great santa cruz island

The tourism department is aggressively promoting this "once-hidden" treasure due to previous security concerns. The city has secured the island (just 10-15 mins away from the city) and tourists are raving for its pinkish sand (due to red corals) and pristine waters. Hopefully they'll set up overnight accommodations and more facilities in the island. You can also do mangrove river cruising here, and have a stopover at a nearby sandbar.

take a boat for 45 minutes with heavy guarded soldiers to reach this rare island..they are for your own safety Cause a few years ago the island was a spot that abo sayaf group hold the hostages and hide them there...but its a dreamy beach and its pink color is unseen elswhere

been there last 2 years ago, its just an hour from the city the sand was in pink color, clear beach salty water. great for relaxation. great for diving

Pink and white sands...great place to meditate and be off the grid.A place to forget the outside world and eat delicious crabs after the frolic in the sun..Turn off would be transportation it would be like a taxi cab waiting for you..

The public beach is a bit small, but is far from being crowded. Best time to visit is early in the morning when the current isn't too strong for swimming. However, boats traveling to the area still ferry people to the island until midday, but tourists could only stay on the beach until around 4 pm. If traveling solo, I suggest talking to one of the tourist guides in the Paseo del Mar booking office to check if you can join another group to save boat fees. Otherwise, the current rate is Php 1,000 per boat.

Due to bad weather, we coordinated several times with the tourism staffs to go to the island. You have to pay for the environmental fee and the boat. It would take around 20 minutes to reach the island. After reaching the island, we are amazed by the white sand mixed with pulverized pink corals. This is one of the best beach I stayed. I'm hoping that the island will remain unspoiled for many years to come.

The very rare pink beach of this world.The pink color is actually broken bits of red coral in the sea.This beach has got beautiful clean water n one of the few beaches that is untouched in this world.I m sure it would be a diver paradise.Facilities like toilets n shower has just been built and not good now but I m sure when its fullu operational it would be very good.We go there by boat n cost P125 person.Hire per boat cost P1000.cost include return fare.Best to go back by 3pm.Boat ride took about 15 minutes.There are islanders selling trinkets of pearl lockets bracelets etc.They also sell crabs and squid at P200 each n they will cook for u.On the whole a good day out n the sun is viciously hot.Bring lots of sun screen n sun bather would be cooked n sun burnt in no time!Beautiful unique beach and a lovely place for a sunday outings!

this is great island ... for touris to go advanture for diving,,snokeling n water sport ,.. allowed .....

the pink beach! you could see the pink coral bits scattered all over the white sand, the water was so clear I enjoyed swimming and one of the best part is that it is a peaceful place. Other attraction is that you could visit the old Badjao cemetery which i find it so unique and how they really respect their culture. You have to bring your food and you can also grill your choice food

One of the wonderful beaches here in the Philippines, Santa Cruz Island of Zamboanga City. It's pink sand is so charming and enchanting. The place is so refreshing, the breeze is so cool, and the sea water is so blue and cold. I only spent less than Php250.00 to reach this place from my residency. Php 50.00(tricycle) from my place to Paseo del Mar and Php 125.00(boat) from Paseo to the island, vise versa. Thumb's up for this island. I will surely come back here some other time.

It's only 20 minutes boat ride from the pier, then you will be in a secluded white sand island. The only noise that you will hear are the waves and the laughter of the people who are enjoying swimming, and playing. Yes, the white sand is mixed with crushed red corals that will amaze you. The water is clear and you will definitely enjoy it but I suggest, you better go there early in the morning. The first trip boat ride is at 7AM which for me is very late. We went there at the pier before 8AM, we waited for the trip schedule which unfortunately we got our trip at 9:30AM and we reached the island very late. Well, the sun is up with a scorching heat which what we did is only stayed under the shade of the trees and talk. We didn't enjoy swimming. Lessons learned, go to the pier before 7AM.

If they say it's "Pink beach", don't expect it's totally pink, it only has a slight shade of pink in it because of the crushed red corals. The current is too strong, so be careful when swimming. Not good for snorkelling. Always wear your slippers because there are lots of sharp stone on the shoreline.What's nice of this beach:1. very near the city, around 20-30 minutes banca ride2. very nice people on the island3. fresh and affordable sea foods that the locals can cook for you4. army on the island will keep you safe at least.

The pink silky sands n the light bue water make it special. For a swim better be a skilled swimmer. Geys deep pretty fast

Adventure beyond the see? Sta. Cruz island is one of the best! I've visited the island many times already but i am still mesmerized by it's beauty. I actually want Sta.Cruz island the way it is because this is what makes it different from all the other beaches- no showers..no changing rooms just nature itself. The serene beach makes you feel relaxed. I just LOVE it! if your up to some adventure then give it up to Great Sta.Cruz island. It's really cool. They also sell seafoods by the way like fish and crabs.. D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S. :)

The only beach I've been to with honest to goodness pinkish toned sand. My children enjoyed playing on the sand and snorkeling. The commute is approx 15-20minutes boat ride. Security escort is a must. It is just sad that because of the never ending security threat in Zamboanga City that this little island has not (and i assume never will be) been developed. Toilets are spooky so we just bathe at home. We had to bring our own rinsing water. We had to go back by 1pm as the waves can get really rough.