Looking for your next escapade? Choose from this list of Samal beaches / Samal beach resorts and enjoy the sun, the sand, and the sky.
Situated right in the middle of the Davao Gulf, the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) is blessed with a number of picturesque and gorgeous white sand beaches as well as interesting marine wonders. It is less than 30 minutes from Davao City and is very accessible by both public and private transportation. It offers both luxurious and budget resorts that will surely fit the visitor’s budget and preference. (Read: Davao City Travel Guide)
IGACOS is part of the province of Davao del Norte and has been a favorite destination for both local and foreign tourists. Aside from gorgeous Samal beaches and beach resorts, the island also boasts of several other natural and wildlife attractions like the Monfort bat cave, Hagimit Falls, Tagbaobo Falls, and a lot more.
Top Samal Beaches + Samal Beach Resorts
Babu Santa Beach Resort
Babu Santa Beach Resort is located in Talicud Island, just about 45 minutes by boat from Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City. The resort offers a pristine white sand beach which will surely give the visitors a relaxing and fun getaway while in the island.
There is no entrance and corkage fee going to the resort. However, if you charter a boat going to the resort, there is a P200.00 docking fee. There are cottages for rent at P400 or pay P75 if you bring your own tent.
How to get to Babu Santa
From the airport or anywhere in Davao City, ride a taxi and go to Sta. Ana Wharf. Take a boat to Dadatan Wharf in Talicud Island. The boat leaves twice daily at 6 AM and 1:30 PM. Travel time is around 45 minutes. From Dadatan wharf, ride a habal-habal going to Babu Santa Beach Resort. Fare is around P100 but will sometime go higher or lower depending on your negotiation skills. (Read: Davao to Talicud Boat Schedule)
Isla Reta
Isla Reta is one of the most famous Samal beaches in Talicud Island. It offers a stretch of pristine white sand beach with crystal blue water. It is a perfect place to unwind and relax on weekends. Internet signal is poor so you’ll have more time to enjoy the beach life and forget about technology while staying at Isla Reta.
The entrance fee to the resort is P75.00 for day tours. Corkage fee only applies to beverages so you can bring your own food with no additional charges.
How to get to Isla Reta
Isla Reta is about 45 minutes by boat from Sta. Ana Wharf near Magsaysay Park. The boat departs as early as 9 AM and the last trip is at 4:30 PM from Davao City. The first boat trip from Isla Reta going back to Davao is at 6:15 AM and the last trip at 3 PM. Fare is P80.00 for a one-way trip. Alternatively, if you are already in mainland Samal, take a bus or habal-habal to Kaputian District and ride a boat from there to Isla Reta. Check out the boat schedule to Talicud.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort
One of the most expensive resorts in Samal, Pearl Farm Resort is a 14-hectare property situated in the coastal area of Samal Island. The resort boasts of its white sand beach, chic accommodations, a unique bar and an infinity pool. Check rates and book!
The resort’s day tour rate is at P1,850.00 on weekdays and P2,500.00 on weekends. Accommodations for an overnight stay starts at around P7,000/room during off-peak season.
How to get to Pearl Farm
Visitors to the resort must proceed to the Pearl Farm Beach Resort’s Davao Marina where they will take a 45-minute boat ride to Samal Island. Boat transfer is already included in the rates.
Paradise Beach Resort
One of the most accessible Samal beaches from Davao City, Paradise Beach Resort is located just 15 minutes away by boat from the city. It is a favorite family weekend getaway destination due to its proximity to the city. Day tour rate at Paradise Resort is P200.00 and overnight rate is P300.00. Check rates and availability.
How to get to Paradise beach
Take a taxi or a Sasa-bound jeepney and tell the driver to drop you at the boat terminal going to Paradise Beach Resort near One Network Bank’s main office. From there, take a boat to Paradise Beach Resort, the fare is P15.00/head and travel time is about 15 minutes.
Costa Marina Resort
Costa Marina is one of the closest white sand Samal beaches to Davao City. The resort is only about 15-minute boat trip from Davao City. It offers a not so long stretch of white sand beach with clear and clean water. It is located right beside Paradise Beach Resort.
Day tour rate to Costa Marina Resort is P120.00 and overnight rate is P220.00. Accommodations are available for overnight guests for as low as P2,500.00.
