1. Beach- Hopping
While El Nido has island-hopping tours A, B, C and D, Caramoan has its own version of island-hopping packages as well. The first one includes the nearby islands of Matukad, Hunongan, Lahus and Gota Beach and is about 1000- 1500 pesos.
The other package tour includes the distant islands of Manlawi Sandbar, Cotivas Island and Sabitang Laya and is about 2000- 3000 pesos depending on the season and other arrangement with the boatman.
2. Explore the Caves of Caramoan
Check out the the beautiful limestone formations at Omang Cave situated between Barangay Paniman and Barangay Ilawod. This cave is part of Caramoan National Park and offers interesting stalactite formations. Then hunt for treasure in Manipis Cave at Barangay Pandanan, rumored to be the hiding place of General Yamashita’s treasure. If you haven’t had enough, head to Culapnit Cave in Sitio Bariw to see more limestone rocks, stalactites pillars, and thousands of bats. It’s name is derived from the vernacular word “kulapnit” which means “bat”. If bats and guano isn’t your thing, cool down and get refreshed in the underground stream of Bulang Bulang Cave in Taisan.
3. Climb the Rock Cliff at Matukad Island
Climbing the sharp rocks of Matukad Island is a bit of a challenge but you will be rewarded with a sweeping view of the surrounding seascapes and a chance to see the so called enchanted lagoon, where you will find one huge Milkfish swimming around as if guarding its mystical abode.
4. Climb Up the Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
Head to Caglago Mountain at Barangay Tabgon and scale the 524 steps to the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary – the largest Marian statue in the country. This 26 foot image is lit up at night and acts like a lighthouse guiding fishermen back to the shore. The shrine also offers a panoramic view of the surrounding islands.
5. Explore the Town
Get acquainted with Caramoan by exploring it on foot or by renting a habal-habal (motorbike). The town is laid-back and the people are friendly. Check out the local market, the municipal hall, the mangrove area, the swamp, and the small shops at Centro (town center). It is pleasant to explore the countryside on foot especially in late afternoon when the harsh rays are long gone. There is no traffic, the air is fresh and the setting becomes more lush and rustic as you wander further off the road.
6. Hang Out at Paniman Beach
Paniman Beach, although popular as a jump-off point for island-hopping is a destination in itself and is an alternative place to hang out to aside from the town proper. There aren’t really many places to go to at night after you’re done with island hopping and town exploration. There is a floating resto bar and a few restaurants where you can drink and belt out some tunes or you can buy your drinks and snacks at the town proper and have a picnic here until sunset.
Floating Restobar
7. Visit the Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel
Just a stone’s throw away from the town center, lovers of old churches and architecture should add St. Michael Parish Church to their list of things to see. This red brick church in a vast courtyard with a well-manicured lawn is hard to miss. It was founded in 1619 by Franciscan Missionaries and had undergone series of renovations through the years. (Location: Barangay Solnopan)
8. Bird Watching at Caramoan National Park
Get up close with nature and spot diverse local and migrant birds in the park. This pristine parkland is home to a variety of tropical birds (pigeons and hornbills), water fowl (mallard and egrets) and birds of prey ( eagles, hawks and kites)
9. Visit Hugsad and Layahan Waterfalls
Hugsad Falls at Barangay Patag Belen and Layahan Falls at Barangay Hanopol are fairly unexplored areas and are still off the radar of mainstream tourists as of now.
10. Camp on one of the Islands
Camping on one of the secluded beaches is highly recommended for beach bums and nature lovers. You can explore the surrounding cliffs, snorkel as much as you want, laze on the beach, sunbathe, and swim like there is no tomorrow. It’s free and fun, just make sure to have enough provisions, a first aid kit, mosquito repellent, sunblock and snorkeling gear.
Source: Wikipedia and newsflash
Photo Credit
St. Michael Parish Church -www.travelphil.com
Our Lady of Holy Rosary – jraymags.multiply.com
claire, send this to PAL mabuhay i believe this would be a nice article. everyone must read this while on board
james, nag-send nako ng samples pero ang tagal nila mag-reply…
keep on! persistence lang yan!
give a pitch na mapapaisip sila
Thanks James,I’ll try it next time
Nice post claire! this would be helpful in my coming trip to Caramoan in June. Btw, where did you stay?
