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 full route: drive from Mariden Resort to Del Carmen Port (~30 min), then a boat ride to Sugba Lagoon (~20–30 min). See Siargao scooter rental rates for getting to the port.
🚗 Blue line: drive to Del Carmen Port · 🚤 Dashed line: boat to Sugba Lagoon
Hidden amidst the vast mangrove forests of Del Carmen lies Siargao's most breathtaking natural wonder: Sugba Lagoon . Famous for its emerald-green waters and dramatic limestone formations, it offers a quieter, more serene alternative to the surfing crowds of General Luna (learn more in our where to base yourself in Siargao ). Whether you want to paddleboard across crystal-clear waters, leap from the iconic diving board, or simply float in nature's embrace, this is a must-visit destination.
Image courtesy of Lucky Ambago
Quick Facts
- Location: Del Carmen, Siargao (West Coast)
- Travel Time: 20-30 minute boat ride from Del Carmen Port
- Best For: Swimming, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Nature Lovers
- Entrance Fee: ₱100/person (~$1.80 USD) for foreign visitors · ₱50/person for locals
- Environmental Fee: ₱50/person (~$0.90 USD, separate charge)
- Terminal Fee: ₱20/person (~$0.35 USD)
- Boat Rental (Tour A – Sugba Lagoon only): ₱2,150/boat (~$38 USD total, up to 6 people)
- From Siargao Airport: Del Carmen is just 10-15 minutes from Sayak Airport (IAO) , located within Del Carmen itself, making it the most convenient base for your trip.
- From General Luna: It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour by van or motorbike to reach the Del Carmen Tourism Center.
- Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (first boat departs 8:00 AM; arrive by 7:00 AM to queue)
💡 Pro Tip: Combine your trip with the Del Carmen mangrove boardwalk , Taktak Falls jungle hike , or visit low-tide rock pools at Magpupungko for a full day of North Siargao exploration.
⚠️ ANNUAL CLOSURE: Sugba Lagoon undergoes an annual closure for environmental rehabilitation under Municipal Ordinance No. 045 of 2019. The exact dates are announced each year, so check the Municipality of Del Carmen Facebook page or contact the Del Carmen Tourism Office before planning your visit.
How to Get There
Getting to Sugba Lagoon is an adventure in itself, taking you through the Philippines' largest contiguous mangrove forest:
- Head to Del Carmen Tourism Center: Located near the Del Carmen municipal hall, this is the official jump-off point for all Sugba Lagoon tours.
- Register and Pay Fees: You'll pay the entrance fee (₱100 (~$1.70 USD) foreign / ₱50 (~$0.85 USD) local), environmental fee (₱50/person, ~$0.85 USD), and terminal fee (₱20/person, ~$0.34 USD), then arrange your boat rental at the tourism office. Payment is cash only. No ATMs near the port.
- Enjoy the Boat Ride: The 20-30 minute journey takes you through winding mangrove channels, a scenic tour that's Instagram-worthy in itself!
Tour Options & Official Boat Rates (2026)
All tours depart from Del Carmen Port. Prices are per boat (up to 6 people).
| Tour | Destinations | Boat Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Tour A | Sugba Lagoon only | ₱2,150 (~$38 USD) |
| Tour B | Sugba Lagoon + Kawhagan Sandbar OR Pamomoan Beach | ₱2,700 (~$48 USD) |
| Tour B+ | Sugba Lagoon + Kawhagan + Pamomoan | ₱3,050 (~$54 USD) |
| Tour C/D | Sugba + Kawhagan + Mangrove View Deck | ₱3,050 (~$54 USD) |
| Tour D+ | Sugba + Kawhagan + Pamomoan + View Deck | ₱3,650 (~$65 USD) |
| Tour E | Mangrove Forest Guided Tour | ₱2,150 + ₱300 guide (~$43 USD) |
| Tour F | Mangrove View Deck only | ₱600 (~$11 USD) |
Note: Kawhagan Sandbar has an additional docking fee of ₱30–₱150/person (~$1-$3 USD) paid on arrival.
USD conversions are indicative based on ₱56 = $1 USD (2026). Pay in Philippine Pesos. No ATMs at the port.
Image courtesy of Krios003
Be the first boat on Sugba Lagoon.
Mariden Resort is 5 minutes from Del Carmen Port. Leave early, beat the crowds, and return before the afternoon chop picks up.
View our rooms →Tips for the Best Experience
🌅 Go Early
The lagoon opens at 8:00 AM. Arriving first thing guarantees you'll get the iconic diving board photo without the queue, and the morning light makes the water look absolutely magical.
🎒 Bring Your Own Supplies
Food and alcohol are no longer permitted inside Sugba Lagoon. The only thing available at the floating boathouse is filtered water. Pack your own snacks and lunch before heading to the port. Food stalls are available near Del Carmen town and at the port area. Leave No Trace : bring all your trash back with you.
Rules at Sugba Lagoon:
- 🚫 No food or alcohol inside the lagoon
- 🚫 No single-use plastic; bags are checked at the pier before boarding
- ⏱️ 3-hour maximum stay per group (strictly enforced)
- 💧 Decant plastic water bottles before boarding, or leave them at the pier
- 🧴 Use reef-safe sunscreen only
🏝️ Combine with Other Spots
For day-by-day trip plans that incorporate Sugba Lagoon, see our sample Siargao itineraries .
Many boat operators offer combo tours that include Kawhagan Island (great for swimming and picnics) or Pamomoan Beach . Ask about package deals when booking your boat. Since both Sugba Lagoon and the the Philippines' largest mangrove forest depart from the same port, you can easily combine them in one morning trip. You can also visit tidal rock pools at Magpupungko (30 mins north) or Taktak Falls jungle waterfall in the afternoon.
🛶 Rent Water Activities
At the lagoon, you can rent paddleboards and kayaks for around ₱200-₱300 (~$3-$5 USD) per hour. The calm, sheltered waters make it perfect for beginners. If you enjoy paddling through peaceful waters, you'll also love kayaking at Maasin's jungle river channels where you can spot wildlife and navigate through coconut-lined waterways.
Stay Close, Start Early
Here's a local secret: Why wake up at 5 AM to travel from General Luna? Most tourists make the 45-minute journey from GL and arrive at the lagoon around 10-11 AM when it's already crowded.
Mariden Resort is located right here in Del Carmen, just a 5-minute tricycle ride from the port. Stay with us, enjoy a relaxed breakfast, and still be on the first boat out to the lagoon. By the time the GL crowds arrive, you'll have the perfect photos and memories already captured.
📍 Your Del Carmen Base Camp
Mariden Resort offers the perfect launching point for your Sugba Lagoon adventure:
- 10 minutes from Siargao Airport (IAO): Ideal after long-haul flights from the US, UK, or Australia
- 5 minutes from Sugba Lagoon's port: First boat out, every morning
- Pool, WiFi, airport transfers: Everything you need, nothing you don't
- Rooms from ₱1,500/night (~$27 USD): Honest local pricing, direct booking
Frequently Asked Questions
Boat rental for Tour A (Sugba Lagoon only) costs ₱2,150 (~$36 USD) per boat for up to 6 passengers (round trip from Del Carmen port). Add ₱100 (~$1.70 USD) entrance fee (foreign) or ₱50 (~$0.85 USD) (local), plus ₱50 (~$0.85 USD) environmental fee and ₱20 (~$0.34 USD) terminal fee per person. The more people in your group, the lower the cost per person, and a group of 6 pays only ~₱358/person (~$6 USD) for the boat alone. Paddleboard and kayak rentals at the lagoon cost ₱200-₱300 (~$3-$5 USD) per hour. Budget approximately ₱800–₱1,000+ (~$14-$17 USD) per person if traveling solo or in a small group (2–3 people), or ₱500–₱700 (~$8-$12 USD) per person in a full group of 6. This includes boat share, entrance/environmental/terminal fees, and one activity rental.
Arrive early (7:00-8:00 AM) to beat the crowds and enjoy the calmest water for photos. The lagoon is best visited during dry season (March–October) when water clarity is optimal. Avoid rainy days when visibility drops and boats may not operate.
Yes. Sugba Lagoon undergoes an annual closure for environmental rehabilitation under Del Carmen Municipal Ordinance No. 045 of 2019. The exact dates are announced each year by the municipality, so check the Municipality of Del Carmen Facebook page or contact the Del Carmen Tourism Office before booking.
Sugba Lagoon is accessible only by boat from Del Carmen port . The boat ride takes approximately 20-30 minutes. You can arrange boats at the port or book through your resort. From General Luna, you'll need to travel 45 minutes to Del Carmen first.
Yes! Swimming is one of the main activities. The water is calm, clear, and safe for swimming. Life jackets are available and recommended for non-swimmers. There's also a diving board on the floating platform for those who want to jump in.
Yes, Sugba Lagoon is family-friendly. The calm, sheltered waters are safe for children with supervision. Life jackets are available in various sizes. The floating pontoon provides a stable area for kids to play. Just ensure children are comfortable around water. For other family-friendly beaches, check out Alegria Beach in Santa Monica with its shallow, calm waters.
- Reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen damages the ecosystem)
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- Snacks and plenty of water
- Towel and change of clothes
- Cash for activities and tips
- Underwater camera if you have one
Stay 5 minutes from the Sugba Lagoon jump-off
The Sugba Lagoon boat tour departs from Del Carmen port — a 5-minute ride from Mariden Resort. No early alarm, no 45-minute van from General Luna. Rooms from ₱1,500/night (~$27 USD) with airport pickup (₱200) and Starlink WiFi.
See rooms near the lagoon →Related Guides
Water Adventures:
- Sohoton Cove Bucas Grande: Stingless Jellyfish & Cave Tour Full-day boat trip from Siargao
- Siargao Tri-Island Tour: Naked, Daku & Guyam Classic island hopping from General Luna
- Maasin River Kayaking & Coconut Viewdeck Sunrise paddle under coconut palms
Nearby Del Carmen Attractions:
- free mangrove forest walk Nature walk near the same port
- calm family beach in Santa Monica Calm family beach for sunset
- 15-meter waterfall near Del Carmen Jungle waterfall adventure
- Magpupungko low-tide pools Tidal pools 30 min north
- Pacifico big-wave surf break Surf beach on the north coast
Planning Your Trip:
- browse all things to do in Siargao Complete island activity guide
- sample Siargao trip plans Day-by-day trip plans
- Siargao daily trip cost Complete cost breakdowns
- best time to visit Siargao Weather and seasonal planning
- getting around Siargao Getting around the island
- Del Carmen vs GL comparison Choose your base
- Sayak Airport arrival tips Arrivals and transfers