7 Best Beaches In Butuan City: The Ultimate Beach Guide
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With all the available tourist spots in Butuan City, anyone visiting the place should be satisfied.
If you’re interested in the city’s historical significance, its museums and shrines will take you back to pre-colonial times.
And if you simply want to experience what it’s like to be a local in the city, there are perfect places, including restaurants, that will help you get that experience!
But what if you’re a beach person? Of course, there’s Masao Beach, the popular beach in Butuan City.
Not only famous for its history but also for how it has become one of the most, if not the most, favourite places to enjoy while in the city.
However, other beaches in Butuan are worth considering too! Although not all of them are located within the city, they are easily accessible and available nearby!
Are you ready to explore the beaches in Butuan? We’ll let you know more about each of them and what makes them special!
7 Beaches In Butuan City
🏞️ Masao Beach
First on the list is the most visited Masao Beach! Yes, many tourists get to visit the beach on a daily basis.
And guess what? Even locals never get tired of enjoying this lively beach!
Now, you might be wondering why. Well, this beach in Butuan City is believed to be where Magellan’s fleet first landed, leading to the discovery of what is now known as the Philippines!
However, that’s not the main reason why tons of people visit the place. It’s because it’s the most accessible beach in the city, located in Barangay Masao, just 18 minutes away from downtown Butuan.
Many transportation options that are available would agree to get you to Masao Beach, but we recommend that you take either a tricycle or rent a multi-cab.
When you reach Masao Beach Butuan, you can enjoy more than just the beautiful beach.
You can also indulge in delicious local food like Sinugba and Kinilaw while having fun with the locals and fellow tourists!
If you’re up for it, you can even try drinking beer while singing karaoke!
There are also boat tours available around the area if you like, which typically cost around 500 to 1,000 pesos, depending on the duration.
For those on a budget, there are ordinary cottages available, starting from 200 pesos. These cottages can already accommodate your family or group!
If you’re interested in spending the night, you also have the option to rent private rooms or apartments from the various resorts in Masao Butuan.
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🏞️ Tinago Beach
If Masao Beach is the most popular beach in Butuan City, Tinago Beach is on the top list when you visit the nearby town of Buenavista!
Tinago Beach is famous not only for the variety of resorts it offers but also for the abundance of seafood in the area.
There are small markets nearby where fish and other seafood are caught by local fishermen from Barangay Tinago.
It’s an enjoyable beach to visit, and it’s just a 20-minute drive from the city centre of Butuan. They provide cottages and private rooms for guests, with similar prices to those in Masao.
They also arrange boat tours upon request.
You can get there by renting a multi-cab if you’re in a group. If you prefer to commute and get off at the junction in Barangay Tinago, the cost is only 35 pesos, and you can ride a tricycle for 20 pesos to reach the beach.
🏞️ Bolihon Beach
Bolihon Beach is an ideal option for those seeking clear waters perfect for swimming and photo opportunities.
It is located in Carmen, Agusan del Norte, which is conveniently close to Butuan City, less than an hour away.
You can choose various modes of transportation to get there, but we recommend taking the bus or the multi-cab bound for Carmen.
Upon reaching Carmen Integrated Bus Terminal, you’ll find plenty of tricycles and scooters to take you to Bolihon Beach in just 15 minutes.
The place is pretty serene and has limited stores, so it’s better for you to buy your necessities in advance. However, there are available cottages and rooms around the place.
🏞️ Tubay Beach
Tubay Beach is undoubtedly one of the most impressive beaches in Butuan City. It’s the best spot if you’re aiming for a stunning mountain and sunset view, accompanied by the calming sea.
We suggest checking in at Tubay Mountain Beach Resort to also experience their pool above the sea.
You can access this wonderful place either by trekking through the mountains or by taking a 15-minute boat ride to the beach resort.
It is located at Barangay Del Pilar, in the mining town of Tubay, just an hour away from downtown Butuan. This one is really a favourite among tourists and locals.
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The resort also provides a range of outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, and ATV riding.
You can also enjoy water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkelling in Tubay’s crystal-clear waters.
Great accommodation options are also available there if you’re planning an overnight stay.
🏞️ Amontay Beach
You might be surprised, but there’s a Bali-inspired beach near Butuan City: Amontay Beach Resort, the newest and the best beach resort in Agusan del Norte!
If you’re interested in more than just swimming, you’d regret not visiting this place when you’re in Butuan.
Amontay Beach Resort is a fantastic destination that offers a wide range of activities for you, your friends, and your family to enjoy.
To fully experience what the resort has to offer, we suggest staying for at least one night or two, as their accommodations play a lot in attracting tourists to this location.
One of the highlights is their Bali-inspired bamboo houses, which are not only great for relaxation but also make for perfect photo spots.
If you prefer a swimming pool over the beach, you’ll be amazed that they have a wonderful swimming pool too!
