Tubod Marine Sanctuary — Local services in San Juan

We visited March 2025. Honestly, Tubod wasn’t our first choice. We first tried Tulapos and Caticugan Marine Sanctuary, but since it was high tide that time, snorkeling wasn’t possible dahil masyadong rough yung alon. So Tubod ended up as our “last choice” just to make sure we got to snorkel that day. Surprisingly, we were not disappointed at all in fact, it turned out to be such a great experience!

We saw a sea snake and even a huge sea turtle (pawikan) which a lot of people were also excited about. The guides were funny, entertaining, and very helpful. Their policy also felt very safe and organized. usually one guide per two people, but if you can afford it, they even recommend one guide per person for a better experience.

The only minor downsides that parking is a bit limited, and the entrance to the sanctuary is quite small and a little tricky to find. But once you’re in, it’s totally worth it.

Overall, we loved the experience and would definitely...

The coral and marine life were great. The guide was terrible. There were 2 of us and he left me within 5 minutes while I was doing some underwater videoing. I looked up and couldn't see him or my partner, they had carried on swimming, not waited for me, and I couldn't see where they were so I had to swim back to shore and managed to see them as far out as they could possibly get. I tried swimming back out to them but with the current I got tired and made the sensible choice to swim back to shore again. Absolutely appalling behavior by the guide Zero stars for him and what could have been an immensely enjoyable time snorkeling was completely ruined. Very lucky I didn't panic and drown. His excuse "you swim off." No I didn't. I was literally videoing underwater for 5 minutes. And isn't the job of a guide to be there for you, to check your whereabouts if you get in trouble. Especially at a rate of 300 pesos for one hour. Hope he...

We came here to snorkel, paid the entrance fee and rented fins. Sadly, the experience was disappointing…

The beach had visible trash, and underwater we saw plastic and damaged coral—inside an area labeled a “marine sanctuary.” If the plastic on the shore isn’t even removed, it’s hard to understand where the conservation fee is going.

Meanwhile, groups were brought in with life jackets and guides, many stepping on the coral, clearly unaware of the damage. It didn’t feel like marine protection—it felt more like mass tourism under an eco-friendly label.

We came to Siquijor mainly for snorkeling, and although the island is undeniably beautiful, this aspect has been a real letdown. As experienced snorkelers who genuinely care for the ocean, we found this disheartening…

We truly hope this place can live up to its potential—as a real sanctuary, not...