Some trips are quick escapes. Others become core memories. A 3-day adventure in Carles and the breathtaking Islas de Gigantes sits firmly in the second category — a blend of sunrise moments, seafood feasts, quiet beachfront mornings, island caves, and dramatic limestone horizons that feel far from the noise of everyday life.
This itinerary is crafted for travelers who want the complete Carles experience — not just a rushed photo-stop tour but a journey where you actually breathe in the sea, talk to friendly locals, walk barefoot on white sand, and watch the sun fade into the water after a day of island hopping.
Whether you're here with friends, your partner, or on a peaceful solo trip, here’s your perfect 3-day Carles + Islas de Gigantes itinerary — complete with tips, routes, budget notes, and insider insights.
Overview: Your 3-Day Adventure
- Day 1: Arrival in Carles + coastal afternoon + seafood dinner
- Day 2: Full-day Gigantes island hopping (the iconic spots!)
- Day 3: Sunrise, seafood, side-trips, and slow island life moments
Travel rhythm: calm → adventure → serenity
This itinerary works whether you stay on the Carles mainland or sleep overnight on Gigantes Island itself.
Where You’ll Be
This trip covers:
- Carles, Iloilo — peaceful fishing town + port access
- Gigantes Sur — prime island hopping spots like Cabugao Gamay & Tangke Lagoon
- Gigantes Norte — lighthouse, quiet coastal life, seafood from the source
Nearby add-ons available:
- Iloilo City
- Sicogon Island
- Guimaras
Before You Go: Essentials
- Book accommodation near Bancal Port or on Gigantes
- Reserve your island hopping tour early
- Bring cash (ATMs limited)
- Pack light & waterproof your essentials
- Bring sunscreen & hydration
- Optional but smart: travel insurance
Tour options you can contact:
Using travel credit cards for bookings is recommended — points + security + convenience.
Day 1 — Welcome to Carles
Morning: Travel to Carles
Arrive in Iloilo or Roxas City, then take a bus/van to Carles. If you're flying in, aim to arrive before 10AM so you can enjoy the day comfortably.
Transport guide here: “How to Get to Carles, Iloilo.”
Midday: Check-In & Settle
Choose your stay:
- Near Bancal Port — convenient for next-day island hopping
- Beach lodges — slower pace, ocean sounds
- Homestay in Gigantes — immersion + early boat access
Afternoon: Explore Carles Shoreline
Walk along the coastal road and breathe in the sea wind. Watch locals dry fish, mend nets, or chat by the water. You’ll feel time slowing down — this is the Carles rhythm.
Optional:
- Visit local seafood stalls
- Try halo-halo at a sari-sari store by the road
- Short boat ride for sunset (ask boatmen near port)
Evening: Seafood Dinner
Try baked scallops, grilled fish, or oysters prepared island-style. Meals here are simple but full of soul.
Tip: Ask if they have “kalo-kalo rice.” Locals love it.
Rest & Recharge
Island tours start early — sleep well & prepare your things for tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 2 — The Full Islas de Gigantes Adventure
6:30 AM: Breakfast & Prep
Fuel up. Pack sunscreen, powerbank, dry bag, and water. Wear comfortable swim clothing and sandals.
7:30 AM: Boat Departure
Most tours leave from Bancal Port. If you stayed on Gigantes, your tour boat picks you up there.
Island Hopping Highlights
- Cabugao Gamay — the most iconic viewpoint in Gigantes
- Bantigue Sandbar — shimmering white curve of sand in the sea
- Tangke Lagoon — mystical emerald saltwater pool tucked inside limestone cliffs
- Antonia Beach — snorkel + relax + play in turquoise water
- Snorkeling spots & hidden beaches
Bring your camera — this is the heart of Gigantes beauty.
Lunch: Seafood Feast
Usually includes:
- Endless scallops
- Fresh fish
- Island pancit
- Seasonal seafood
Lunch with bare feet on sand just hits differently.
Afternoon: Continue Island Hopping
More swimming, cliffs to admire, sandbars to stroll. Enjoy the simple joy of saltwater & sun.
4:00 PM: Return to Mainland / Gigantes Stay
If you are staying in Carles, take a slow rinse, rest, and enjoy a calm sunset view.
Dinner & Relax
You deserve your second seafood feast — grilled squid, crabs, shrimp, scallops. Eat well.
Some travelers choose to stay overnight on Gigantes Island this night for that full island vibe.
Day 3 — Slow Morning & Side Trips
Sunrise Watch
Gigantes mornings are gentle — soft waves, pastel skies, and that peaceful hush only small islands carry. Enjoy coffee by the water.
Breakfast
Try dried fish, eggs, rice, and hot coffee Filipino-style. The simplicity here feels like a luxury on its own.
Optional Activities
- Visit Gigantes Norte Lighthouse — panoramic coastal views
- Stroll fishing villages and meet locals
- Buy scallops or dried seafood to bring home
- Rent a small boat for secluded swimming spot
- Explore rock formations & quiet coves
- Relax under coconut trees — no plan needed
Lunch
Try paluto seafood meal one last time — your future self will thank you.
Return Trip to Iloilo or Roxas
Depending on your schedule, ride a van or bus back to the city. If you’re flying, allot enough travel time.
Estimated 3-Day Budget (Per Person)
- Transport (roundtrip): ₱600–₱1,200
- Island hopping tour: ₱999–₱1,299
- Meals: ₱800–₱1,800 (depending on appetite & choices!)
- Accommodation (2 nights): ₱1,000–₱3,500
- Misc (fees, snacks, tips): ₱300–₱800
Budget range: ₱3,800 – ₱8,500+ depending on comfort level.
Booking online? Get perks via travel credit cards.
Travel Tips
- Book tours early — peak months fill fast
- Respect island communities
- Keep beaches clean — take trash with you
- Bring cash (signal/payment options limited)
- Stay flexible with weather
- Slow down — Carles isn’t meant to be rushed
Why This 3-Day Itinerary Works
You don’t rush. You don’t treat paradise like a checklist. You let the islands breathe — and let them work their quiet magic on you.
In three days, you’ll experience:
- Real island life
- Crystal waters & white sand
- Fresh seafood as daily highlight
- Warm Ilonggo hospitality
- Moments of stillness + big adventures
You’ll come home sun-kissed, relaxed, and already thinking about return flights.
Plan Your Trip Now
Ready to make this itinerary real? Start planning with more guides, routes, maps, and local tips at CarlesIloilo.com.
Then pack your sunscreen, book your tour, and let the sea change your mood.
Carles and Islas de Gigantes are waiting — with sunlight on the water and scallops on the grill.
See you in paradise. 🌴✨