Amontay Beach Resort offers rooms with pool views, bay views, and rear views, as well as dormitory rooms for groups.
Prices start from 2,000 pesos, depending on your choice of accommodation.
These unique accommodations add to the overall charm of the resort and provide a memorable experience for visitors.
This wonderful resort is located in Amontay, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, just a short 35-minute drive from Butuan City. You can easily get there by taking a bus or a taxi.
You can check in starting at 1:00 PM, and check-out time is 10:00 AM. Please be mindful that smoking, pets, and cooking are not permitted.
🏞️ Vinapor Beach
Vinapor is a coastal barangay situated in the town of Carmen, blessed with stunning beaches.
It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Vinapor from Carmen Integrated Bus Terminal, with a tricycle fare of 60 pesos.
Just tell your driver to take you to the Vinapor Blue Water Resort which is formerly known as Jurassic Beach Resort.
The beach is as fantastic as other Beaches in Butuan, which offer accommodations for extended stays, and you’ll find different seafood for sale in the area.
What sets it apart is the man-made pool located inside a cave. There’s an entrance fee of 100 pesos to access the cave pool, in addition to the resort’s 50 pesos entrance fee.
The location is ideal for swimming, social activities, and camping. You can roam around the Jurassic-themed park or do front beach snorkelling and diving there too!
🏞️ Caasinan Beach
Caasinan Beach isn’t situated in Butuan City; it’s actually in the neighbouring city of Cabadbaran.
However, due to its proximity, Caasinan Beach was commonly associated with Butuan for a long time, especially before Cabadbaran became a city.
This is why the famous and frequently visited Caasinan Beach is still well-known in Butuan.
From Butuan City, you can take a multi-cab or a bus ride and tell the driver to drop you off at the Caasinan junction. The trip will cost you 50 to 70 pesos.
There are many motorcycle and tricycle drivers available there to transport you to the beach easily after you arrive.
Best Time To Visit The Beaches In Butuan
Visit beaches in Butuan City from early February to late April if you want to have the ideal weather that is best for the beach and other fun outdoor adventures!
However, if your visit is planned outside of this period, don’t worry! Butuan City remains wonderful throughout the year, and there are great resorts where you can stay.
Staying in these resorts offers great experiences even if you don’t have the sunny beach weather.
Getting from The City Center To The Beaches In Butuan
🚙 By Multicab
Butuan City offers various transportation options, which is beneficial for tourists, especially when visiting its beaches.
However, renting a multi-cab is a convenient and affordable way to travel from the city centre to any beach in Butuan City.
To rent a multi-cab for the beach, you can simply approach any driver in Butuan City, regardless of its route. Just ensure that the driver has their driver’s license before discussing the cost.
Don’t worry, most drivers would be willing to agree to this arrangement instead of picking up commuters throughout the day.
Once they’re ready, you can begin to discuss the cost of going to a specific beach.
For the nearest option, Masao Beach, the fare will be approximately 500 pesos for the whole day, which covers both the ride to the beach and the return trip.
The farthest will not take you more than 1,500 pesos. A multi-cab has a maximum capacity of 17 passengers.
Keep in mind that this rate only includes transportation; if you’d like the driver to stay until you’re finished, the price might be higher.
If you’re comfortable with the driver leaving and returning when you’re ready, make sure to get his contact number.
If you’re travelling alone, you can opt for a modified trip. Take a multi-cab as a regular passenger and ask to be dropped off at the junction of the beach you’re going to.
Make sure to have your map ready on your phone and ensure you have an internet connection.
🛵 By Tricycle
While some tricycle drivers might agree to take you to the beaches in Butuan if you wish, this choice is better suited for the closer beaches.
Keep in mind that a tricycle can only accommodate up to 7 people, so this is really important to consider.
Overall, tricycles are the cheapest option available, and you can literally see tons of them around Butuan City.
If you decide to go to Masao Beach, it will only cost 150 to 200 pesos for a one-way ride. Similar to multi-cabs, you could also ask the driver to come back when you’re ready to go.
For the beaches outside the city proper, they can get you there, but we don’t really recommend it.
📢 Pro tip: Hire a tricycle that is orange in colour. They are the official tricycle rides of downtown Butuan, so they’re really helpful and friendly.
🚕 By Taxi
Well, travelling from the city centre to the beaches in Butuan might be a little bit weird for locals, but it is pretty common for tourists.
If you want an easy ride and the fastest way to get to any beach you want, this is for you!
Of course, the fare depends on the distance. The clear advantage of this, apart from a comfortable ride, is that you can have an exclusive car compartment to place your stuff for your beach adventure!
Other Attractions In Butuan
🌴 Mt. Mayapay
Mt. Mayapay in Butuan City is a must-do for climbers. Existing from the Kingdom of Butuan era, this 675-meter-high mountain offers a unique perspective of the Agusan River and Butuan Bay.
It is smaller compared to other Mindanao peaks, but it has a strategic location that makes it a popular destination for hikers.
