Beach Bonding on White Pink Sand of Sta. Cruz Island

This was the day I was waiting for, our visit to Santa Cruz Island. What makes me excited to visit Santa Cruz Island? Well, it’s pink beach. Yes! The beach has pinkish sands. Only rare beaches has this shade of sand.

We woke up early, ate our breakfast and prepared for our trip to Santa Cruz Island. It was drizzling and I was worried if how the sea waves are since my Aunt Maria told me we’ll not pursue the trip if the waves are notorious. Good thing we still pursue the trip despite the on and off drizzle.

How to Go to Santa Cruz Island?

It was my cousin who coordinated days ago from the Philippine Tourist Authority located in the Lantaka Hotel front side for us to get to the island. Two military escorts were assigned to us to accompany us on our visit. There’s no charge for the escorts but a little tip can be given to them as a courtesy. It’s a must to have military escort for safety purposes.

The pick up point to the island is located at Fort Pilar terminal. One need to rent a boat to get to the Santa Cruz Island. A boat can fit up to 10 persons which costs about PHP 1,000 back and forth. Since we’re 14 who’ll go to the island, we rented 2 boats. It was just 20 minutes boat ride to get to the island. The island can actually be seen from the mainland.

Looks like a resort is on construction. We boarded the boat and then we’re off to go the island. I was really excited to see its pinkish sand. We can saw the pink beach from afar as we approached the island.

Santa Cruz Island

We reached the island by around 9:00 AM. It was raining. There are some covered huts around for picnicking and adequate toilet facilities. There’s also an entrance fee to the island for about PHP 20.00 per person.

We rented a covered hut and dropped our things there. Some prepared food for lunch while I waited for the rain to stop. The pleasure of travelling with host, no worries! Minutes after, the rain stopped. Of course, we did a lot of photo moments! Look how crazy and fun we are.

Welcome to Sta. Cruz Island!

The sand doesn’t look pinkish nearby. I took a closer look at the sand but it’s a combination of white sand and red pulverized corals making it looks like pink.

For me, I think it’s appropriate to call its sand as a white pink sand.

Beach Bonding

The sun came out. Yehey! It’s time to hit the beach! Of course, we couldn’t help but to capture a lot of moments. Looks like everybody was enjoying the beach.

The sand became more pinkish when there’s sunlight. Thus, it’s more pinkish when the sun is up. Some played volleyball, some did snorkeling and some just enjoyed their moment at the shore.

Fierce ala survivor daw huh!

I took a dip on the water. I swam a few strokes away from the shore and I couldn’t reach the sea bed anymore. So if you don’t know how to swim it’s advisable to put a life jacket on as the sea bed is steeply. My cousin told me that the island is like a cone below. There are sharp rocks and coral shards on the sea bed so be cautious on where you step on. It’s advisable to wear a water shoes or slippers.

It was around 11:00 AM when we ate our lunch. We ate along with our boatmen and escorts.

Afterwards, we went at the back of the island and checked the mangroves. It’s muddy and slippery so better be cautious when getting here.

Then, we went back near the shore and explored the rest of the island. The island is a long stretch of white pink beach.

We didn’t go far anymore. We went back to our cottage and packed our things for our departure. We left the island at past noon. We arrived Fort Pilar terminal in 30 minutes sailing.

It had been a great day on the beach. Nothing defeats a beach bonding with the family. I couldn’t help but recall my younger years when we always have summer family outing every year. I wish I could stay longer on this island but nevertheless, our short stay was yet enjoyable. We really had fun and got amazed on Sta. Cruz Island has to offer, a beach of white pink sand. And did I mention we’re the only visitors of the island that day!?

Trip Tips:

• All trips to Sta. Cruz Island must be coordinated with the Philippine Tourist Authority located in the Lantaka Hotel. Military escorts will be assigned during the visit
• Facilities on the island include toilets, picnic sheds, and cooking areas. There’s no accommodation for overnight stay.
• I haven’t noticed any store in the area aside from those who sells souvenir items. But there are some roving around offering seafood to cook (paluto).
• Seabed has a sudden depth. It’s also rocky due to sharp rocks and coral shards.
• Enjoy the beach and share your experience. Let’s promote Zamboanga City!