Calatagan Snorkeling Tour: Floating Cottage & 3 Stops

Ride a floating cottage to Little Boracay, a snorkeling reef, and Starfish Island

Snorkeling activity in Calatagan, departing from Manila hotels, where you board a floating bamboo cottage towed to three marine sites: a sand bar, a reef with fish and coral, and an island thick with starfish. The waters stay shallow and calm, making it safe for families and swimmers of all levels. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Makati, Taguig, Ermita, Malate and Pasay. Snorkel gear and life vests are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Island hopping and Tagaytay views

• Board floating bamboo cottage
• Visit Little Boracay sand bar
• Snorkel in marine life area
• Explore Starfish Island
• Pass by Tagaytay for volcano views

The experience

Calatagan sits a few hours south of Manila, and the day starts with pickup from your hotel in the central districts. You board a floating bamboo cottage: a raft-like platform that a smaller boat tows through the shallow waters. The cottage itself is the vessel. You ride it out to three different stops, each one a different reason to get in the water. The waters here don't run deep, which is why families bring kids and why the whole setup works without a guide steering you through a rigid schedule.

The first stop is Little Boracay, a sand bar that emerges when the tide drops: a stretch of fine sand in the middle of the sea where you swim or float. From there the cottage moves to a snorkeling area where the reef holds marine life. Snorkel equipment and a life vest come with you. The third stop is Starfish Island, named for the large numbers of starfish you'll see on the seabed. Between the water stops, you pass Tagaytay on the way back, where the views open onto Taal Lake and Taal Volcano across the water.

The whole outing runs a couple of hours on the water. An air-conditioned vehicle handles the transport from Manila and back, and the pickup covers the main business districts: Makati, Taguig, Ermita, Malate and Pasay. If your hotel sits outside those zones, additional charges apply.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment and life vest.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from central Manila districts.
• air-conditioned vehicle for transport.
• access to three snorkeling and swimming sites.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except WednesdayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to10h before

AgesUp to age 80

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Yolo Travel Philippines

Is this one for you?The day runs a couple of hours on the water, so it suits someone looking for a short escape rather than a full-day commitment. The floating cottage keeps you on the water between stops, which means you're in and out of the sea repeatedly. Pick this if you want to snorkel and swim without a long hike or a boat ride to a single destination.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is the floating bamboo cottage?

The floating cottage is a raft-like platform towed by a smaller boat to each of the three snorkeling and swimming spots. You stay on it between stops and use it as your base while you're in the water.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

Snorkel equipment and life vests are provided for you. You don't need to pack your own or arrange rentals separately.

Is this safe for children and weak swimmers?

Yes. The waters in Calatagan stay shallow and calm, which is why the trip is designed as family-friendly. All physical fitness levels are suitable for this activity.

What is Starfish Island like when we get there?

Starfish Island has large numbers of starfish on the seabed. It's one of the three main stops where you'll snorkel and swim during the day.

Does the price include the ride from Manila?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if your hotel is in Makati, Taguig, Ermita, Malate or Pasay. Hotels outside those areas incur an additional charge.

Will we see Taal Volcano?

You'll pass by Tagaytay on the return journey, where you can see the views of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano across the water. It's a side view during the drive, not a separate stop.