Snorkel the marine sanctuaries
Dauin protects several stretches of reef as no-fishing sanctuaries — Masaplod, Dauin, Mainit and Luca among them. Swim straight off the beach into healthy coral.
The municipality has set aside several marine sanctuaries where fishing and boating are prohibited. The result is busy reefs with schools of fish, sea turtles, triggerfish and parrotfish, often just a short swim from shore.
You don't need to be a diver: snorkelling the sanctuaries is one of the best free-ish things to do in Dauin.
Highlights
- Coral and fish life right off the beach
- Regular sea turtle sightings
- Good for families and non-divers
Good to know
- Pay the sanctuary fee at the guard hut — it funds the rangers who protect the reef.
- Don't touch or stand on coral, and don't feed fish.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen or a rash guard.
Prices and fees last checked October 2026. Always confirm locally before you go.
Book it with a local
More things to do
Muck diving the Dauin coast
Dauin is one of the world's best-known muck diving spots — frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopus and ghost pipefish live on its black volcanic sand.
Apo Island day trip
A small volcanic island off the Dauin coast — and part of Dauin municipality. Snorkel with sea turtles, dive coral walls and hike up to the lighthouse.
Soak in Baslay Hot Spring
Natural sulphur hot spring pools in the cool hills of Barangay Baslay, about a 10 km ride up from the town centre.