees vary by operator (confirm when booking)
- Operating Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (most tours return by 4-5 PM)
- Best Tide: High tide = more photogenic (island appears smaller, fully ocean-surrounded); Low tide = more sandbar to walk. Both are great; don't stress!
- Best Months: March-October (dry season, calm seas)
The Three Islands: What to Expect
1. Naked Island (Pansukian Island)
What It Is:
A pristine white sandbar with literally nothing on it - no trees, no buildings, no shade. Just pure sand surrounded by turquoise water in every direction.
Why It's Special:
- 360° Ocean Views: Stand in the middle and see nothing but sea and sky
- Sandbar Magic: The shape and size change with the tides
- Minimalist: Nothing but white sand, sea, and sky — works for photos
- Shallow Waters: Perfect for wading and playing in the surf
What to Do:
- Walk the entire sandbar (takes 5-10 minutes)
- Take panoramic photos
- Wade in the shallow turquoise water
- Build sandcastles or write messages in the sand
- Simply relax and soak in the serenity
Warning: ZERO shade on Naked Island. Bring umbrella, hat, or portable shade tent. Apply reef-safe sunscreen before arrival and bring water bottles (no facilities).
Time Spent: 30-45 minutes
Image courtesy of Airial Travel
2. Daku Island
What It Is:
The largest of the three islands, Daku (meaning "big" in Visayan) features a long stretch of white-sand beach, coconut palm groves, and several family-run eateries.
Why It's Special:
- Local Island Life: Interact with friendly locals who live here year-round
- Fresh Seafood: Beachside restaurants serve grilled fish, kinilaw (ceviche), chicken, and tropical fruits
- Swimming & Snorkeling: Clear water with some coral and fish near rocky areas
- Shade & Facilities: Palm trees for shade, basic restrooms, picnic tables
What to Do:
- Enjoy a beachside lunch (₱200–₱400 per person, ~$3.50–$7 USD, for seafood meals)
- Swim in calm, clear waters
- Snorkel near the rocky edges (bring your own gear)
- Explore the island's interior trails
- Buy fresh coconuts (₱30-50, ~$0.45-$0.75 USD) or tropical fruits from vendors
Tip: Most tours schedule 1.5-2 hours here for lunch. Premium packages include a Boodle Fight , a traditional Filipino communal feast served on banana leaves with rice, seafood, and vegetables. Cash only - no ATMs or card payments. Try the kinilaw (raw fish ceviche) or grilled squid! For more tips on island costs, see our Siargao island costs guide .
Time Spent: 1.5-2 hours (including lunch)
Image courtesy of Vacation Hive
3. Guyam Island
What It Is:
A very small island ringed by coconut palms, white sand, and turquoise water. Easy to walk around in 10 minutes; the palms make it the most photographed of the three stops.
Why It's Special:
- Tiny & Tropical: Small enough to walk around in 10 minutes
- Iconic Palm Trees: Classic "desert island" vibe
- Snorkeling Spot: Clear water with fish and small coral patches
- Less Crowded: Smaller than Daku, more intimate feel
What to Do:
- Take classic tropical island photos under the palms
- Snorkel around the island's edges (good fish diversity)
- Swim in crystal-clear water
- Relax in beach huts or hammocks (₱50-100, ~$0.85-$1.70 USD, rental)
- Buy fresh coconuts or snacks from small vendors
Best Photos: Early afternoon light (2-3 PM). Use palm trees as foreground frames!
Time Spent: 45 minutes - 1 hour
Image courtesy of KKDay
Typical Tour Itinerary
This is a standard schedule. See our Siargao trip plan for how to fit this into a larger trip.
8:30 AM - Pickup from Del Carmen
Van transport to General Luna (45-60 min drive). Note: General Luna is the exclusive jump-off point for the Tri-Island Tour.
9:30 AM - Arrive at General Luna Tourist Boat Station
Pay the mandatory ₱100 (~$1.50 USD) LGU Tourism Fee at the registration area (₱80 (~$1.36 USD) for seniors/PWD, free for children 10 & below). Meet your boat crew, receive life jackets, load onto outrigger boat.
10:00 AM - Depart for Naked Island
30-40 minute scenic boat ride. Enjoy ocean breeze and views of Siargao's coastline.
