In 30 seconds: Siargao's classic island-hopping trip leaves from General Luna by outrigger boat and strings together three very different islands: Naked Island (a bare sandbar), Daku Island (the big one, where most groups stop for lunch) and Guyam Island (small, round and full of palms). Book a shared or private boat the day before, go early, bring shade and cash, and let the weather have the final say.
Why island hopping is on every Siargao list
Most of what you do in Siargao happens on a scooter: Cloud 9 in the morning, a drive through the palms, the rock pools when the tide allows. Island hopping is the one day that belongs to the sea. You sit on the side of a bangka (the local outrigger boat), the town shrinks behind you, and within a short ride you are wading ashore on white sand in water that looks edited.
It is also one of the easiest days to plan: no licence, no map, no surf skills. Just a boat, a free morning and calm-ish water.
The three islands, one by one
The order depends on your boatman, the tide and the other boats, but the trio stays the same.
- Naked Island: a long strip of sand in open water, with nothing on it at all. No trees, no huts, no shade. Striking in soft morning light, and the hottest stop of the day. Its shape and size shift with the tide, so it can look quite different from one visit to the next.
- Daku Island: daku means "big" in the local language, and this is the largest of the three, with palm trees, a long beach and a small community living on the island. It is where most boats stop for lunch and where you get the longest break, so it is the place to swim properly, find some shade and slow down.
- Guyam Island: the smallest and closest to General Luna, a round island ringed with sand and topped with coconut palms. It is the postcard one, and you can walk around it in a few minutes. It makes a gentle last stop before the ride home.
None of these are secret. In high season you'll share each stop with other boats, and that's fine: go with the rhythm of the island rather than chasing an empty beach.
How the trip actually works
Boats leave from the General Luna seafront. There are two usual ways to do it:
- A shared (or "joiner") boat: you join other travellers on a set trip. Good if you're solo or a couple, and a nice way to meet people.
- A private boat: you hire the whole bangka for your group. More flexible on timing and on how long you stay at each island.
You can book through your accommodation, a tour desk in town, or directly with boat operators near the seafront. Whichever you choose, ask a few simple questions before you pay: what time you leave, how long the trip lasts, whether lunch is included or arranged separately, and whether landing or environmental fees are included. Prices and inclusions change with the season, so check rather than rely on old reviews.
What to bring (and what to leave)
You'll be in the sun and the water for hours.
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, a long-sleeve rash guard or cover-up, and reef-safe sunscreen. Naked Island has no shade at all.
- Water: more than you think. Refillable bottles beat single-use plastic on small islands with no way to deal with waste.
- Cash in small notes: for fees, snacks, fresh coconuts or lunch on Daku.
- Water shoes or sandals: for wading in and out of the boat and the odd patch of coral or rock.
- A dry bag or zip-lock for your phone, since spray and splashes are part of the ride.
- Snorkel and mask, if you have them. Bring your own rather than counting on one being available.
And take everything home with you. These islands are small, and every bottle cap left behind stays there.
When to go: timing, tides and weather
- Go early. Morning light is softer, the sand is cooler and the first boats get the quietest stops. By midday, Naked Island is seriously hot.
- Ask about the tide. Your boatman will know how it affects the sandbar and the landings. Trust them on the order of the stops.
- Watch the sea, not just the sky. Boat trips depend on conditions, and when the water is rough, operators or the authorities can call them off. That can happen in any season.
- Keep a spare day. If your trip is cancelled or the forecast looks wrong, move it. It's a much better day in calm water than in a choppy crossing.
If you're weighing up seasons more broadly, our guide to the best time to visit Siargao goes through the year month by month.
A simple island-hopping day, start to finish
- The day before: book your boat, confirm the meeting time and what's included, and check the forecast.
- Early morning: a quick breakfast and coffee in General Luna, then down to the seafront.
- First stop, often Naked Island: photos, a swim, and back on the boat before the sun gets serious.
- Midday on Daku: lunch, shade under the palms, a long swim.
- Afternoon at Guyam: a lap of the island and one last swim.
- Back in town: rinse off, rehydrate, and keep the evening easy.
Want more boat days? Sugba Lagoon is the other classic, on the west side of the island. We cover it, with Magpupungko's rock pools, in our Sugba and Magpupungko day-trip guide, and the rest of the island is in the Marajaw island guide.
Frequently asked questions
What islands are included in Siargao island hopping?
The classic trip from General Luna visits three: Naked Island, a bare sandbar with no trees; Daku Island, the largest of the three, with palm trees and a small community; and Guyam Island, a small round island covered in coconut palms.
How long does the Siargao island-hopping trip take?
It is usually sold as a half-day trip, though many people stretch it to most of the day. The actual boat rides between the islands are short; the time goes on swimming, lunch and lying about on the sand.
How do I book island hopping in Siargao?
Through your accommodation, a tour desk in General Luna, or directly with local boat operators near the town seafront. You can join a shared boat with other travellers or hire a private boat for your group. Confirm what the price includes before you go, since fees and inclusions change.
Is there shade on Naked Island?
No. Naked Island is just sand, with no trees and no natural shade, which is how it got its name. Go early, bring a hat, a cover-up and reef-safe sunscreen, and do not plan a long stay in the midday sun.
Can island hopping be cancelled because of the weather?
Yes. Boat trips depend on sea conditions, and operators or the authorities can call them off when the water is rough. Keep a spare day in your plans and check the forecast the evening before.
Do I need cash for island hopping?
Bring some. Small environmental or landing fees are often collected on the islands, and food and drinks on Daku are usually paid in cash. Card payments are unreliable once you leave the centre of General Luna.