Spend a full day island-hopping the Once Islas cluster off Zamboanga: short boat rides, shallow snorkel sites, a cultural stop and a barangay-led registration process. Perfect for travelers seeking accessible marine scenery and hands-on local insight.
Spend a full day island-hopping the Once Islas cluster off Zamboanga: short boat rides, shallow snorkel sites, a cultural stop and a barangay-led registration process. Perfect for travelers seeking accessible marine scenery and hands-on local insight.
The morning light hits the Moro Gulf and the motorboat rocks awake, pushing you from Panubigan’s shoreline toward a scatter of white sand and low green islets. Salt and sun move with you; waves nudge the bow and the islands peer back—compact, vivid, and waiting to be tested.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by CTPH TOUR · Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Peninsula
The morning light hits the Moro Gulf and the motorboat rocks awake, pushing you from Panubigan’s shoreline toward a scatter of white sand and low green islets. Salt and sun move with you; waves nudge the bow and the islands peer back—compact, vivid, and waiting to be tested.
Once Islas is an 11-island cluster opened to visitors in mid-2018. Four islands—Bisaya-Bisaya, Sirommon, Baung-Baung and Buh-Buh—are registered public access points, each with a distinct role: three prime for snorkeling and swimming, one reserved for cultural visits to local fishing communities. Geologically the islands are low-lying coralline outcrops sitting on the Moro Gulf shelf; expect fringing reefs, sandbars that appear at low tide, and shallow bommies that shelter reef fish.
Culturally, visits usually include a barangay registration and a guide from Panubigan who explains local fishing practices and the islands’ recent move into eco-cultural tourism. The sea here can be gentle and glassy—or stirred by trade winds—so timing matters.
Practical guidance: tours run roughly 8–10 hours with motorboat transfers, bottled water, lunch and life vests provided. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, water shoes and a dry bag. Register at the barangay office before boarding; carry small cash for entrance fees and offerings. If seas are choppy the operator may alter stops—listen to the crew and wear your vest. Once Islas offers straightforward island-hopping: shallow snorkel circuits, easy swims, and a short cultural stop, making it a good full-day option for travelers wanting a low-effort but scenic marine experience.
Basic swimming ability is recommended; life vests are provided and guides supervise snorkeling close to shore.
Yes—tours are family-friendly, but infants should sit on an adult’s lap and parents should judge sea conditions for young swimmers.
Some operators supply basic snorkel sets—confirm at booking; bringing your own mask ensures fit and comfort.
Pickup and drop-off from hotels in Zamboanga City are typically included, but confirm your pickup point when booking and have a local contact number ready.
CTPH TOUR operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The morning light hits the Moro Gulf and the motorboat rocks awake, pushing you from Panubigan’s shoreline toward a scatter of white sand and low green islets. Salt and sun move with you; waves nudge the bow and the islands peer back—compact, vivid, and waiting to be tested.
The morning light hits the Moro Gulf and the motorboat rocks awake, pushing you from Panubigan’s shoreline toward a scatter of white sand and low green islets. Salt and sun move with you; waves nudge the bow and the islands peer back—compact, vivid, and waiting to be tested.
Once Islas is an 11-island cluster opened to visitors in mid-2018. Four islands—Bisaya-Bisaya, Sirommon, Baung-Baung and Buh-Buh—are registered public access points, each with a distinct role: three prime for snorkeling and swimming, one reserved for cultural visits to local fishing communities. Geologically the islands are low-lying coralline outcrops sitting on the Moro Gulf shelf; expect fringing reefs, sandbars that appear at low tide, and shallow bommies that shelter reef fish.
Culturally, visits usually include a barangay registration and a guide from Panubigan who explains local fishing practices and the islands’ recent move into eco-cultural tourism. The sea here can be gentle and glassy—or stirred by trade winds—so timing matters.
Practical guidance: tours run roughly 8–10 hours with motorboat transfers, bottled water, lunch and life vests provided. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, water shoes and a dry bag. Register at the barangay office before boarding; carry small cash for entrance fees and offerings. If seas are choppy the operator may alter stops—listen to the crew and wear your vest. Once Islas offers straightforward island-hopping: shallow snorkel circuits, easy swims, and a short cultural stop, making it a good full-day option for travelers wanting a low-effort but scenic marine experience.