10:30 AM - Naked Island (Stop 1)
Explore the sandbar, take photos, wade in the shallows.
Duration: 30-45 min
11:30 AM - Daku Island (Stop 2)
Swim, snorkel, and enjoy a beachside lunch. Most tours allocate 1.5-2 hours here.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
1:30 PM - Guyam Island (Stop 3)
Snorkel, relax under the palms, take final photos.
Duration: 45 min - 1 hour
2:30 PM - Return to General Luna
Boat back to the mainland.
3:30 PM - Return to Del Carmen
Van transport back to your resort. Arrive around 4:00-4:30 PM.
How to Book the Tri-Island Tour
Booking is straightforward; no advance reservation is required for joiner tours. Here are your options:
Option 1: Walk Up at General Luna Pier (Budget)
Head directly to the General Luna Tourism Office / Boat Station on the morning of your tour (aim for 8:00-8:30 AM). Boat captains and guides are available on the spot; you can book a shared joiner or a private boat right there. No apps, no pre-booking needed.
- Pay the boat fee at the pier
- Pay the ₱100 (~$1.50 USD) LGU Tourism Fee separately at registration
- Bring enough cash (no card payments at the pier)
Option 2: Book Online in Advance
Platforms like GetYourGuide, Klook, and KKDay list certified operators for the Tri-Island Tour. Useful if you want a confirmed slot, fixed itinerary, drone footage, or a premium boodle fight lunch package. Best to book 1–2 days ahead during peak season (Dec–Apr).
Tip: Walk-up bookings are cheaper but have less flexibility. Online platforms and resort bookings cost slightly more but include transport, guides, and sometimes extras like drone shots or mermaid tail props.
What to Bring
Essentials:
- ☑️ Swimwear (quick-dry)
- ☑️ Reef-safe sunscreen (reapply often!)
- ☑️ Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- ☑️ Towel (boats don't provide)
- ☑️ Cash (₱2,000–₱3,000, ~$35–$52 USD, for lunch, snacks, tips, and rentals)
- ☑️ Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated)
- ☑️ Hat/cap and sunglasses
Optional but Recommended:
- 📷 Waterproof action camera (GoPro)
- 🥽 Snorkel gear (if you have your own)
- 🏖️ Portable beach mat or sarong
- 🍫 Snacks (for the boat ride)
- 💊 Seasickness medicine (if prone to motion sickness)
Tips for the Best Experience
Book During Dry Season (March-October)
Calm seas, sunny weather, and better visibility for snorkeling. November-February can have rough waters and rain. If you love clear, calm water, you might also enjoy Sugba Lagoon swim in Del Carmen.
Weekdays > Weekends
The Tri-Island Tour is VERY popular. Weekends and holidays = crowded islands. Book weekday tours for a more peaceful experience.
Private Boat vs. Group Tour: Pricing Comparison
| Option | PHP Price | Approx. USD | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joiner Tour (shared group) | ₱1,500 / person | ~$26 USD | Solo travelers, couples, small groups |
| Private Boat (6–10 pax) | ₱5,000–₱6,500 total | ~$87–$113 USD | Families, friend groups wanting flexibility |
| Private Boat (11–20 pax) | ₱7,000–₱9,000 total | ~$122–$156 USD | Large groups, corporate trips |
| LGU Tourism Fee (mandatory, all options) | ₱100 / person | ~$1.75 USD | Required for all visitors |
Note: Lunch and entrance fees may not be included in the base boat price; confirm when booking. All payments are cash only.
Photography Tips
- Naked Island: Shoot wide-angle, capture the sandbar from above (drone shots are epic)
- Daku Island: Golden hour (late afternoon) for warm beach tones
- Guyam Island: Use palm trees as foreground frames
Snorkeling Spots
- Naked Island: Minimal marine life (sandy bottom)
- Daku Island: Rocky edges have small fish and coral
- Guyam Island: BEST snorkeling - vibrant fish near the island's perimeter
Respect Island Rules
- Don't litter (bring trash back to the boat)
- Don't step on coral when snorkeling
- Support local vendors (buy coconuts, rent hammocks)
What disappoints people
The tri-island tour gets excellent reviews overall, but the same complaints come up again and again:
- Naked Island is beautiful but there's nothing to do there. It's a sandbar. There's no shade, no food, no snorkeling. Guests who didn't know this ahead of time spend 45 minutes standing in the sun wishing they'd brought more water. Go in, get your photos, get back on the boat.
