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 Del Carmen Mangrove Boardwalk, approximately 20 minutes by motorbike (see Siargao scooter rental rates ).
Driving route from Mariden Resort to Del Carmen Mangrove Boardwalk · Click marker for distance & drive time
Before you head out to the famous Sugba Lagoon boat tour , 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 4,871 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. It's just 5–10 minutes from Sayak Airport (IAO) , making it an easy first or last stop on your trip.
Walk to the boardwalk from your room. Mariden Resort is just 15 minutes away, perfect for an early morning nature walk before your Sugba Lagoon tour. Stay next door to nature .
Image courtesy of Trey Lewis
At a Glance
| Location | Del Carmen Tourism Center, Surigao del Norte, Philippines |
|---|---|
| Boardwalk length | 1.8 km (1.1 miles) |
| Walking time | 30–45 minutes leisurely |
| Entrance fee | FREE for walking |
| Bike rental | ~₱50 (~$1 USD) |
| Boat tours | ₱400–₱800 (~$7–$14 USD) per boat |
| Operating hours | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily |
| From Siargao Airport (IAO) | 5–10 min by tricycle |
| From Mariden Resort | 5 min by tricycle |
| Best for | Nature walks, sunset views, bird watching, photography, eco-tourism |
Getting Here from Abroad
Siargao is a small island in the southern Philippines, but it's easier to reach than most international travellers expect:
- From the US / Canada / UK / Australia: Fly to Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB), then take a 1-hour domestic flight to Siargao Airport (IAO). Total travel time from the US West Coast is roughly 18–22 hours.
- From Manila (MNL): Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines operate 3–5 daily direct flights to Siargao (IAO). Flight time: ~1h 40m.
- From Cebu (CEB): Philippine Airlines and Cebgo fly daily to Siargao. Flight time: ~55 min.
- From Siargao Airport (IAO) to Del Carmen Mangrove Boardwalk: 5–10 minutes by tricycle (₱150–₱250 / ~$3–$5 USD). Full airport guide .
Staying in Del Carmen (rather than General Luna) puts you 5 minutes from both the airport and the boardwalk, ideal for nature-focused travellers. See Del Carmen vs General Luna comparison to compare.
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. If you enjoy wildlife observation, you'll also love the Maasin River kayak trail , where you can spot similar coastal species from a kayak:
- 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. For other unique boat experiences in Siargao, check out the Sohoton Cove cave tour or the Siargao island-hopping tour :
🌅 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 (~$9–$14 USD) 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 (~$7–$11 USD) per boat
- Includes: Local guide with ecosystem knowledge
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.
🗓️ Make a Full Day of It: The Mangrove Boardwalk is at the same port as turquoise Sugba Lagoon . Combine both attractions in one morning, then explore the nearby Taktak Falls jungle waterfall (just 15-20 minutes away) in the afternoon for a complete Del Carmen water and nature adventure.
Combine with Sugba Lagoon
The perfect Del Carmen morning itinerary (see our full Siargao trip plans for multi-day options):
- 6:00 AM: Walk the boardwalk during prime bird-watching hours
- 7:30 AM: Quick breakfast at a local eatery
- 8:00 AM: Board first boat to book a Sugba Lagoon boat
- 12:00 PM: Return from lagoon, lunch, and relax by the pool
- 5:00 PM: Optional: Sunset mangrove cruise
- 5:30 PM: Optional: Visit Alegria's calm local beach (40-45 min north) for a quiet sunset stop
🏠 Stay Minutes Away: Mariden Resort
The Mangrove Boardwalk sits at the Del Carmen port, just a 5-minute tricycle ride from Mariden Resort . For international travellers flying in to Siargao Airport (IAO), we're the closest comfortable stay to both the airport and the boardwalk, so you skip the 1-hour transfer to General Luna.
- 5 minutes from the boardwalk: Walk or quick tricycle ride
- 5 minutes from Siargao Airport (IAO): Shortest transfer on the island
- Early-morning access: Arrive at the boardwalk for 6 AM bird watching, no early wake-up needed
- Pool & aircon rooms: Recover from the heat after your walk
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Walking the boardwalk is completely free. You only pay if you want to rent a bike (~₱50 / ~$1 USD) or take a guided boat tour (₱400–₱800 / ~$7–$14 USD 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)
Stay 5 minutes from the Mangrove Boardwalk
The Del Carmen Mangrove Park is one of Siargao's most peaceful experiences — and Mariden Resort is practically next door. Rooms from ₱1,500/night (~$27 USD) include airport pickup (₱200) and Starlink WiFi. Free cancellation on most rates.
See rooms near the boardwalk →Related Guides
Water Activities from Del Carmen:
- Sugba Lagoon from Del Carmen — Premium boat tour experience (departs from same port)
- stingless jellyfish sanctuary (Sohoton) — Cave exploration and stingless jellyfish
- Naked, Daku, Guyam island hopping — Island hopping from General Luna
- Maasin River kayak and coconut tour — Photography and kayaking
Nearby Attractions:
- white-sand beach in Santa Monica — Family-friendly beach with local atmosphere
- hidden jungle waterfall (Siargao) — Hidden jungle waterfall nearby
- Magpupungko tidal pools — Iconic tidal pools 30 min north
- surf at Pacifico Beach — Pristine surf beach on the north coast
Planning Your Trip:
- see all Siargao activities and tours — Complete island activity guide
- Siargao 3/5/7-day itineraries — Day-by-day trip plans
- Siargao budget in PHP and USD — Complete cost breakdowns
- best month to visit Siargao — Weather and seasonal planning
- Siargao transport costs — Getting around the island
- which side of Siargao to stay on — Choose your base
- getting from Siargao airport to your hotel — Arrivals and transfers