This spot has been added by

Paradis974
Paradis974

6 spots added - 683 photos shared

Other contributors You can help us keep this page up-to-date by uploading your pictures to the photo gallery, or by sending us your comments via the contact form

Last updated on

Fringed by a vibrant reef drop-off, White Beach is Moalboal’s most famous beach. Unlike the neighboring Panagsama Beach, this location has no abundant sardines or turtles, but the coral beds are colorful and inhabited by thousands of reef fish. You may also occasionally spot sea kraits on the reef.

Dwarf lionfish at White Beach, Moalboal
A nice encounter with a Dwarf lionfish at White Beach.

How to get to White Beach snorkeling spot?

White Beach, also called Basdaku Beach, is a beach located in Moalboal, about 2 kilometers north of the village and Panagsama Beach, another snorkeling spot in the region known for its “Sardine Run”. From the village, White Beach is easily reached by scooter or tricycle/tuktuk. At the main beach access, you have to pay an entrance fee of 10 PHP per person, +10 PHP per scooter or +40 PHP per car (2023 rates).

If you are staying at one of the White Beach hotels, such as HK Beach Resort or Dolphin House Resort, you will have direct access to the beach.

White Beach (Moalboal) snorkeling map
White Beach (Moalboal) snorkeling map.

Water entrance for snorkeling White Beach

The recommended snorkel entry is from the south part of the beach, as the most popular snorkeling area at White Beach lies to your left as you face the sea (snorkel entry 1 on the map above). If you stay at the HK Beach Resort, you can enter the water straight from the hotel’s beach (snorkel entry 2). The Dolphin House Resort also has its private reef access, from the concrete steps found near the jetty (snorkel entry 3).

White Beach reef snorkeling exploration tips

The main snorkeling area at White Beach stretches between White Beach and the Dolphin House Resort jetty (see map), about 400 meters apart, but you are of course free to go beyond that, either to the south or north.

Coral reef at White Beach, Moalboal
The reef drop off at White Beach.

Despite being often crowded, White Beach reef is overall healthy, with very preserved coral in places. The reef flat features a diversity of soft corals, particularly leather corals (↕3-10ft/1-3m).

Closer to the drop-off, the seabed gets densely covered with branching coral, flat coral and brain coral. The drop-off is dramatic, with walls falling away into depths (↕10-65ft/3-20m).

Yellow-lipped sea krait at White Beach, Moalboal
The Yellow-lipped sea krait is a common sight at White Beach.

There are so many species of fish to see at White Beach that it is quite impossible to list them all. Of particular note are clownfish, butterflyfish, and yellow and pink anthias which swim in large groups near the reef wall.

Snorkelers also often cross paths with yellow-lipped sea krait, which roam the reef impassively, seeking prey in the cracks and crevices.

Pyjama cardinalfish at White Beach, Moalboal
An Orbiculate cardinal sheltering along a concrete bloc.

Near the shore, you will note some concrete blocks on the flat. Take a look at them, as Orbiculate cardinalfish like to shelter there.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

There are several snacks and small restaurants on the beach. White Beach features several hotels and guesthouses, including HK Beach Resort, Dolphin House Resort, Conching Resort and Silogan and Ravenala Beach Bungalows.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth10ft/3m on the reef flat, 65ft+/20m+ on the drop off
  • Water entranceFrom a sandy beach or from concrete steps
  • Visitor numbersHigh
  • Access costs10 PHP per person, or stay in one of the beach hotels
  • Restaurants nearbyYes, near the entrance

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.