- Weekend crowds on Daku Island. Daku is popular with local tourists, and on Saturdays in high season it can feel like a beach party with 300 strangers. If peace is the point, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
- Guyam Island at low tide. The island is gorgeous — but the surrounding reef is exposed at low tide, which makes snorkeling near the shore difficult and the approach by boat tricky. The tour operators know the tides; if your guide looks at the clock and says "Guyam might be short today," trust them.
- Walk-up wait times at peak season. The GL pier sells out joiner boats quickly on weekends in March–May. Show up by 8 AM or book online through Klook or GetYourGuide the evening before to guarantee a spot.
Doing this from Del Carmen: The tour departs from General Luna's pier, about 45 minutes away by van or habal-habal. It's a manageable day trip — and worth pairing with a GL overnight if you're also planning to surf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shared group (joiner) tours cost ₱1,500 per person (~$23 USD) standard (boat included; lunch and entry fees may be separate; confirm with operator). Private boat rentals cost ₱5,000–₱9,000 total (~$87–$156 USD) depending on group size (6–20 pax). There is also a mandatory ₱100 (~$1.50 USD) LGU Tourism Fee per person (₱80 (~$1.36 USD) for seniors/PWD, free for children 10 and below). Budget ₱200–₱400 (~$3.50–$7 USD) extra for food on Daku Island if not included in your package.
Yes! Tours depart exclusively from General Luna (45-60 min from Del Carmen). Book directly at the GL pier on the day, or reserve online via GetYourGuide or Klook in advance. Tricycles and habal-habal from Del Carmen to GL run regularly (₱150–300).
Absolutely! The calm waters, shallow areas, and beach activities make it family-friendly. Kids love Naked Island's sandbar and Guyam's snorkeling. Bring life jackets, reef-safe sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Most tours depart 9:00-10:00 AM and return by 3:00-4:00 PM. This avoids the hottest midday sun and catches good lighting for photos. Avoid late afternoon departures (rougher seas, less time per island).
Yes, but quality varies. Guyam Island has the best snorkeling with colorful fish and small coral formations. Daku Island has decent snorkeling near rocky areas. Naked Island has minimal marine life (sandy bottom).
Tours are canceled or rescheduled during storms, strong winds, or rough seas. Operators prioritize safety. Book during dry season (March-October) for the best conditions. Always check weather forecasts.
At current exchange rates, a shared joiner tour costs approximately $26 USD per person (₱1,500). A private boat rental runs approximately $87–$156 USD total (₱5,000–₱9,000) for groups of 6–20. Add roughly $1.75 USD per person for the mandatory LGU Tourism Fee, and budget $3.50–$7 USD per person for lunch on Daku Island. Exchange rates fluctuate; all island payments are cash only in Philippine pesos, so exchange currency before your tour.
Your Del Carmen base for island hopping
The tri-island tour is the most popular day trip from General Luna — but it's doable from Del Carmen with a short transfer. Mariden Resort is 5 minutes from the airport, rooms from ₱1,500/night (~$26 USD).
Book direct with code DIRECT20 for 20% off.
Explore Our RoomsRelated Guides
More Siargao Adventures:
- Sugba Lagoon from Del Carmen
- Sohoton stingless jellyfish tour — Mystical caves and stingless jellyfish
- Siargao tidal pool guide — Tidal pools on the east coast
- hidden lagoon beach (Secret Beach) — Hidden gem near General Luna
- white-sand Alegria Beach — Family-friendly beach in Santa Monica
- surf at Pacifico Beach — Surf and seclusion on the north coast
- Del Carmen mangrove boardwalk — Tranquil nature walk near Del Carmen
- Taktak Falls jungle waterfall — 15-meter jungle waterfall
- coconut palm road in Maasin — Coconut farm and river adventure
Planning Your Stay:
- everything to do in Siargao - Complete island activity guide
- day-by-day Siargao itinerary - Day-by-day trip plans
- how much a Siargao trip costs - Complete cost breakdowns
- getting around Siargao - Getting around Siargao
- best time to visit Siargao - Weather and seasonal planning
- which side of Siargao to stay on - Where to base yourself
- Sayak Airport arrival guide - Getting to and from Siargao