Tubod Marine Sanctuary San Juan Siquijor
Discover vibrant coral gardens and majestic sea turtles at Tubod Marine Sanctuary, a protected underwater paradise in Siquijor.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm seas, best visibility
Tubod Marine Sanctuary San Juan Siquijor
Best Time
Calm seas, best visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover vibrant coral gardens and majestic sea turtles at Tubod Marine Sanctuary, a protected underwater paradise in Siquijor.
"This is the best place to snorkel in the area of San Juan in Siquijor. It's stunning."
Bring your own snorkel gear
Ensures comfort & hygiene. Rentals are available, but personal gear is often better! :diving_mask:
Hire a local guide
Enhance your experience & safety. Guides know the best spots and can help spot turtles! :manintide_pool:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Coral Gardens
Tubod Marine Sanctuary
Explore a kaleidoscope of corals teeming with diverse marine life. A protected reef offering a chance for regeneration.
Gentle Sea Turtles
Tubod Marine Sanctuary
Encounter majestic sea turtles gliding gracefully through the clear waters. A truly magical and unforgettable sight.
Abundant Fish Species
Tubod Marine Sanctuary
Witness schools of colorful fish darting amongst the corals. From small reef dwellers to larger species, the biodiversity is stunning.
Giant Clam Sanctuary
Tubod Marine Sanctuary
Marvel at the impressive size of giant clams, a unique and fascinating addition to the marine sanctuary's inhabitants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Snorkeling
Gear Up for Underwater Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring your own snorkel gear
Ensures comfort & hygiene. Rentals are available, but personal gear is often better! :diving_mask:
Hire a local guide
Enhance your experience & safety. Guides know the best spots and can help spot turtles! :manintide_pool:
Respect the marine life
Avoid touching corals or disturbing animals. Help keep this sanctuary pristine for all. :ocean:
Check for seasonal winds
Amihan (dry season) offers calmer south-side waters. Hagabat (rainy season) affects visibility. :windblowingface:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring your own snorkel gear
Ensures comfort & hygiene. Rentals are available, but personal gear is often better! :diving_mask:
Hire a local guide
Enhance your experience & safety. Guides know the best spots and can help spot turtles! :manintide_pool:
Respect the marine life
Avoid touching corals or disturbing animals. Help keep this sanctuary pristine for all. :ocean:
Check for seasonal winds
Amihan (dry season) offers calmer south-side waters. Hagabat (rainy season) affects visibility. :windblowingface:
Pack reef-safe sunscreen
Protect the delicate ecosystem. Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate. :sunwithface:
Consider freediving
Tubod is a popular spot for freedivers to explore the underwater world. :persondoingcartwheel:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tubod Marine Sanctuary is highly praised for its vibrant snorkeling and the chance to see sea turtles and giant clams. While some visitors note issues with coral health and occasional plastic, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it a must-visit for its stunning underwater beauty and accessibility.
"This is the best place to snorkel in the area of San Juan in Siquijor. It's a long stretch of sand, beautiful palm trees line the beach and it faces west for sunshine all afternoon. The snorkelling is amazing. It's vibrant with the fish, seahorses and sometimes turtles. It is protected, so the reef has a chance to recover and regenerate. I spent hours here. It's stunning."
Carlito
"We had a great time snorkeling with our guide Rico — he was amazing ! Even used my GoPro to take some videos for us. We were lucky to see a turtle !
Unfortunately, most of the corals are dead and there was quite a bit of plastic floating in the water. It’s a bit disappointing considering we paid an environmental fee, but the area didn’t feel well maintained."
Alicia
"located off the main strip in san juan, down a dirt road, leads you to a path through the jungle & straight to the beach. ₽100 pp for entry, and then for snorkel gear it’s an extra ₽100 pp. they offer life jackets for free if needed. we went at 9-11am & saw so many types of fish, star fish, sea urchins, coral & more! we unfortunately didn’t see any turtles!"
Allison Hellested
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tubod Marine Sanctuary is located off the main strip in San Juan, Siquijor. You can reach it by taking a short walk down a dirt road through the jungle from the main road. Many visitors rent motorbikes to explore the island and easily access the sanctuary.
Parking is typically available on the side of the main road before you head down the path to the sanctuary. It's a short walk from where you park to the beach.
While public transport options exist on Siquijor, renting a motorbike offers the most flexibility for reaching Tubod Marine Sanctuary and exploring other attractions.
