A boat day in Siargao, capped with photo treats. I love that this tour mixes classic island stops with two fun extras: mermaid tails and free drone footage. You also get a proper boodle fight lunch instead of a sad afterthought meal. One consideration: it’s not a fit if you’re prone to seasickness, since you’ll be out on the water for hours.

What makes it work is the pacing. You get real time on the islands, plus guided help where it counts, and then free time where you can just soak up the beach. I also like that the tour is run by licensed guides and the group stays organized at a busy starting point around General Luna.

Quick heads-up: start times can feel tight. Registration is at 7:30 AM and departure is at 8:00 AM from General Luna Port, so show up ready to go—no last-minute scrambling.

Key highlights you should care about

• Tri-island order that gives you beach time on Naked, Daku, and Guyam
• Free mermaid tail activity for easy, playful photos
• Drone footage included so you don’t have to rely on shaky phone shots
• Boodle fight lunch with a spread of local dishes served on the island
• Tide-dependent Secret Island as a bonus stop, not a guarantee
• English-speaking licensed guides to keep the day smooth and clear

General Luna logistics: Maricel Tours to the dock by 8:00 AM

The tour starts at Maricel Tours, right beside Wang’s Bakery across the church. From there, you head to General Luna Port for the main departure window. Registration is 7:30 AM, and departure is 8:00 AM, with a return around 4:00 PM.

That timing matters because island-hopping is a game of waves, daylight, and tides. If you’re even slightly slow at the start, it can compress your photo time at the first stops. I’d plan to arrive a bit early so you can get your swim stuff sorted without stressing.

Group tour days also mean you’re moving on a schedule. You’ll have a mix of guided parts and free time, and the day is built around getting you to multiple beaches without turning it into a long grind of travel-only hours. You’re on the water most of the day, so pack like you’ll be out in sun and salt air for the full block.

Naked Island: a calm start with guided time and clear-water vibes

Naked Island is your first island stop, a small sandbar surrounded by crystal-clear water. You’ll get about an hour here with a guided component, which is a good way to get your bearings fast—especially for your first Siargao sandbar day.

This is the kind of place where the water looks close enough to step into instantly. That’s great for swimming and relaxing, but it also means the sun can hit hard since you’re exposed on open sand. Bring sunscreen and a hat, even if you think you’ll stay in the shade—there usually isn’t much.

The one practical thing I’d watch: sandbar conditions can change with the day and the tide. Even if the tour hits its timing well, the exact feel of the beach and waterline can shift. That’s normal for Secret Island-type areas in general, and it’s often part of the Siargao rhythm.

Guyam Island: your free-time island for beach wandering and photos

After Naked Island, you’ll head to Guyam Island. This stop is set up more for you: around an hour of free time, plus a chance to enjoy the beach at your own pace.

Guyam is also where this tour’s “easy day” mood becomes real. You can swim, take photos, and slow down. There are shops on each island, so you can grab small souvenirs or snacks without having to leave the island hopping bubble.

If you like a mix of structure and freedom, this stop is the sweet spot. The guided moments handle the logistics and orientation, and then Guyam lets you do your own thing. Just remember: you’re still in a group schedule, so keep an eye on time if you want to buy something or find the best angle for photos.

Daku Island: the longest stretch, lunch included, and plenty of sightseeing time

Daku Island is the largest of the three, and it’s where the day gives you the most time. Expect a longer block that includes guided time, a lunch stop, and then additional free time plus sightseeing.

This is the island where you’ll likely feel the shift from “see the islands” into “actually enjoy them.” With more room to spread out, you’ll have space to find a comfortable spot, swim, and still have time to wander for photos. If you’re traveling with family or friends who just want to relax, this is the stop that usually satisfies everyone.

Lunch happens here, and that’s not a minor detail. A good midday meal keeps the day from feeling like a rushed sightseeing circuit. You’ll get the classic Siargao-style boodle fight format with a spread of local delicacies, which I’ll cover in detail next.

Secret Island depends on the tide: plan for a bonus stop, not a guarantee

After lunch, the tour may include a visit to the famous Secret Island. The key detail is in the phrasing: it’s tide-dependent.

That means you should treat it as a bonus. Some days it’s perfect; other days conditions change what’s possible. Either way, you’re still getting more water time and more photo chances as you move through the day.

There’s also a “hidden gem” style segment built in before Daku, with a break, photo stop, guided tour, and swimming for about 30 minutes. If you like short stops that feel spontaneous, this is one of those parts where the schedule gives you a quick reset—then you’re off to the next island.

Mermaid tails and drone footage: the fun extras that actually change the photo game

The tour includes free mermaid tail activity and free drone footage, which is a big part of why this package feels good value.

The mermaid tails are the kind of activity that turns a normal beach day into something you’ll actually remember clearly. It’s playful, and it also solves a common travel problem: getting great photos without spending money on extra add-ons. Mermaid tail use is included, so you don’t have to negotiate a separate fee once you’re already on the water.

Then there’s the drone. If you’ve ever tried to film a whole group selfie-style with a phone at the perfect moment, you know why drone footage matters. From a practical standpoint, having a third-person aerial view gives you shots you just can’t get from standing on sand.

One extra tip: charge your camera and keep your phone dry if you plan to shoot. Even with drone footage included, your own photos are still what you’ll show friends on the spot.

Boodle fight lunch on Guyam or Daku: how to make it work in real life

Lunch is built into the island-hopping flow, and it’s served as an iconic boodle fight. That usually means food arrives on a shared setup, and you eat directly as a group. It’s messy in the fun way, and it’s also the most authentic-feeling meal on this kind of tour.

This tour specifically calls out a mouthwatering spread of local delicacies, so you’re not just eating for fuel—you’re eating to taste Siargao. The best way to enjoy it is simple: pace yourself. After swimming and sun, you’ll want to balance water, food, and rest time.

If you’re someone who doesn’t love communal-style eating, you can still make it comfortable. Bring napkins or a small towel, keep your hands clean, and take a moment before the rush to find your spot and get settled.

Also, because this is a group day on a boat, lunch is a key energy anchor. If you tend to get hangry when you’re busy, this is one of the reasons the tour feels like good value, not just a beach outing.

Boat ride reality: noise, waves, and seasickness limits

You’re out on a boat for a full day, so you should be honest about your comfort level. The tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness. If either of those applies, skip it. Sun and swimming are great, but a rougher water day can ruin everything fast.

There’s also an equipment comfort factor. One participant noted the boat engine was extremely noisy, though the tour provided headphones. That’s a helpful sign: they’re thinking about the ride, but it’s still smart to mentally prepare for a loud start.

If you’re even slightly sensitive, bring what helps you manage nausea (like ginger or motion-sickness meds you already trust) and try to sit where the motion feels least intense. And if you know you’re uncomfortable in choppy water, don’t “tough it out” here—there are other Siargao ways to enjoy the day.

Price and value: what $35 really buys you

At about $35 per person, this tour stacks several things that are usually priced separately: boat and entrance fees, a full-day group format, a guided day structure, boodle fight lunch, and the two paid-photo-style perks—mermaid tails and drone footage.

What that means for you: you get a full itinerary that covers the main Siargao island names without needing to plan transfers or buy extra activities on the fly. You’re paying for time on the water, time on beaches, plus the “content” side of travel (drone shots) and the fun “try it” side (mermaid tails).

The only noticeable cost gap is what’s not included: snorkeling gear. If you have your own, bring it. If you don’t, you might want to rent or plan based on what’s available locally. Either way, don’t show up with only flip-flops and hope for the best, especially if you enjoy getting in the water.

Also note the included guide support. The tour uses live English-speaking licensed guides, and that matters more than people think. On a busy island-hopping day, good communication prevents wasted time.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This tour is a solid match if you want a one-day Siargao experience that checks multiple boxes: beach time, local food, fun activities, and photo help. It’s also a good choice if you like group energy. One highlight from the day is the camaraderie—people having fun together, not just sitting quietly while someone gives directions.

It’s also a smart pick for first-timers to this side of Siargao. Guided time at the start and at key stops helps you understand what to do and where to look for photos and swimming spots.

You should skip it if you:

• Don’t swim (the tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers)
• Get seasick easily
• Need a fully private, slow-paced day
• Want a tour with no boat time

Some guide names you may hear include Erwin and Trench, and the Maricel Tour team around Maria has a reputation for keeping things friendly and organized. That’s the kind of staff vibe you want when you’re on a tight beach-and-boat schedule.

Should you book the Siargao Tri-Island with Mermaid Tail?

Yes, if you want a full day that mixes three signature islands, a proper Siargao lunch, and included photo perks. For the price, the mermaid tail activity and drone footage are the “extras” that make it feel like more than a basic boat ride.

Skip it if you’re worried about boat motion, you don’t swim, or you’re expecting a laid-back solo pace. This is a structured day on the water, and it works best when you’re ready for sun, swimming time, and group timing.

If you’re unsure, do this: pack for sun and water, bring your own towel and sunscreen, and decide based on your seasickness comfort first. Everything else is easier once you’re physically ready for the day.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

Maricel Tours is right beside Wang’s Bakery across the church.

What time do I need to register and when does the tour depart?

Registration is at 7:30 AM, and departure is at 8:00 AM from General Luna Port.

How long is the tour and what time do I return?

The duration is about 8 hours, and you’ll return at approximately 4:00 PM.

Which islands are included in the tour?

The tour includes Naked Island, Guyam Island, and Daku Island, with an additional Secret Island stop that depends on the tide.

Is lunch included, and what kind of lunch is it?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served as an iconic boodle fight with a spread of local delicacies.

Are mermaid tails and drone footage included?

Yes. Mermaid tails are included for a free activity, and free drone footage is included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included.

What should I bring and what’s not allowed?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and water. Weapons or sharp objects are not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

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