2018 • 08 • 13

Caringo Island is part of the island hopping tour around the Mercedes Group of Islands, also known as Siete Pecados. The island provides you with an idyllic escapade away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The island has a beautiful beachscape characterized by the cream-tinged shore, a colorful and thriving underwater ecosystem, and a bucolic ambiance.

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: Naga Airport (Camarines Sur)

By Air

1. There are no direct flights to the town near the port that can take you on an island hopping tour; the closest you can get by plane is through Naga City from Manila. Travel time is around one hour.
2. Once in Naga, board a van (P190) or bus (P140) bound for Daet. The trip will take around two to three hours.
3. Once in Daet, you can ask a tricycle to take you to Mercedes Port. The tricycle fare to the port is around P150 for up to four people while jeepney fare is P10. Travel duration is 10-15 minutes.

By Land

1. The relatively easier and straightforward way of getting to the island is by taking an 8-hour bus ride from Metro Manila to Daet. There are several bus companies that ply this route; fares start at P550 and up, depending on the company and class of the seat.
2. Once in Daet, you can ask a tricycle to take you to Mercedes Port. The tricycle fare to the port is around P150 for up to four people while jeepney fare is P10. Travel duration is 10-15 minutes.

 

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Entrance Fee and Other Charges

• Entrance Fee: As of writing, entrance is P15.
• Boat Rental Rates: P2000 – P3500 (island hopping day tour); P4000 (overnight boat rental for those who want to go camping)
• Binut-ong & Seaweed Gulaman-Making: P50/person (minimum of 10 pax)
• Others: P50/boat (Paraw rental at the sanctuary, with guide); P20/person (floating user’s fee at the sanctuary); P100 (snorkeling gear rental)

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Don’t Miss

• Caringo Island has a cream-colored beach, perfect for lazing on and taking long walks.
• The waters are also enticing, good for a swim for an hour or so.
• After swimming, you can go to the marine sanctuary to go snorkeling and discover the island’s beautiful underwater ecosystem.
• The island is also where the oldest house in Mercedes is located.
• Try the local food specialties — seaweed jelly and binut-ong.

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Don’t Forget

• Withdraw money from Daet or Naga City before traveling to the port as it may be the only time you will be able to do so.
• Bring a power bank to keep your devices charged and ready for selfies, groufies, and photo ops, or videos.
• Bring some snacks, ready to eat meals, and drinks with you if you plant to go camping or have a picnic on the beach. As always, leave no trace/trash behind.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear if you don’t want to pay for renting.
• Keep your things dry by sealing them in plastics and a dry bag.

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If You Have More Time and Budget

• After enjoying Caringo and the other islands of Mercedes, improve your surfing skills in Bagasbas Beach, go to Calaguas, or go for another round of island hopping in Caramoan. You can also beach bum on Cayucyucan Beach or go to Colasi Falls.
• You can also travel further south to Albay and Sorsogon.
• While in Daet, spend time exploring the Provincial Capitol of Camarines Norte, visiting Museo Bulawan, and taking a picture of the Rizal Monument.

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Where to Stay

If you are extending your visit to Daet, here are some of the recommended accommodations by Agoda users, in no particular order.

• Pineapple Island Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Nathaniel Hotel. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Dolor Hotel. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• D House Hotel. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Daet Hotels