Day Trip to Sumilon Island

Only a 15-minute boat ride from Oslob (30 minutes from Santander by car + boat), Sumilon Island is famous for its crystal-clear waters and shifting sandbar. A perfect day could begin with a boat transfer in the morning, followed by swimming, snorkeling, and a freshly prepared island lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the iconic white sandbank before returning by boat and heading back to Santander around 4:00 pm.

Whale Shark Experience

Just 20 minutes north of Santander, Oslob is world-famous for its gentle whale sharks. Start your day early (around 6:00 am) with a short drive to the registration point, followed by a safety briefing and a 30-minute snorkeling or diving encounter with these majestic creatures. After the experience, enjoy a seaside breakfast before heading back to Santander by mid-morning.

Waterfalls

For a refreshing inland escape, several waterfalls are within easy reach:

• Binalayan Hidden Falls (Samboan, 20 min) – Known as the “triple-drop falls,” perfect for photos and a quick swim.

• Aguinid Falls (Samboan, 25 min) – A multi-tiered waterfall where you can climb from level to level.

• Tumalog Falls (Oslob, 30 min) – A gentle curtain waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.

• Dao Falls (Samboan, 30 min) – A rewarding trek through canyons to reach turquoise pools.

• Inambakan Falls (Ginatilan, 40 min) - A majestic five-tier waterfall cascading into a deep turquoise basin, ideal for swimming and nature photography.
  

Diving

Santander and its surrounding waters offer excellent dive sites, with Pescador Island (near Moalboal) and Apo Island (Negros) as highlights. A typical diving day might start with a 15-minute boat transfer to a local site for a morning dive, followed by a break onboard with snacks. Continue with one or two more dives—each revealing vibrant coral gardens, turtles, and schooling fish—before returning in the early afternoon. Trips to Apo or Pescador are full-day adventures.

Sardine Run in Moalboal

A must for ocean lovers! Moalboal is about 1.5 hours northwest of Santander. Picture yourself starting the day with a scenic coastal drive, arriving around 9:00 am for a snorkeling adventure. Just a few meters from the shore, you’ll find millions of shimmering sardines moving in unison, often accompanied by turtles. Lunch can be enjoyed at a beachfront café before exploring Moalboal town or returning to Santander by late afternoon.