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Pink Sand Beach at Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City Travel Guide

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Wanna have a taste of a colorful summer? Take Zamboanga City’s the Pink Sand Beach at Sta. Cruz Island for this will definitely paint your ordinary vacation right!

The recently hailed as one of the top 10 best beaches in the world by NatGeo and it is totally a must-see, must-visit, must-swim beach with your friends and even fambam!

People

During my stay of 4 Days in Zamboanga, I believe that most of the locals can speak and understand Tagalog and English while it is mainly Chavacano, Bisaya, Tausug, and Yakan are their native tongue. It would be best to get a trusted tour guide along your way. And of course be always careful of your things, don’t be too flashy but still you can manage to stay cool as a tourist.

Going to Sta. Cruz Island

Our trip was arranged beforehand for it is advisable to book with City Tourism Office first because there are limited number of person allowed to stay in the island in a day. Overnight stay is not allowed, only day tours.

Head over to Paseo Del Mar seaport and upon arrival, register at the log sheet, pay for the terminal fee, and the boat fee.

An officer briefing the passengers for safety precautions and policies in the pink beach, sta. cruz island
An officer briefing the passengers for safety precautions and policies in the pink sand beach, sta. cruz island

Before the passengers start to board the banca (boat), there is a short briefing about safety precautions and policies by PAMU(Protected Area Management Unit) of Zamboanga. Be reminded of such policies as “leave no trace”, “get nothing but pictures” and quite a few more to maintain the order and beauty of the island.

Boat going to Great Sta. Cruz Island
Boat going to the Pink Sand Beach, Sta. Cruz Island

All passengers will be provided with life jackets and it is required to wear it. Also, notice anything on the bancas? It has no balancer so be careful in boarding, it maybe shaky but it is rock steady when running. The ride is about 20mins on a stable to mild sea current.

Stay at Sta. Cruz Island

I <3 Zamboanga

There are a lot of trees around that you can stay under its shade, lay your things and go ahead, take a dip! But make sure to keep an eye on your belongings while there are policemen in the area, be always responsible with your own belongings.

Vinta love <3
Vinta love <3

I literally died of colors and dreamed of riding at this boat in the water but there’s no one available to paddle for me so I just managed riding like it’s in the water and of course, I took a lot of pictures on it.

Why Pink Sand Beach?

Pink Sand at Great Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City
Pink Sand Beach at Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City

In the afternoon or if it’s a bit dimmer environment, you will notice from afar that the sand is pinkish, for it is because of the presence of crushed red organ-pipe corals washed ashore.

Expenses and Notes

Paseo Del Mar Seaport Bulletin as of April 2017
Paseo Del Mar Seaport Bulletin as of April 2017

Make sure you register ahead of time in your preferred schedule of visit because there is a maximum number of registrants per day of up to 400 only.

Terminal Fee: Php 5
Boat Fee: Php 1,000 (1-10 Person)
Note: You can wait and join on another boat, just give a fare share to a maximum of 10 person per boat.
Entrance Fee(Payable at the Island): Php 13

Cottage Rentals:
Small(up to 6 person): Php 100
Large(up to 10 person): Php 200
Pavillion(up to 10-15 person): Php 500

For Reservations and Inquiries:
Contact No: 09272835684

UPDATE 04/12/2018:
Sta Cruz Island Reservations: 09777083194
iTravel Tourist Lane (Zamboanga Tourist Lane)

What to bring

  • Packed Meals (lunch) or Snacks because there is no restaurant in the island although the locals may offer fresh crabs and boil it for you.
  • Drinking Water (In a water jug or maybe water container with faucet)
  • Sunblock
  • Toiletries
  • Brave heart with inner peace (bring it with you or possess it when you’ve already stepped the island)
  • Extra clothes (optional, so you can change after swimming, or go spontaneous)
  • Dry bag (it’s recommended to waterproof your things)
  • Pocket money
  • Plastic for trash (Remember, leave no trace policy. So you’ll be bringing all your trash back to city)

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RJ Ramirez
RJ Ramirez
Automation explorer, making daily lives easier one code at a time.

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