Cresta de Gallo: Sibuyan Island Sandbar Paradise

Found at the southern tip of Sibuyan Island is one of Romblon’s raw gems worth daring the often tempestuous waters of Sibuyan seas for. Cresta de Gallo, named after its shape resembling a rooster’s comb, is an island with a fine white sand beach and a stunning sandbar. No commercial establishments or structures. Just a pure tropical island paradise.

Across Sibuyan Seas

We made sure to leave early in the morning upon the break of dawn while the waters were calm. In San Fernando municipality, we headed to the Azarga port area where our boat was waiting. From here, it’s roughly an hour’s boat ride. I enjoyed the morning scenery from our outrigger motorized boat. Seeing the sunrise and breaking through the thick clouds. The water was indeed calm. The ride was smooth. Only interrupted by a few fishes skimming over the waters. As we approach the island, the waters become clearer and slowly unravel the underwater seascape. We got more excited as the shallows revealed how crystal the waters were.

Cresta de Gallo

Arriving during the low tide, we had to walk almost thigh-deep water to shore. This was to avoid any damage to nearby corals in the area as it was too shallow for the boat to proceed. I got amused seeing starfishes, both the skinny bright blues and plump brown ones. A sea anemone’s home was surprisingly in the shallows. And finally, several dogs living on the island barked to welcome us. Probably the companion of the island’s caretakers. They were friendly.

View of Sibuyan Island peaks at the backdrop

We were awed by its rugged beauty as soon as we stepped on the island. It reminds me of islands like Seco Island and Panampangan Island. We were the only visitors on the island and much of the beach was untouched. Blinding yet inviting to explore from end to end. The island has a 4.5-hectare area with patches of mangrove vegetation on each end. Sibuyan Island and its peaks can be seen from the island.

White Sand Wonder

There is nothing else to do on the Cresta de Gallo but enjoy the beach, the sea (and take pictures of course), and people’s company. Since there are no facilities on the island (aside from a few restrooms, huts, and cottages), it is best to bring necessities like drinking water and food. If camping overnight, bring camping gear like tents and cooking stoves. We didn’t manage to snorkel or check out the underwater scene. But we heard there’s a Marine Sanctuary nearby for snorkelers and divers.

We immensely enjoyed Cresta de Gallo. An island is for those looking for an unadulterated tropical island experience.

Essential Info

The best jump-off point to Cresta de Gallo is from the Azarga, San Fernando. There’s a tourist center that could help visitors hire boats, settle fees, and register.

Below are the fees for visiting the island (info last updated March 15, 2024).

Environmental Fees

Adult	Php 70/ day	Php 100/ overnight
Children (12 years old & below)	Php 60/ day	Php 90/ overnight

*Updated March 2024

Boat Fees

Motorboat 10 or less passengers	Php 50.00
Motorboat 11 to 20 passengers	Php 100.00
Motorboat 21 to 30 passengers	Php 125.00
Motorboat 31 and above passengers	Php 150.00
Non-motorized boat	Php 20.00

Amenities/ Facilities Rental

Balsa with life jacket	Php 1,000/ 4 hours
Balsa with motorboat 1 roundtrip additional	Php 500
Safety paraphernalia/ life jacket	Php 20

Kiosk	Php 300/ 12 hours Php 500 /24 hours
Enclosed picnic area	Php 350/ day
One set umbrella w/ 6 chairs & table	Php 200/ day
Table only	Php 50/ day
Umbrella only	Php 30/ day
Chairs	Php 10/ day
Rubber Life Saver Big	Php 25/ 3 hours
Rubber Life Saver Small	Php 15 / 3 hours
Picnic Tent	Php 250
Camping Tent (4 person capacity)	Php 400/ 24 hours
Kayak	Php 200/ hour
Goggle	Php 20
Snorkel	Php 20
Reclining Chair	Php 100/ day