Santa Cruz Island Tour
Overview
The only pink sand beach in Asia — and we'll take you there.
Step onto one of the most extraordinary beaches in the world: a beach where the sand turns naturally pink from millions of crushed red Foraminifera shells. Santa Cruz Island sits just off the Zamboanga coast, protected by a 400-visitor-per-day cap that keeps it gloriously uncrowded. Beyond the pink sand, you'll swim in a lagoon filled with stingless jellyfish — one of only a handful of places on Earth where this is safely possible. We sail there on a traditional Tausug vinta, a colorful hand-crafted outrigger boat unique to Zamboanga. National Geographic named Santa Cruz Island a Top 21 Beach in the World.
Highlights
✦Walk on the only pink sand beach in Asia
✦Swim with stingless jellyfish in the protected lagoon
✦Sail on a traditional Tausug vinta (colorful outrigger)
✦Snorkel over vibrant coral gardens
✦National Geographic Top 21 Beach in the World (2017)
✦Only 400 visitors/day — never overcrowded
What's Included
- ✅Vinta boat ride to Santa Cruz Island
- ✅Speedboat return trip
- ✅Santa Cruz Island entrance fee (₱20) & environmental fee (₱5)
- ✅Snorkeling gear & life jackets
- ✅Licensed local tour guide
- ✅Packed Filipino lunch (rice + viand)
- ✅Fresh buko (coconut) water
- ✅First aid kit & emergency supplies
- ❌Personal expenses & souvenir shopping
- ❌Additional food & drinks from island vendors
- ❌Underwater camera rental
Full Day Itinerary
Gather at the waterfront. Your guide will brief you on safety and help you board the vinta. Arrive 10 minutes early for a good spot.
A scenic 45–60 minute sail on a traditional Tausug vinta. The colorful sails against the open ocean make for great photos. Your guide will share the history of the island as you sail.
Step onto the pink sand. The color comes from crushed Foraminifera shells (tiny red organisms) mixed with white coral sand. Find a cottage and set up for the day.
Swim in the crystal-clear lagoon. Snorkel over the coral gardens. Float through the stingless jellyfish area — they pulse and drift around you but cannot sting. The 400-visitor limit keeps the beach peaceful even at peak hours.
Filipino lunch served under the shade — rice, viand, and fresh buko water. Vegetarian options available, just tell us when booking.
Final chance to take photos on the pink sand before heading back.
Faster return by speedboat. Back at Paseo del Mar by 2:30–3:00 PM.
What to Bring
·Reef-safe sunscreen only (regular sunscreen harms the coral — prohibited on the island)
·Swimwear + extra set of dry clothes
·Waterproof camera or phone case
·Cash in small bills for extras (GCash also works)
·Insect repellent
·Dry bag for electronics
·Hat and sunglasses
Cancellation Policy
✅ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour.
Cancel within 24 hours and you'll receive a full refund or free reschedule. Tours cancelled due to bad weather are rescheduled at no charge — your safety always comes first.
Cancel within 24 hours and you'll receive a full refund or free reschedule. Tours cancelled due to bad weather are rescheduled at no charge — your safety always comes first.
Important Notes
⚠️ Only 400 visitors are allowed on Santa Cruz Island per day. Weekends and holidays sell out fast — book at least 3–5 days ahead.
⚠️ Tour may be rescheduled due to bad weather. Full refund or free reschedule guaranteed.
⚠️ Reef-safe sunscreen is required — regular sunscreen is prohibited on the island as it harms the coral ecosystem.
⚠️ Children under 4 are welcome but must wear life jackets on the water at all times.
⚠️ Permit is required from the City Tourism Office — we handle this for you.