Thanks sis. The first time I went there, I stayed at Gota Beach Resort, then on my second visit last year, I stayed at Villa Anita and La Casa Roa Hostel
ms . claire tanong lng po kung ano po mas convenient pag pumunta ng cam sur. kumuha ng package tour sa net o mas makakamura po kmi kung dun nlng kumuha ng bangka ?
thank you po
DIY is cheaper.
ditto here james!
very nice, love the photo of the shrine! sayang di kami nakarating dun.
thanks for the link-love!
No worries,dami mo entries sa Caramoan so link love is inevitable
I have to take note of these things just in case mapadpad sa Caramoan. I was wondering though, famous parin kaya yung place? I heard kasi the Calaguas is far better so my hunch is that tourists no longer make pansin of Caramoan. make pansin talaga.di ko kasi maisip ang Ingles nya. bwahaha
I think Calaguas Beach is no doubt more beautiful than any of the beach in Caramoan but it’s the combination of many things that make it more appealing to many tourists. It’s not just beach bumming. You have a whole lot of other activities to do.
great guide, claire! I enjoyed reading it parang gusto ko na pumunta din ng Caramoan! As I’ve said Caramoan is the next best thing in Philippine tourism joining the ranks of Cebu, Davao, Boracay, Palawan, Bohol and Tagaytay as well known tourists province of our country.
True and I think together with CWC,, Cam Sur became the top notch destination in the Philippines in terms of foreign and local tourists last year or was it two years ago
Wow! Now I’m including Caramoan in my bucketlist because of this article.
Thanks Claire.
Dumadami na naman ang nasa list mo Bino
Have fun!
Hi Claire, that sounds like a lot of things to do! I like the cave exploring option. That sounds like fun, but then again, so do all of them! Great photos!!!
Yeah, spelunking is fun especially if there is a crystal clear pool waiting inside the cave
thanks for sharing!
Thank you for dropping by as well
Claire, how is it for solo travelers? I am pretty sure i’ll be going here alone. i hope accommodations, transportation, even food wouldn’t pose a problem for a solo travelers! I agree, this should be printed out. it’s an awesome article!
You’ll be fine dude. Just join other tourists during your island-hopping so you don’t have to shoulder the whole cost of the boat rental. You may also check my entries on Caramoan Accommodation for places to stay and places to eat. Food is cheap and most lodges accept paluto from the guests.
Fun list! And informative too. Never thought there are so many things to do in Caramoan! But I’d add #11. Last but not least, you can moan in Caramoan.
)
Of course, how could I forget the most important thing to do
Phew! Is that a comprehensive list of things to explore in Caramoan? Brilliant post by the way Claire! A feeling that I have travelled with you when I ‘m reading this… AJ, is being cute.. forgive him for that…LOL
Thank you Jorie, yeah I forgive him now with all my heart
Hey how did you get up there on photo 3? Is that really a cliff? It looks like an old large tree. I like the resto bar…parang floating sari-sari store!
with a lot of prodding
but it was the sea snake that I saw on that cliff that scared me more rather than the sharp and stiff rock formation 
whoa, climbng the cliff is the highlight.
it’s been a while, nung pumunta ko jan, on going palang yung construction ng shrine.
Balik ka na ulit, madami na pwede puntahan
Wow, can’t moan about Caramoan as AJ reckons , apart from never been there. Looks great!
Thanks Jim, nice to see you here
haha! halatang beach lang habol ko sa caramoan… di man lang ako nakapag caving at hiking… pft! there’s always a next time… at next time, ill do the things you recommended here!
Same here, the first time we visited the place, we mainly stayed at Gota Beach and just visited one more island.
great shot in Matukad! lucky you …..
Thanks, Point and Shoot yan ni Charles taken 3 years ago
sounds like a weekend doesn’t cover all of these!
Carry yan for 2 whole days of exploration, walang pahinga nga lang
Breathtaking photos again, Claire. How many days did you stay here in Caramoan? Parang, I need a month para magawa ko ito at maenjoy ng husto. Sobrang ganda talaga diyan.
On my second visit we only have one whole day, we arrived around 5pm at Caramoan town and then we had our island hopping on the second day, then we left early in the morning the next day.
Superb photos ..i never knew these places ..man Asia s filled with surprises i think
Thanks Sheril. It’s a wonderful world in indeed.
sana wala ng shooting ng survivor para ma puntahan lahat ng islands…I’ll go back here this April but only to attend a wedding…dunno if i’d have time to go island hopping again
Survivor was still shooting in Caramoan when we visited but we were just lucky because on that certain day of the week, I think there was no taping on the islands. (Knowing you, you will a way to make time for lakwatsa
)
i keep coming back on this post, Claire! i can’t stop thinking about Caramoan!
It only means one thing Jerik – she is calling you
Caramoan remains one of the most unforgettable places I’ve visited in the Philippines. It was quite a challenge going there a decade ago. Now this informative piece makes it easier for others to plan. And oh, is that you right there at the top of the rock in Matukad island?
Wow, a decade ago, I could just imagine how it’s like. The first time we visited Caramoan 3 years ago, Gota Beach Resort was just recently opened and the tours weren’t that organized yet. Where did you learn about Caramoan before?
Hi Claire, it was through the now defunct Club Adventure Philippines. It was an exploratory trip back then, there were no hotels – we had a home stay in town. Here’s my take on Caramoan: http://www.nomadicpinoy.com/2008/03/caramoan-peninsula-philippines.html
Thanks for sharing Dennis, Caramoan has come a long way since your last visit. Glad to see how it was like a few years ago
5 out of 5. We will be back there this July Claire
I hope magawa ko iyong iba
Nice, I might go back as well if I get the chance this summer vacation. I want to visit the other islands and the waterfalls
Kung nasa Bicol lang ako ng July, makikisabit ako sa inyo 
Kaya naman pala mahal ang bayad s boat dahil maraming mapupuntahan na mga scenic views. Yung floating resto bar, sarap cguro dyan.
Mahal dun sa medyo malalayong Islands, pero kapag madami kayo sa group mas makakamura. Maliit din lang yung floating resto bar.
i miss caramoan and the different adventures we experienced there. 1st time ko mag climb ng rocks at wala pang harness! very dangerous and mahirap but rewarding once you get to the top coz the view from the top is simply breathtaking. this is indeed a very informative post claire.
Thanks Doi, sa Matukad Cliff ba kayo nag rock climbing?
Taking notes ma’am, para sa long delayes Caramoan trip ko =P
Nice, have fun and keep safe
I surprised myself and naakyat ko yung Matukad! Well almost, di ko kinaya yung last step kaya peep lang ako sa lagoon hehe.
I know my limits, lam ko di ko talaga kakayanin hehe. Better safe than sorry diba =P
Magkano ang boat rates nila for island hopping? Thanks Claire.(: Planning to visit the place this holy week.(:
Depende kung saan, yung sa malalayong island, around 1500- 3000. Pwede din kasi magrent ng 3days tapos camp on one island each night.
Wow, this place is absolutely gorgeous. I just looked up airfare now and saw some budget friendly deals on Seair, here is the link for those of you that may be interested http://www.flyseair.com/node/307 Any suggestions on what hotels to stay at or what types of activities they have that my kids will enjoy as well? Any info would be highly appreciated! Also, I’m planning to try and take a vacation around Septemeber, would that be a good time?
been to Caramoan last month and the place was absolutely gorgeous
the long travel was worth it and the package we avail from http://www.caramoanhaven.com/ was fair enough.The people were very hospitable
and for sure I will come back
More power to Claire!
Thank you Jhaniz, I’m glad you had fun in Caramoan.
Hi Claire!
I had fun reading your article.. very informative! By the way I am a travel agent from Catanduanes, we also offer Caramoan Package, via Catanduanes.. Most of the tourists doesnt know this yet but the travel time from maniLa to Caramoan is way shorter 
U can take the Mnila – Virac flight/ we have CebuPac & Zest Air.. and fr0m there, 40 mins to Codon Port, and 1 hr from Codon – Paniman.. ‘..I can help if your friends wanna try exploring Caramoan via Cat..Thanks a lot!
Thank you Patricia, I remember my German friend rented a boat from Caramoan and went all the way to Catanduanes. Please email me more info/details about the packages you offer at my contact form.
how much for 2 person package deal ?tnx
The boat rental is still the same whether you’re a group of 2 or 10 so it’s better to share it with other visitors. It’s around 2000-3000 pesos Minnie.
HI ME AND MY HUBBY ARE GOING TO CARAMOAN VIA LEGASPI ON JUNE 10 JUST OVERNIGHT. AND WE’RE GOING TO VIRAC FOR FIESTA THE FOLLOWING DAY, HOW MUCH IS THE BOAT TO CODON PORT?
i am not really sure but I remember, my German friend rented a boat from Caramoan to Catanduanes for P1500 last year.
i know u recently been to calaguas island, what can you say about security and safety staying in the island. i am planning to go there with 2 other couples, infact im planning to stay longer than 3 nites. to make the trip to be really enjoyable. we are coming from manila area. im just worried about the peace and order. thanks for your input.
Hello Benjoh, I have been more worried of the big waves during my visit rather than the peace and order.
hi claire,
i read this article more than once and i keep coming back. i will be going to Caramoan this October. you’re a genius!
Hi! Your blogs about Caramoan is such a life saver. I’m planning a trip on Sept, do you have a boatman you can recommend? Thanks in advance
Hi Gidjette, sorry I don’t have one, it wont be difficult to find a boatman this Sept. It’s off-peak season so you have more chances of getting a good deal by asking around first at the jump-off point.
Hi Claire, thanks so much for this!
I have concern lang re boat ride. Our ETA at Legazpi airport is at 9:30AM, then 2 hours ride to Sabang, last boat ride daw papuntang caramoan is at 11AM. So, hindi namin maaabutan. May alternative way pa ba para makapunta ng caramoan after the last trip, like renting a boat or afternoon trip to Caramoan. Would you know how much if we will rent a boat or would you suggest na to stay in CWC muna then go to caramoan the following day? Sorry ha. First ko kasi mag-caramoan. Salamat in advance, Claire! God bless! 
Last trip for passenger boat is 11am or 12noon i think but you can always rent a private boat to Caramoan after that. That’s what we did a year ago. We paid P2500 for the boat so expect to pay around 3000 or more by now. Since it’s not peak season you might get cheaper though.
Lovely! Thanks, Claire!
If walang delay sa flight or sa pagpunta namin sa sabang, pwede namin maabutan yung 12nn. 
HI! I was the travel agent from catanduanes, I posteda comment last april, i wasnt able to check nag reply ka na pla claire
we now offer caramoan tours via catanduanes 
Pick up namin po ay sa virac airport na mismo so no hassle na pag land ng pLane may ppick up na and diresto na sa caramoan, kasali na sa package cost ang Roundtrip airport transfer and ang accomodation ay sa lingating resort, beach front xa unlike sa mga ibang offers na sa town proper ng caramoan ang accomodation..
am i allowed to post the details here in ur comment box?
2Days/1night
1Pax
Php6,900.00
2
Php4,000.00 each
3-4
Php2,900.00 each
5-6
Php2,500.00 each
7-9
Php2,300.00 each
10 – UP
Php2,000.00 each
3Days/2nights
1 pax
Php10,000.00
2 pax
Php6,000.00 each
3 – 4 pax
Php4,400.00 each
5-6pax
Php3,400.00 each
7-9 pax
Php3,100.00 each
10-up
Php2,900.00 each
for groups above 20, we give special rate po..
this is patricia of venzbay travel & tours/ my contact no is 09082099910
i can give dscount we can negotiate po..
thanks for giving us a chance to post here claire..:
ano po ung mga I.T.’s nu?
Will be going there on the 19th and ito ang the best write-up na nabasa ko about Caramoan. I’m going to print this and make it my reference! Salamat talaga ng marami. You are a lifesaver!
can’t wait for my caramoan trip… yey!
where going next yr at naga but we dont have any idea what are the first thing to do for travel in 3days
the first day that we plan when we arrived, go to caramoan penesula thats it….what else and other attraction that you my suggest?
After visiting Caramoan, you may go to CWC in Cam Sur and then explore Naga City, you may visit the cathedrals and churches.