How to get to Costa Marina
Costa Marina shares the same boat terminal with Paradise Resort so the direction on how to go there is pretty much the same. Make sure you take the right boat Paradise Resort boat.
Kaputian Beach Park Resort
Kaputian Beach Park Resort is a government-owned facility located in the southernmost part of Samal Island. It is frequently visited by both locals and tourists due to its cheap entrance fee for only P10.00. It offers a white sand beach as well as cottages and accommodation for overnight guests.
How to get to Kaputian Beach
From the city proper, go to Magsaysay Park and take an Island City Express bus going to Penaplata. Then, from Penaplata, take the same bus to Kaputian District. From the bus terminal, ride a habal-habal going to Kaputian Beach.
Samalan Camp & Sea
Samalan Camp and Sea is a beach resort located at Barangay San Remigio, Kaputian District, Island Garden City of Samal. It’s a 300-meter stretch of white sand beach ideal for beach bumming and swimming.
How to get to Samalan
From Kaputian bus terminal, hire a habal-habal and inform the driver you are going to Samalan Camp & Sea in San Remigio.
Canibad Beach Cove
Canibad is situated on the other side of Samal facing Davao Oriental. It is one of the least visited Samal beaches due to its location. It is a stretch of white sand beach owned by different individuals. There are no fancy restaurants or accommodations in the area so this is a good place for people who want to enjoy a simple island life. It is a perfect place to escape from busy city life.
How to get to Canibad
Take a bus from Davao City to Penaplata Bus Terminal. From there, take a habal-habal going to Canibad Beach located in Sitio Audanao, Penaplata District, IGACOS.
Maxima Aquafun Resort
Contrary to the other resorts mentioned in this article, Maxima does not have a white sand beach nor a shoreline but it does have fun and interesting amenities such as their giant water slide and water blob. These what make guests visit Maxima Resort. Both adults and children enjoy the ride in their One in the World Tarpaulin slide that drops them into the sea. Day tour rate at Maxima is P300.00
How to get to Maxima
From downtown area, take a jeepney going to Sasa and alight at the entrance of Sta. Ana Wharf. Take a short walk and board the MV Maxima IV boat to Maxima Aquafun Resort. Fare is P150 and travel time is around 30 minutes.
The schedule of the boat is only every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It departs Sta. Ana Wharf to Maxima at 9 AM and leaves Maxima back to Davao at 4 PM. Alternatively, if you happen to go there on weekdays, you may take a bus to Penaplata from Magsaysay Park. Fare is P40 and travel time is a little more than an hour. From Penaplata bus terminal, take a habal habal to Maxima Aquafun Resort. Fare is P30 each (P60 if you’re alone) and travel time is around 15 minutes.
Secdea Beach Resort
One of the newest beach resorts in Davao, Secdea offers chic villas and amenities ideal for a beach getaway. The accommodation is quite pricey compared to other resorts in Samal but you’ll get what you pay for. It is located in Barangay San Isidro, Babak District, IGACOS. Check reviews on TripAdvisor.
How to get to Secdea
From Davao City, take an Island Express Bus from Magsaysay Park and alight at Babak Public Market. From there, take a habal-habal going to Secdea. Alternatively, you may go directly to Sasa Wharf, take the RORO and ride a habal-habal at Babak Wharf.
Dayang Beach Resort
Located right beside Babu Santa Beach Resort, Dayang Beach Resort is secluded white sand beach located in Talicud Island. Entrance fee to the resort is only P50.00. Cottages for overnight guests are also available for as low as P500.00 good for four people.
How to get to Dayang beach resort
From the airport or anywhere in Davao City, ride a taxi and go to Sta. Ana Wharf. Take a boat to Dadatan Wharf. The boat leaves twice daily at 6 AM and 1:30 PM so make sure you arrive early if you only want to take a day tour.
Travel time is around 45 minutes. From Dadatan wharf, charter a habal-habal going to Dayang Beach Resort. Fare is around P100 but will sometime go higher or lower depending on your bargaining skills.
Punta del Sol Beach Resort
Located in Barangay Catagman, Samal City, Puta del Sol offers a breathtaking view of the Davao Gulf. It provides a wide array of water activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling and more.