Renting a motorbike is highly recommended for exploring Siquijor and reaching Tubod Marine Sanctuary. It offers freedom and convenience.
Some accommodations offer direct access or are very close to Tubod Marine Sanctuary. One TikTok mentioned a place with direct access and great food.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around ₱100 per person. For snorkeling gear rental, expect to pay an additional ₱100 per person. Life jackets are often provided for free.
The total cost for snorkeling usually includes the entrance fee (around ₱100) and snorkel gear rental (around ₱100). Some sources mention a guide fee of ₱300 for 2-3 people.
You can snorkel independently, but hiring a local guide is recommended for a better experience and to help spot marine life like turtles.
Yes, an environmental fee is usually collected, contributing to the protection and maintenance of the sanctuary.
While specific hours aren't always listed, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Early mornings and late afternoons are popular times to visit.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see vibrant corals, a wide variety of colorful fish, starfish, sea urchins, and if you're lucky, sea turtles and giant clams. +1
Yes, it's widely considered one of the best snorkeling spots in San Juan, Siquijor, with amazing reefs and abundant fish.
Many visitors report seeing sea turtles. It's a highlight for many and a testament to the sanctuary's protected status. +1
While some reviews mention dead corals and plastic, many highlight vibrant and recovering reefs, indicating the protection efforts are having an impact.
Absolutely! Tubod Marine Sanctuary is a popular spot for freedivers to explore the underwater world. 
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, which is ideal for underwater photography. The clearer waters during the Amihan season also improve photo quality.
A waterproof camera or a good quality phone with a waterproof case is recommended. Many visitors use GoPros to capture their snorkeling and freediving experiences.
While drone usage might be restricted within the sanctuary itself, the surrounding coastline and beaches offer scenic views for aerial photography.
The colorful fish, majestic sea turtles, and the intricate patterns of the corals are the most photogenic subjects. Giant clams also make for unique shots. +1
Some guides may offer photography services or use your GoPro to capture videos for you, as mentioned in one review.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage your children to look for colorful fish and interesting corals. While seeing sea turtles is a highlight, even spotting smaller marine life can be incredibly exciting for kids. Consider visiting in the morning when the water is calmest and the sun is not too intense. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and apply reef-safe sunscreen generously.
🐠 Snorkelers & Divers
To maximize your experience, consider visiting during the Amihan season (November to May) for optimal visibility. Hiring a local guide can significantly enhance your exploration, as they know the best areas and can help you find specific marine creatures. Don't forget to bring your underwater camera to capture the stunning beauty of this underwater paradise.
🌿 Eco-Conscious Travelers
Remember to practice 'leave no trace' principles. Use only reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching marine life, and dispose of any waste properly. By being a mindful visitor, you help ensure that Tubod remains a vibrant sanctuary for years to come.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Importance of Marine Sanctuaries
When you visit Tubod, you're not just enjoying a beautiful snorkeling spot; you're contributing to a larger conservation mission. The presence of vibrant corals, diverse fish species, and even sea turtles are indicators of a healthy, protected marine environment. This makes Tubod a prime example of successful marine conservation in the Philippines, offering a glimpse into what underwater ecosystems can look like when given a chance to regenerate.
Freediving and Snorkeling Experiences
Freedivers find Tubod particularly appealing due to its calm conditions and the opportunity to explore deeper sections of the reef. The sanctuary's protected status ensures a rich underwater environment, allowing freedivers to experience the tranquility and beauty of the ocean. Many videos showcase the serene experience of freediving alongside marine creatures, highlighting the unique connection one can forge with the underwater world here.
+1When planning your visit, consider the benefits of hiring a local guide. They can lead you to the best spots, help you spot elusive marine life like turtles and seahorses, and ensure your safety. Some guides even offer to take photos or videos with your equipment, capturing your underwater adventures.
Best Practices for Visiting Tubod Marine Sanctuary
Proper waste disposal is also critical. While some reviews mention plastic pollution, visitors can help by ensuring they don't leave any trash behind and by picking up any litter they might find. This collective effort helps maintain the sanctuary's pristine condition.
When snorkeling or diving, maintain a respectful distance from marine life, especially sea turtles and giant clams. Observe them from afar and avoid any actions that might stress or disturb them. By being mindful of these practices, you contribute to the long-term health and beauty of Tubod Marine Sanctuary for future generations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit