The Pink Beach on Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga is a unique and beautiful destination, famous for its pink-tinted sand. Yes, there’s a pink beach in the Philippines! The blush color of the sand is attributed to the finely crushed red corals mixed with white sand. It is one of the most beautiful and rarest sights, and under the sun, it’s vivid. The pristine beach forms part of a protected area that has ensured the unspoiled natural beauty remains there that you should include in your bucket list.
Visitors can enjoy swimming in its calm, crystal-clear waters, snorkeling to discover colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life, and taking boat tours around the area. The serene atmosphere, unspoiled beauty, and unique pink sand make Great Santa Cruz Island a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an extraordinary and peaceful getaway.
Besides the Pink Beach, Zamboanga has many other attractions to discover. Another must-visit is the Zamboanga City Mangrove Forest and Lagoon, which offers eco-tours through lush mangroves and tranquil lagoons teeming with diverse wildlife, perfect for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.
At the end of the Mangrove Tour, there is usually a small boat that will pick up visitors. The boats are managed by local guides and are part of the organized eco-tour, which ensures a smooth and safe transition back to the main docking area or to continue exploring other parts of the island. This was the perfect time to shot with the traditional boat made by Bajau and Moros.
Since the island is a protected area, tourism here is carefully managed to preserve its natural environment. Tourists are only allowed to stay here for 10-15 minutes. This destination is also only allowed one boat at a time to avoid crowds.
There are no hotels nor accommodations on the island but tables and cottages in case of day visitors. Strictly prohibited overnight camping, liquor, and drinks. Visitors are also recommended to bring their own food in addition to much water on the island since there are no restaurants. However, nearby vendors sell fresh buko (coconut) and seafood with great tastes of local flavors.
How to Get There
To visit Pink Beach, ride a tricycle from the airport to Paseo del Mar, where the boat terminal for the island is located. From there, book a boat ride to the island, which takes about 20–30 minutes.
More Details
- Boat Fee: Approximately PHP 1,000 for a round-trip boat ride, good for up to 1-10 passengers
- Entrance Fee: PHP 20 per head
- Terminal Fee: P5 to P 10 per head
