Explore Dinagat Islands: Tourist Spots, Island Tours, and Itinerary
When people talk about the best island destinations in the Philippines, names like Palawan, Siargao, and Boracay usually top the list. But tucked away in the northeastern part of Mindanao lies one of the country’s most underrated gems, that is Dinagat Islands. This remote province had been on my bucket list for years. I had seen photos and read stories about its pristine beaches, towering limestone formations, and peaceful island life. And finally, just a few months ago, I got the chance to explore Dinagat with a few friends.
Dinagat isn’t your usual tourist spot, and that’s what makes it special. It’s quiet, unspoiled, and full of natural beauty. The views feel surreal, and every place has its own charm. If you’re looking for a peaceful and less crowded destination, Dinagat is worth a visit.
How to get to Dinagat Islands?
One of the reasons why Dinagat Islands remain under the radar for many tourists is its limited accessibility. Unlike other popular destinations in the Philippines, there’s currently no airport on the island itself. The nearest airports are located in Surigao City and Siargao Island, both of which serve as jump-off points to Dinagat.
Via Surigao City
The most common and convenient way to reach Dinagat Islands is through Surigao City. From the Surigao Boulevard, you can take a ferry or passenger boat to San Jose, the capital of Dinagat Islands. Travel time usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the sea conditions. Ferries and boats operate daily, with most departures scheduled in the morning and early afternoon, so it’s best to plan your arrival in Surigao accordingly.
Via Siargao
If you’re coming from Siargao, there’s now a direct boat from Del Carmen to Cagdianao, Dinagat. This is a great option if you want to visit Dinagat after your Siargao trip. However, boats are not always available daily and schedules can change, so it’s important to check the latest ferry times in advance or ask your accommodation for updates.
Via Butuan
Traveling from Butuan is one of the more affordable routes, but it’s less convenient. From Bancasi Airport (Butuan Airport), you’ll need to take a bus or van to Surigao City, which takes around 3 to 4 hours. Once in Surigao, you can catch a ferry to San Jose, Dinagat Islands. This route is budget-friendly but requires more time and transfers.
Although getting to Dinagat Islands requires a few extra steps, the journey is definitely worth it. The peaceful vibe and untouched beauty of the islands make Dinagat a rewarding destination for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Island Tours in Dinagat
Booking an island hopping tour in Dinagat Islands was quick and easy. Before our trip, I contacted our accommodation to ask for recommendations, and they suggested Azonta Travel and Tours. They took care of everything. From the boat to the itinerary, which made the whole experience smooth and stress-free.
We spent two full days exploring the beautiful islands and beaches of Dinagat, and every stop was worth it. Each tour started at 8 AM and ended around 4 PM, giving us enough time to enjoy several tourist spots, take photos, swim, and soak in the calm, untouched beauty of the province. From secret beaches to dramatic rock formations, every island we visited felt like a hidden paradise. Here are the places we got to explore during our two-day Dinagat island hopping tour.
- A.O Beach Resort (Blue Lagoon)
- Bitaog Beach
- Cabacongan Beach
- Duyos Beach Resort
- Hagakhak Rock Formation
- Jelmar’s Islet Resort
- Miracle Pool
- Pagkawasan Garden Beach Resort
Dinagat Islands Travel Itinerary
Most tourists only stay in Dinagat for the weekend and do quick island tours. But we wanted a more relaxed trip, so we stayed for 4 days and 3 nights. This gave us more time to rest and enjoy the islands without rushing.
Here’s a sample itinerary based on our trip to help you plan your own Dinagat Islands adventure.
Day 1
AM:
- Flight from Manila to Butuan
- Van from Butuan to Surigao Port
PM
- Ferry from Surigao Port to San Jose, Dinagat Island
- Arrival in San Jose, Dinagat Island
- Check-in at Happy Nest Hostel
- Explore San Jose
Day 2
- Island hopping tour – Hagakhak Rock Formation, Miracle Pool, A.O Beach Resort (Blue Lagoon), and Jelmar’s Islet Resort
Day 3
- Island hopping tour – Cabacongan Beach, Duyos Beach Resort, Bitaog Beach, and Pagkawasan Garden Beach Resort
Day 4
AM:
- Ferry from San Jose, Dinagat Island to Surigao
- Van from Surigao to Butuan Airport
PM:
- Flight from Butuan to Manila
Dinagat Islands Travel Expenses
Here’s a sample cost breakdown for our Dinagat Islands trip to help you plan your budget.
- Roundtrip flight ticket – Php2,200
- Van from Butuan to Surigao City – Php400
- Van from Surigao City to Butuan – Php400
- Roundtrip ferry from Surigao Boulevard to San Jose, Dinagat Islands – Php400
- Accommodation at Happy Nest (4D/3N) – Php1,800 per person (5 pax accommodation)
- Island hopping tour (2 days) – Php2,898
- Food and drinks – Php2,500
- Others – Php500
TOTAL: Php11,098
Dinagat Islands really surprised me. It’s simple, peaceful, and incredibly beautiful. If you’ve been looking for a unique destination that offers both adventure and serenity, then Dinagat is it. I’ve been wanting to visit Dinagat for years, and I’m so glad I finally did. It’s one of those places I’d love to return to. There’s still so much to see, and it deserves more love from travelers.
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