DIY Travel Guide to Sta Cruz Island: Pink Beach of Zamboanga

Our ZamBaSulTa (Zamboanga – Basilan – Sulu – Tawi-Tawi) backpacking adventure kicked off with a flight from Manila to Zamboanga City, bringing us straight to our first destination— the Great Sta Cruz Island Pink Beach. As expected, it did not disappoint. The long stretch of white beach complemented by the clear waters under the midday sun dazzled and got us excited to sink our toes in the sand and bless our skin with the brine. It was a scene straight out of a postcard. If you also look forward to seeing and soaking in the beauty of this island with your own eyes, this comprehensive DIY travel guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Sta. Cruz Island!

Why is it Called Pink Beach

Sta. Cruz Island earned its Pink Beach moniker due to its distinctive sand color. The shoreline’s unique blush hue comes from the combination of white sand and crushed red organ-pipe corals that naturally wash ashore. Over time, these tiny coral fragments mix with the fine sand, creating a soft, pinkish tint that is most visible under the bright sunlight. This natural phenomenon makes Pink Beach one of the rarest and most beautiful beaches in the world.

The local government and environmental organizations actively protect the area to preserve its beauty, making it an exclusive and well-maintained tourist spot.

How to Get There

Sta. Cruz Island from Zamboanga International Airport

1. Fly to Zamboanga International Airport
   • Upon landing at Zamboanga International Airport (ZAM), you can take a taxi or a tricycle to Paseo del Mar, the main jump-off point to Sta. Cruz Island. The ride takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
2. Proceed to Paseo del Mar
   • This waterfront park is not only a departure point but also a vibrant hub where you can enjoy local snacks and view the Zamboanga sunset while waiting for your boat ride.
3. Secure a Permit
   • Visitors must secure a permit from the City Tourism Office to access Sta. Cruz Island Pink Beach. Visitors should book their trip at least a week in advance, especially for weekends and holidays, since authorities limit numbers to 400 visitors to protect the island.
4. Boat Ride to Sta. Cruz Island
   • From Paseo del Mar, it is a quick 15–20-minute boat ride to the island. The boat fee typically includes environmental and entrance fees.
   Estimated Costs (as of 2025):
   • Boat Fee: PHP 1,000.00 (good for up to 10 people, round trip)
   • Environmental Fee: PHP 20.00/person
   • Entrance Fee: PHP 100.00/person

What You Need to Know Before Visiting

To maintain the pristine condition of Sta. Cruz Island and to ensure the safety of its visitors, several guidelines are in place:

1. No Overnight Stays: Visitors are only allowed to stay in the island during the day from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
2. Leave No Trace: Bring your trash back to the mainland. Littering is strictly prohibited. The tourism office does not also allow bringing of plastics to the island.
3. No Collecting Sand or Corals: Taking any natural materials from the island is illegal and punishable.
4. Guided Tours Only: Exploring the lagoon and other parts of the island requires a local guide for safety and environmental protection.
5. Respect the Sama-Bangingi Community: The island is home to the indigenous Sama-Bangingi tribe. Be respectful when interacting with locals and their cultural practices.

Things to Do on Sta. Cruz Island

1. Swim and Sunbathe: Enjoy the clear, turquoise waters and soft pink sand while taking in the serene atmosphere.
2. Mangrove Lagoon Tour: Explore the island’s mangrove forests through a guided paddle boat tour. This eco-tour offers a chance to spot various species and learn about the island’s delicate ecosystem.
3. Cultural Interaction: Visit the Sama-Bangingi community to learn about their crafts, weaving traditions, and local way of life.
4. Snorkeling: Discover the underwater beauty surrounding the island. Be sure to bring your own gear as rentals may be limited.

Useful and Practical Tips for Visiting Sta. Cruz Island

1. Book in Advance: The number of visitors is strictly regulated, so secure your permit and boat reservation ahead of time through mobile (+63 905 601 6316) their email, tourism.zambo@gmail.com.
2. Bring Essentials: Pack reef-safe sunblock, snacks, bottled water, and your own snorkeling gear.
3. Respect the Environment: Follow all guidelines to help protect this fragile and beautiful ecosystem.
4. Cash-Only Transactions: Prepare cash in small denominations for fees and local purchases, as there are no ATMs on the island.
5. Best Time to Visit: The dry season (January to May) offers the clearest skies and calmest waters. Avoid visiting during typhoon season (June to November).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Sta. Cruz Island Pink Beach

1. Is it safe to visit Sta. Cruz Island? Yes. The island is well-regulated, and local authorities prioritize the safety of visitors. Always follow guidelines and stay within designated areas.

2. Can you camp or stay overnight on the island? No, overnight stays are prohibited to preserve the environment and maintain the island’s natural beauty.

3. Is there food available on the island? Basic snacks and refreshments are available in small stores that the locals put up in the island, but it’s best to bring your own food. Remember to pack out all trash.

4. Are there other attractions nearby? Yes! Explore Zamboanga City’s rich culture with a visit to Fort Pilar, the Yakan Weaving Village, and the colorful Vintas at Paseo del Mar.

Sta. Cruz Island Pink Beach, In a Nutshell

A day lounging in Sta Cruz island Pink Beach is indeed quite a refreshing break. It’s amazing how they have such an accessible well-maintained island that is a tourist hotspot. It’s incredible how a place so close to the city remains so well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse of unspoiled beauty without compromising sustainability. The island’s management stands as a model for eco-tourism, showing that with the right measures, natural wonders can be enjoyed while being protected. More than just a scenic destination, Sta. Cruz Island is proof that conservation and tourism can go hand in hand—something that many tourist spots, both in the Philippines and beyond, could take inspiration from.

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