Reaching the mountain is easy – a multi-cab ride to Brgy. Bonbon junction, followed by a habal-habal (motorcycle for hire) to Tower 1, which is the starting point for your trek.
🌴 Delta Discovery Park
Delta Discovery Park is an incredible adventure park in Butuan City, located just 30 minutes from Bancasi Airport.
It’s well-known for having the longest zipline in southwest Asia. In addition to the zipline, visitors can enjoy activities such as ATV riding and horseback riding.
The entrance fee is only 20 pesos, with additional charges for activities. For those interested, there’s also the option to stay overnight in their private cottages or dormitories.
🌴 Guingona Park
When in downtown Butuan, don’t miss Guingona Park – a top tourist spot and the city’s central square.
The park allows you to capture memorable photos, and experience the local life of a Butuanon.
It houses the Mindanao Shrine of the Philippine Flag and is close to St. Joseph Cathedral.
What makes it more exciting is you can taste Filipino street food and drinks sold around the area from local vendors. If you’re lucky, there are events and fairs being held here occasionally.
Tips For Going To The Beaches In Butuan
🛺 Transportation: Depending on the beach’s location, choose your preferred ride from Butuan City. Just tell the driver to drop you off at the right junction or stop. If you’re renting make sure to get the driver’s contact details for the pick-up later on.
🌦️ Weather: Check the weather forecast before heading to the beach. Butuan experiences a tropical climate, so rainy seasons might affect your plans. Try to visit the beaches in Butuan during the dry season for more pleasant beach outings.
😎 Bring your essentials: Pack essentials like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and beachwear. Don’t forget to bring your cameras with you to take some lovely photos at the beach
✅ Safety: Be cautious when swimming and follow any warnings or instructions. If you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s advisable to stay in shallower waters. Don’t forget to bring a basic first aid kit too if available.
🥤 Food and drinks: While most beaches have food stalls and mini-markets, it’s always a good idea to bring snacks and drinks just in case.
🏄♂️ Beach activities: Check if the beach offers any specific activities like snorkelling or boat tours. Plan and book ahead if you want to engage in these activities.
⏰ Go early: Arrive early to make the most of your day at the beach. This also allows you to enjoy the sunrise and cooler temperatures. Aside from that, it also gives you the chance to choose your cottage or private rooms especially when you visit during peak seasons.
🗺️ Download mobile map apps: Having a map on your phone can be helpful if you need directions. Also, be sure to have an internet connection too.
Frequently Asked Questions: Beaches In Butuan
Final Thoughts: Beaches In Butuan
Do you want to visit one of the beaches in Butuan City? Let us know which one you like! Unlike the famous beaches in the Philippines, the beaches in Butuan offer a unique experience.
Their appeal lies not only in their natural beauty but also in the authentic local experiences you can get during your visit.
🧭 Travel Resources for Your Butuan Trip
Planning a visit to Butuan in Northern Mindanao? Here are trusted resources to book flights, hotels, tours, and everything you’ll need for a smooth trip.
How to Get to Butuan– Book direct ferries to Nasipit Seaport or flights to Bancasi Airport (BXU) from Manila or Cebu with Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, or Sunlight Air through 12Go.
Where to Book Your Stay – Find city hotels, budget inns, or family-friendly stays near the airport using Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb, or Vrbo for long-term or group rentals.
Getting Around the City – Use Rentalcars.com or Discovercars.com for self-drive car rentals, hail tricycles or multicabs for short rides, or hire private vans and drivers through your hotel for day trips around Agusan del Norte.
Book Tours and Activities – Discover museums, waterfalls, and nearby beaches with guided experiences from Klook, Viator, or GetYourGuide, or ask local tourism offices for accredited guides.
Stay Connected – Stay online with an Airalo eSIM, rent a pocket WiFi in Klook for group travel, or pick up a local Smart or Globe SIM at the airport or malls in the city center.
Cash, ATMs, and Payments – Butuan has plenty of ATMs in malls and banks, but always carry cash for small shops, tricycle fares, and local eateries outside the city center.
Travel Insurance – Get covered for flight delays, road trips, or emergency medical needs with SafetyWing, HeyMondo, or World Nomads.
Check Out These Recommended Articles:
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- Siquijor Beaches: A Guide to the 10 Best Beaches in Isla del Fuego
- Diving in Bohol, Philippines: Your Ultimate Guide and My Personal Experience
- 23 Best Butuan City Tourist Spots: Your Ultimate Guide to Unlock Butuan’s Treasures
About the Author
Hello there! I’m Mitch, the main writer of Philippine Hidden Gems! I’m a random Filipino who’s already explored many parts of the Philippines, especially the regions of Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga, where I was born and raised.
Apart from my goal to find more hidden gems in my country and share my discoveries with you, I also enjoy reading and writing, discovering new food, and coffee!
Join me as I show you the beauty of my homeland and why the Philippines should be your next destination!
