Logistics and Dive Planning for Camiguin Island: NYT’s 2026 Selection
The New York Times has designated Camiguin Island as the sole Philippine entry in its “52 Places to Go in 2026” index. Located 110 kilometers southeast of Cebu, this volcanic landmass measures just 238 square kilometers but contains seven active and dormant stratovolcanoes. The provincial government strictly regulates infrastructure, and the island operates entirely without traffic lights.
Plan your transit carefully.
Accessing Camiguin from Cebu requires precise logistical coordination. Travelers can board a high-speed catamaran from Cebu City Pier 1 to Tagbilaran, Bohol, travel 70 kilometers overland to Jagna port, and board a ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) vessel crossing the Bohol Sea to Balbagon port. This maritime transit takes approximately six hours in total and requires purchasing tickets at least 48 hours in advance during peak season. Alternatively, direct flights on localized carriers periodically operate out of Mactan-Cebu International Airport, landing at Camiguin Airport (CGM) in just 45 minutes. Once on the island, the two-lane coastal ring road spans 64 kilometers, providing straightforward access to dive operators and inland trailheads. Read our overview on Other Things to Do in Cebu, Philippines to plan your regional itinerary before departure.
Beneath the surface, the volcanic topography translates to stark underwater architecture. At the dive site known as Black Forest, located two kilometers off the coast of White Island, divers encounter dense fields of Antipathes (black coral) beginning at 15 meters and descending sharply past the recreational limit of 40 meters. Thermoclines are frequent and severe here, with water temperatures dropping abruptly from 28°C at the surface to 24°C below 20 meters. A 3mm full wetsuit is mandatory. Check the Best Time & Weather for Scuba Diving to time your visit with optimal tidal exchanges and avoid the heavy swells of the southwest monsoon.
Topside, the geology creates extreme vertical relief. Katibawasan Falls drops 76 meters into a cold plunge pool, offering a geological contrast to the multi-tiered limestone cascades found at Inambakan Falls in southern Cebu. Monitor your surface intervals if you plan to hike Mount Hibok-Hibok, as the trailhead elevation exceeds 300 meters. Do not ascend after diving.