Tubod Marine Sanctuary: Best Snorkeling in Siquijor

If you’re looking for the best snorkeling in Siquijor—maybe even the best shore snorkeling in the Philippines—look no further than Tubod Marine Sanctuary. Hidden behind Coco Grove Beach Resort in San Juan, this protected reef area packs an incredible amount of marine life into a space roughly the size of five rugby fields, all accessible directly from the beach.

Why Tubod Marine Sanctuary is Exceptional

What makes Tubod truly special is the accessibility. There’s no boat required, no long swim to reach the reef. You simply walk into the water from the beach and within minutes, you’re surrounded by an underwater paradise. The sanctuary’s protected status has allowed marine life to flourish, creating an ecosystem that rivals many boat-access dive sites.

We’ve snorkeled all over Southeast Asia, and this spot tops the charts. Whether you’re learning to snorkel or a free-diving pro, this place delivers an unforgettable experience.

What You’ll See

Sea Turtles

The sanctuary is home to several sea turtles that regularly graze on the seagrass and coral. Sightings are common, especially in the morning hours when the water is calmest.

Thousands of Tropical Fish

Expect to see:

• Schools of sergeant majors
• Colorful parrotfish
• Butterflyfish
• Damselfish
• Clownfish in their anemone homes
• Triggerfish
• And hundreds more species

Vibrant Coral Reef

The coral here is healthy and diverse, with both hard and soft corals creating a colorful underwater landscape. You’ll see brain corals, table corals, and delicate fan corals swaying in the current.

Giant Clams

The sanctuary is also home to giant clams, which can grow to impressive sizes. Their colorful mantles are a photographer’s dream.

Getting There

Tubod Marine Sanctuary is located in San Juan, just next to Coco Grove Beach Resort—the big orange luxury hotel you’ve probably driven past at some point.

How to Access:

1. Look for the small parking area off the main road
2. Leave your scooter in the parking area
3. It’s a short walk down a driveway to the beach
4. Pay the entrance fee at the small building
5. Rent gear or bring your own
6. Walk straight into the ocean!

Travel Times:

• From San Juan town: 10 minutes
• From Paliton Beach: 10 minutes
• From Larena Port: 40 minutes
• From Siquijor Port: 35 minutes

Snorkeling Tips

Entering the Water

Depending on the tide:

• High tide: You can swim directly to the reef area
• Low tide: You may need to walk past shallow waters first. Be careful of the rocky portion—aqua shoes are recommended to avoid hurting your feet.

Finding the Best Spots

The sanctuary covers a large area, so take your time exploring different sections. The guide can help you find the barracuda schools and best coral formations. In just a few minutes of following their lead, you’ll be swimming with jackfish, barracudas, and countless tropical species.

Photography

The clear waters and abundant marine life make this an excellent spot for underwater photography. Even a basic waterproof camera will capture amazing shots. The variety of fish and coral provides endless subjects.

What to Bring

Essential:

• Swimwear
• Reef-safe sunscreen (apply before entering!)
• Cash for entrance fee and gear rental
• Towel
• Waterproof camera or phone case

Recommended:

• Your own snorkel and mask (better fit, saves rental fees)
• Fins (makes swimming easier)
• Aqua shoes (for rocky areas)
• Rash guard (sun protection)
• Water bottle

Available for Rent:

• Snorkel and mask sets
• Fins
• Life jackets (if needed)

The Beach Experience

Even if you’re not snorkeling, Tubod Beach is a beautiful spot to spend time. The white sand beach with its clear waters is perfect for:

• Swimming
• Relaxing with a book
• Watching sunset with a San Miguel beer
• Beach photography

The beach has a peaceful atmosphere and often sees fewer visitors than Paliton Beach, making it a good alternative for those seeking quiet.

Best Times to Visit

Morning (8-11 AM)

• Calmest waters
• Best visibility
• Most active marine life
• Fewer people
• Ideal for photography

Early Afternoon

• Still good conditions
• Water may be warmer
• Slightly more people

Late Afternoon/Sunset

• Beautiful for beach relaxation
• Not ideal for snorkeling (wind often picks up)
• Great for a post-snorkel beer at sunset

Combining with Other Activities

Tubod Marine Sanctuary fits perfectly into a San Juan-focused day:

Suggested Itinerary:

1. 8:00 AM — Tubod Marine Sanctuary snorkeling (1-2 hours)
2. 10:30 AM — Lugnason Falls for swimming and rope swings
3. 1:00 PM — Lunch in San Juan town
4. 3:00 PM — Explore local shops or rest at your accommodation
5. 5:00 PM — Paliton Beach for sunset

Tips for a Great Experience

1. Apply sunscreen before arriving — Give it time to absorb so it doesn’t wash off immediately

2. Go slow — The more time you spend floating quietly, the more you’ll see. Fish become less wary when you’re calm.

3. Don’t touch anything — Coral is fragile and some marine life can sting. Look with your eyes, not your hands.

4. Stay horizontal — Keep your fins off the bottom to avoid damaging coral or stirring up sediment.

5. Watch for currents — Minimal currents and waves make Tubod generally safe, but always be aware of your position relative to the beach.

6. Set aside at least one hour — You could easily spend longer exploring this incredible reef.

Comparing to Other Snorkeling Spots

Environmental Notes

Tubod Marine Sanctuary exists because of community conservation efforts. When you visit:

• Use only reef-safe sunscreen
• Don’t take anything from the sea
• Don’t feed the fish
• Report any anchored boats or fishing activity
• Support local conservation by visiting properly and paying entrance fees

Final Thoughts

Tubod Marine Sanctuary is one of those places that exceeds all expectations. You walk into the water expecting a nice snorkel, and you surface an hour later having had a world-class marine experience—sea turtles, thousands of fish, beautiful coral, and all of it accessible from a beach walk.

Whether you’re a serious underwater photographer, a casual snorkeler, or someone who just wants to float and enjoy the view, Tubod delivers. Add in the sunset potential, the nearby beach bars, and the easy access from anywhere in San Juan, and you have one of Siquijor’s true must-do experiences.

Don’t leave Siquijor without spending a morning here. Your underwater camera will thank you.