Caringo Island: Your Remote Paradise in Camarines Norte

Kung naghahanap ka ng tourist spots in Bicol na tahimik, malayo sa crowd, at perfect for island life feels, Caringo Island sa Mercedes, Camarines Norte might just be your next escape.

Nung una akong nakarating dito, parang bumagal ang oras. Wala masyadong ingay, wala masyadong tao—just the sound of gentle waves, the cool breeze, and the view of endless blue. Ang vibe niya? Simple, rustic, at sobrang relaxing. Isa siya sa tinatawag na Siete Pecados islands, pero dahil siya ang pinakamalayong isla, mas preserved at peaceful ang paligid.

Ano ang Caringo Island?

Caringo Island is a small fishing community na surrounded ng clear turquoise waters at may marine sanctuary perfect for snorkeling. Ang shoreline niya may mix ng white at light brown sand, plus scattered shells na parang natural decor ng nature.

Dahil malayo siya sa mainland, hindi gaano exposed sa heavy tourism—kaya kung gusto mo ng slow, quiet island day, this is it. Makikita mo rin dito ang simpleng buhay ng locals—fishing boats na nakaparada sa shore, kids playing by the beach, at friendly residents na handang magkuwento about their island.

Mga Pwedeng Gawin sa Caringo Island

Kahit simple ang island life dito, marami ka pa ring pwedeng ma-enjoy:

• Snorkeling sa Marine Sanctuary – Crystal-clear waters at colorful corals na puno ng isda. Para kang nasa aquarium pero mas maganda kasi real life.
  
• Beach Bumming – Spread your mat, magbasa ng libro, or just enjoy the sea breeze habang nakatanaw sa horizon.
  
• Meet the Locals – Small community lang dito, so madaling makipagkuwentuhan sa mga taga-isla.
  
• Sunset Watching – Yung view ng araw na unti-unting lumulubog sa dagat dito, sulit sa lahat ng pagod sa biyahe.
  
• Island Hopping – Since part siya ng Siete Pecados, pwede mo rin isama sa tour ang mga nearby islands like Apuao, Quinapaguian, at Malasugui.
  

Paano Pumunta sa Caringo Island

Kung curious ka how to go to Caringo Island, ganito lang kasimple:

Manila to Bicol

• By Land – Sumakay ng bus from Manila papuntang Daet (Superlines, DLTB, Amihan). Travel time: ~8 hours. Fare: ₱550–₱600.
  
• By Air – Fly to Naga City (Pili Airport), ~45 minutes. From Naga, sakay ng van (₱190) or bus (₱140) papuntang Daet (~2–3 hours).
  

Daet to Mercedes Port

• Tricycle (₱150 for up to 4 pax) or jeepney (₱10) to Mercedes Fish Port. Travel time: 10–15 minutes.
  

Mercedes Port to Caringo Island

• Rent a boat via local tourism office or accredited tour operators.
  
  • Day tour (island hopping): ₱2,000–₱3,500
    
  • Overnight camping trip: ~₱4,000
    

Entrance Fees and Hours

May maliit na fee para sa marine sanctuary at island upkeep.

• Day Tour: ₱20–₱30 environmental fee
  
• Marine Sanctuary Snorkeling: ₱50–₱100 (bring your own gear or rent on-site)
  
• Best Time to Visit: Summer months (March–May) para sure na calm ang waves at clear ang water.
  

Where to Eat Near Caringo Island

• Mercedes Town Proper Eateries – Simple carinderias na may lutong-bahay meals before or after your island trip (~10–15 mins from port).
  
• Harborside Grill, Mercedes – Grilled seafood and local dishes, ~15 mins from port.
  
• Kusina sa Baybay – Affordable seafood meals with a view, ~15 mins from port.
  

Where to Stay Near Caringo Island

• Villa Lourdes Resort, Mercedes – Beachfront cottages, ~15 mins from port.
  
• Nathaniel Hotel, Daet – Budget-friendly stay, ~20 mins from port.
  
• Calaguas Gateway Hotel, Daet – Comfortable rooms, ~20 mins from port.
  

Other Nearby Attractions

• Apuao Grande Island – White sand beach + pine trees, ~30–40 mins boat ride.
  
• Colasi Falls – Refreshing mountain waterfall, ~1 hour from Mercedes town.
  
• Bagasbas Beach – Surfing hotspot in Daet, ~20 mins from Mercedes.
  

Tara Na!

Kung gusto mo ng escape na walang masyadong ingay, walang hassle, at puno ng authentic island charm, Caringo Island sa Camarines Norte is a hidden gem worth discovering. Hindi lang siya about the beach—it’s about the experience of slowing down, breathing fresh sea air, at feeling connected to nature and community.

Pack your bags, bring your friends or family, and let Caringo Island give you that much-needed reset. Share this guide sa mga kakilala mo para mas maraming maka-discover ng beauty ng tourist spots in Bicol na ganito ka-special.