What to do and where to go in Gigantes? Start exploring with our list of Gigantes’ best things to do, tourist spots, and attractions.

1. Go Island Hopping

Cabugaw Gamay Island, Carles, Iloilo, Philippines

View of Cabugao Gamay on an island hopping tour in Gigantes.

A visit to Gigantes is not complete without taking an island hopping tour to see its magnificent beaches and islands. It takes half a day, at least, to visit the main sites, which includes Cabugao Gamay Island, Tangke, Antonia Beach, Bantigue Island, and Pawikan Cave.

Further readings: Gigantes travel guide, How to get to & around Gigantes.

2. Enjoy Pristine Beaches

Bantique Island, Carles, Iloilo, Philippines

Crystal clear waters surrounding Bantigue Island.

3. Feast on Fresh Seafood

Bantique Island, Carles, Iloilo, Philippines

Scallops shells sold in Bantigue Island.

You can look forward to cheap and fresh seafood in Gigantes, unofficially known as the scallops capital of the Philippines. The islands are also known for its odd-shaped Wasay-wasay shell and abundant in fish, squid, crabs, shrimp among other aquatic delights. Prices of seafood here and in Estancia are more affordable than the cities of Iloilo and Roxas, and definitely a lot cheaper than Manila or Boracay.

4. Swim at Tangke

Tangke, Gigantes Sur Island, Islas de Gigantes, Carles, Iloilo,

Tangke Lagoon during High Tide.

This small yet beautiful salt water lagoon hides behind tall rock cliffs along the coast of Gigantes Sur. Take a dip at Tangke, then look up towards the sky and see if you can find a star shape formed by the rock formations that totally surround the calm emerald-colored pool. Be sure to visit during high tide when Tangke is most enchanting.

5. Take a Selfie at Cabugaw Gamay Island

Cabugao Gamay Island, Islas de Gigantes, Carles, Iloilo, Philipp

The famous Cabugao Island view.

A tiny island with a picturesque white sand beach and calm waters perfect for swimming. Climb the rocks at the far end of the beach to get a great overlooking view of the island. This view is the most photographed in Gigantes.

6. Relax at Antonia Beach

Picnic tables at Antonia Beach, Gigantes Sur Island, Carles, Iloilo, Philippines

Picnic area at Antonia Beach

A beautiful white sand beach found at a secluded corner of Gigantes Sur. The waters surrounding Antonia turns into a mesmerizing turquoise color under sunny morning skies. It is an excellent place for swimming, picnics, and beach camping.

7. Visit the Old Lighthouse Ruins

Gigantes Lighthouse, Gigantes Norte Island, Islas de Gigantes, C

Remains of the old lighthouse in Gigantes Norte.

Ruins of a Spanish-colonial lighthouse found at the northern shore of Gigantes Norte Island. Climbing to the top of the modern lighthouse that stands beside it affords a breathtaking view of the sea.

8. Explore Mystical Caves

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Entrance chamber of Pawikan Cave in Gigantes Sur.

The islands are home to many caves hidden behind steep rock formations and cliffs. It is said that the island chain got its name from over-sized coffins found at Bakwitan Cave in Gigantes Norte that contained gigantic sets of human bones. Many of these like Pawikan Cave have spacious caverns that can be easily explored. Upon entering the mouth of the cave, visitors are greeted with a large entrance chamber aptly lit by natural atriums or openings at the cave ceiling.

9. Rock Scrambling

Boulevard View Point 110522_104644

View of Bantigue and Cabugao Islands from the Boulevard Viewpoint.

A very steep rocky trail in Gigantes Sur leads to the top of the row of limestone cliffs that the locals call as the “Boulevard.” This high vantage point provides a 360-degree view of Gigantes group of islands and the Visayan sea.

10. Visit Bantigue Island

Bantique Island, Carles, Iloilo, Philippines

Bantique Island’s sandbar during low tide

This tiny island has a rather long sandbar that emerges during low tide. Island has one of the clearest waters in Gigantes that is perfect for swimming. Go to the cluster of houses on the main part of the island and check if the locals have freshly steamed scallops ready for serving.

11. Explore Northern Iloilo

Pan de Azucar view from Agho Island, Iloilo, Philippines

Pan de Azucar Island’s towering Mt. Manaphag seen from Agho Island in Concepcion.

Gigantes has a lot more islands and beaches worth visiting that are rarely seen by tourists if you want to go even further off the beat track. Actually, the larger area of Northern Iloilo has more island groups if you’re left wanting for more pieces of paradise. Head to the white sandy shores of Sicogon Island found an hour away by boat from Gigantes or Concepcion’s group of islands, particularly the islands of Agho, Pan de Azucar, and Bulubadiangan (Sandbar) Island.

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