Del Carmen Mangrove Boardwalk: Walk Through the Lungs of Siargao

Explore the Philippines' largest contiguous mangrove forest—a 4,000-hectare sanctuary of biodiversity and natural beauty.

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Before you head out to the famous Sugba Lagoon, don't miss the chance to walk through the "Lungs of Siargao." The Del Carmen Mangrove Boardwalk takes you on a journey through the largest contiguous mangrove forest in the Philippines. Spanning over 4,000 hectares, this protected sanctuary is vital for the island's ecosystem, supports incredible biodiversity, and offers a peaceful escape into nature that most tourists overlook.

Elevated wooden boardwalk stretching through the dense mangrove forest
Elevated wooden boardwalk stretching through the dense mangrove forest, showing the scenic path and green canopy.
Image courtesy of Trey Lewis

Quick Facts

  • Location: Del Carmen Tourism Center (same jump-off as Sugba Lagoon)
  • Boardwalk Length: 1.8 kilometers (approximately 1.1 miles)
  • Walking Time: 30-45 minutes leisurely
  • Entrance Fee: FREE for walking!
  • Bike Rental: ~₱50 if you prefer to cycle
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
  • Best For: Nature walks, Sunset views, Bird watching, Photography, Eco-tourism

What to Expect

🌿 The Boardwalk Experience

The elevated wooden boardwalk winds 1.8 kilometers through dense mangrove forest. It's flat, sturdy, and accessible for most ages and fitness levels. Wheelchairs and strollers can navigate most sections, though some areas may be narrow. The path is shaded by the mangrove canopy, making it comfortable even on warm days.

🦎 Wildlife Spotting

Keep your eyes and ears alert! The mangroves are teeming with life:

  • Birds — Over 60 species including herons, kingfishers, and egrets
  • Monitor Lizards — Often spotted sunning on branches
  • Mudskippers — Fish that "walk" on the exposed mudflats
  • Crabs — Thousands of fiddler crabs during low tide
  • Saltwater Crocodiles — They exist in the deeper areas, but sightings from the boardwalk are extremely rare (and they stay far from humans)

🔭 Mangrove View Deck

Climb up to the observation deck for a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the endless green canopy meeting the blue sky. This is the perfect spot for photos, especially during golden hour. On clear days, you can see the extent of the protected forest stretching to the horizon.

Beyond Walking: Boat Tours

If walking isn't enough immersion, you can hire a private boat for an unforgettable mangrove river cruise:

🌅 Sunset Cruise

Experience magical golden hour as the sun sets behind the mangroves. The water turns golden, the birds return to roost, and the forest comes alive with evening sounds. This is arguably the most romantic experience in all of Siargao.

  • Duration: 1-1.5 hours
  • Cost: ₱500-₱800 per boat (fits 4-6 people)
  • Best Time: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

🛶 River Tour

A guided boat ride deep into the forest channels where you'll learn about the mangrove ecosystem, its importance to the island, and the ongoing conservation efforts.

  • Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour
  • Cost: ₱400-₱600 per boat
  • Includes: Local guide with ecosystem knowledge
Boat cruising through mangrove channels during sunset
Boat cruising through mangrove channels during sunset, showing the golden light reflecting on the water.
Image courtesy of Erwin Mascariñas

Why Visit the Mangrove Boardwalk?

Unlike the adrenaline of surfing or the crowds of island hopping, the Mangrove Boardwalk offers pure tranquility. It's:

  • Educational — Learn about one of Earth's most important ecosystems
  • Environmentally Significant — Mangroves are carbon sinks, nurseries for marine life, and coastal protectors
  • Incredibly Photogenic — The light filtering through the trees creates magical photo opportunities
  • Free! — One of the few completely free attractions in Siargao
  • Crowd-Free — Most tourists skip this gem entirely

💡 Pro Tip: Visit early morning (6-8 AM) for the best bird watching and cooler temperatures, or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for the magical golden hour light and sunset boat tour opportunity.

Combine with Sugba Lagoon

The perfect Del Carmen morning itinerary:

  1. 6:00 AM — Walk the boardwalk during prime bird-watching hours
  2. 7:30 AM — Quick breakfast at a local eatery
  3. 8:00 AM — Board first boat to Sugba Lagoon
  4. 12:00 PM — Return from lagoon, lunch, and relax by the pool
  5. 5:00 PM — Optional: Sunset mangrove cruise
  6. 5:30 PM — Optional: Visit nearby Alegria Beach (10 min away) for sunset at a calm, local beach

🏠 Stay Minutes Away: Mariden Resort

The Mangrove Boardwalk is located at the Del Carmen port, just a 5-minute tricycle ride from Mariden Resort. Stay with us and you can easily visit this natural wonder at your own pace—no long commutes from General Luna required.

  • 5 minutes from the boardwalk — Walk or quick tricycle ride
  • 5 minutes from the airport — Easy arrival
  • Perfect for nature lovers — Quiet, peaceful atmosphere
  • Pool to return to — Refresh after your adventure
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Walking the boardwalk is completely free. You only pay if you want to rent a bike (~₱50) or take a guided boat tour (₱400-₱800 depending on type).

The boardwalk is approximately 1.8 kilometers (about 1.1 miles) long. A leisurely walk takes 30-45 minutes, or 10-15 minutes by bike.

Saltwater crocodiles do inhabit the deeper areas of the mangrove ecosystem, but sightings from the boardwalk are extremely rare. They typically stay in remote areas far from human activity. The boardwalk is completely safe for visitors.

  • Water bottle (stay hydrated)
  • Insect repellent (mosquitoes at dusk)
  • Camera or phone (the photos are incredible)
  • Binoculars (for bird watching enthusiasts)
  • Comfortable walking shoes (sandals work fine)

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