Their Day tour rate is P70.00 per person and overnight rate at P140.00. Accommodations are also available ranging from around P700.00 to as high as P2,500.00 good for two persons. Check rates and book!
How to get to Punta del Sol
Take a taxi going to Sta. Ana Wharf, from there charter a Punta del Sol boat to take you to the resort. The rate is P500.00 for a one-way trip.
The Island Buenavista
An exclusive island resort in Samal City, The Island Buenavista offers a relaxing and luxurious island vacation getaway. You can own the island for a day or two and enjoy an utmost privacy. The resort is only rented out as a whole to just one group at a time.
You will not have to worry about anything as they provide an all-in package to ensure that you make the most of your stay at the island. Day tour rate starts at P37,000 good for 10 people and P1,500 each for an additional person. For overnight guests, the rate starts at P105,000 for 10pax which includes three buffet meals and two snacks. (Read: 18 Stunning Photos of The Island Buenavista)
How to get there to the Island Buenavista
Boat transfer is already part of the package. A van will pick you up from the airport or a rendezvous point from Davao City proper.
10 Notable Samal Island Resorts
Hof Gorei Beach Resort
Located right next to Pearl Farm Beach Resort and near Talikud Island, Hof Gorei Beach Resort is a boutique-style resort that boasts of a wide array of accommodation options from cozy chalets that fit the entire family to luxurious and romantic huts for two. Check photos, rates and availability.
Chema’s by the Sea
Chema’s by the Sea is a 10-minute boat ride from Davao City. This Samal Island resort offers breathtaking seascape with comfortable accommodation inspired by a fusion of Balinese, Spanish, Mediterranean, and Filipino influences. Check photos, rates and availability.
La Vida Orchard Samal
Located in Brgy. Catagman, Samal District, La Vida Orchard Samal is a comfortable bed and breakfast place near the beach. It’s an ideal place to stay for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers. At P450, you can stay in a dorm-type room with free breakfast! Check photos, rates and availability.
Jungle Fruit Apartment
Situated in Brgy. Kaputian, Jungle Fruit Apartment offers a terrace with mountain views. The unit is 17 km from Davao City. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property. The unit is fitted with a kitchen. Towels and bed linen are also provided. Check photos, rates and availability.
Island French Resort
Island French Resort is a quiet place to stay near Monfort Bat Cave and fronting the Vanishing Island. It’s located about 10 minutes from the Ferry Boat Terminal. It offers a private beach, two swimming pools for adults and children. Check photos, rates and availability.
Island Garden Resort in Pangubatan
Island Garden Resort in Pangubatan is a peaceful getaway situated at Brgy. Pangubatan, Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal. It’s a perfect place to unwind and relax. It offers cottages, dormitory rooms, and a treehouse for your comfortable stay. This is one of the few Samal Island resorts where you can disconnect to connect. Check photos, rates and availability.
Captain Hook’s Red Parrot Inn
Captain Hook’s Red Parrot Inn is situated in Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal. It’s more or less 45 minutes away by boat from the Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City. It offers cottages, deluxe rooms, suites, and even a whole house to rent. Check photos, rates and availability.
Bali Bali Beach Resort
Bali Bali Beach Resort is a semi-private resort that offers exclusivity, tranquillity, serenity, and privacy to its valued guests. It’s a hidden paradise tucked away in the Island Garden City of Samal. It’s a one-hectare property located on the southwest coastline of Samal. Check photos, rates and availability.
Bluejaz Beach Resort and Waterpark
Bluejazz Beach Resort and Waterpark is located at P2 Barangay Caliclic, Babak, Babak District – Samal Island. It’s close to Paradise Island Resort and just a short drive from Davao City. Check photos, rates and availability.
Hotel Precious Garden of Samal
Situated at Sitio Libudan, Brgy Miranda, Babak, Babak District – Samal Island, Hotel Precious Garden of Samal is a 3-star hotel that offers a great view of the beach. It offers spacious rooms and a cozy ambiance. Check photos, rates and availability.
This blog post is part of our absolutely free DAVAO TRAVEL GUIDE. You no longer need to spend a lot of time researching, we already did it for you. All you need is just a click away!
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I’ve been to half of the list and Isla Reta is my fave. I’m excited and hopefully be able to visit the rest of it. And if lucky enough, be able to experience a luxurious getaway at Island Buenavista. 🙂