Things To Do
in Carles
Carles is a coastal municipality in northern Iloilo province best known as the jump-off point for the Gigantes Islands and other scenic islets. It’s a working fishing town with a lively port, seafood markets, and low-key resorts on nearby islands. Visitors come for island-hopping, turquoise lagoons, dramatic limestone islets and relaxed rural Filipino life.
Infrastructure is basic outside the main town and islands, so travel requires some flexibility and planning.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a relaxing morning stroll along the powdery white sands of Punta Playa. As the sun rises, enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Savor a delicious breakfast at a beachfront café, savoring local delicacies while listening to the gentle waves.
After lunch, take a boat tour to nearby islands such as Isla de las Palmas and Isla de la Isla. Each island offers unique features, from vibrant coral reefs to secluded coves, ideal for an afternoon of exploration and snorkeling. Pack a picnic to enjoy on one of the untouched beaches while soaking up the sun.
As the day winds down, return to Carles and indulge in a seafood feast at one of the popular local restaurants. Enjoy the stunning sunset views while dining on fresh catch of the day, accompanied by the sound of live music. Later, take an evening stroll along the coastline, where you can often spot firefly-lit mangroves.
Start your day bright and early with a hearty breakfast before embarking on an island-hopping tour. Visit the famous Sandbar, where the white sand creates a picturesque scene, perfect for photos. Spend the morning swimming in the turquoise waters and exploring beautiful marine life.
Conclude your island-hopping adventure by visiting the stunning Carles Island. Here, you can relax in a hammock or try your hand at kayaking around the lush mangroves. Enjoy a local lunch served by the friendly islanders, with a focus on traditional Filipino dishes.
Return to the mainland and treat yourself to a dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients. As night falls, experience the vibrant night market, a hub for street food and handmade crafts. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, where the sounds and smells of the market beckon you to try something new.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / dorm | $15-35 |
| ⛵Island-hopping day tour (per person, shared boat) | $20-50 |
| 🚕Tricycle / short local ride | $0.20-1.00 |
| 🥂Bottle of beer in a bar/resort | $1.50-3.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning, less-crowded islands and beaches (Gigantes group)
- Excellent and affordable fresh seafood
- Authentic rural Filipino atmosphere and friendly locals
- Good base for snorkeling, island-hopping and relaxed beach holidays
- Limited infrastructure and medical facilities outside major towns
- Unreliable boat schedules and cancellations in bad weather
- Few ATMs and limited card acceptance — bring cash
- Limited nightlife and shopping options
- "Maayong adlaw" - Good day (Hiligaynon/Visayan greeting)
- "Kamusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Tagpila ini?" - How much is this? (Hiligaynon)
- "Asa ang pantalan?" - Where is the pier?
- "Alerhiya ako sa pagkaon" - I am allergic to certain foods
- "Tabang!" - Help!
Places to Visit in Carles
Visit one of these nice places.
A small iconic islet with a postcard-perfect sandbar and viewpoint; climb the short steps for panoramic shots of the surrounding limestone karsts and turquoise water.
A calm, emerald lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs — reflections and soft light in the morning make for dramatic photos.
White-sand beaches, dramatic rocky outcrops and clear snorkeling waters provide varied seascape compositions throughout the day.
Capture fishermen, boats and the bustling morning market as the day’s catch arrives — excellent for candid cultural photography.
Low-light scenes of mangroves and birdlife at dawn and dusk, good for nature and wildlife photography.
Food in Carles
Carles Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A local ceviche-style dish of raw fish marinated in vinegar, citrus, ginger and chilies — freshest at the port or market stalls early in the morning.
Must-Try!
Whole fish, squid or shellfish grilled over charcoal and served with simple dipping sauces; ubiquitous at seaside eateries and resorts.
A sour tamarind-based stew often made with prawns or fish—comforting after a day on the water and common in small restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The place to watch morning fish auctions and try kinilaw straight from the vendors; buy fresh catch to be cooked at nearby eateries or guesthouses.
Small grills and stalls near the pier serve quick fried fish, kinilaw, and snacks—good for cheap, authentic meals and watching fishermen unload their catch.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings and small talk are valued—use a friendly 'Kamusta' or 'Maayong adlaw' (Hiligaynon) and show respect to elders.
Dress modestly in town and when visiting churches; beachwear is fine on the islands but cover up when returning to the mainland.
Remove shoes when entering some homes and smaller establishments if requested.
Use the right hand for giving and receiving items when possible; people are forgiving but it’s a polite practice.
Safety
Tipping in Carles
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Leave small tips for boat crews, guides and helpful resort staff (PHP 50–200 / $1–4 typical). Restaurants rarely expect tips; check for a 10% service charge in resorts or hotels.
Cash (Philippine pesos) is king—bring enough for island tours, market purchases and tricycle rides. ATMs are limited; major withdrawals should be made in Iloilo City or Roxas. Credit cards may work at a few resorts but many local businesses are cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit: calmer seas, clearer snorkeling visibility and sunny beach days. Peak months (December–March) bring more tourists on weekends—book island tours and accommodation early.
Expect frequent rain showers, rougher seas and the occasional cancellation of boat trips; typhoons can occur (most active Aug–Oct), so check forecasts and flexible schedules are essential.
Transitional months can offer good weather with fewer crowds; April is hot and humid, November can be unpredictable but often pleasant.
Carles at Night
Hiking in Carles
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short, steep ascent on the tiny islet leads to a viewpoint overlooking sandbars and surrounding karsts — easy and rewarding for photos at sunrise or late afternoon.
Short walking routes around the lagoon and nearby cliffs provide vantage points for panoramic shots and quiet exploration.
Flat, gentle walks through mangrove fringes and coastal wetlands near Carles—good for birdwatching and low-intensity hikes at dawn or dusk.
Short day hikes in nearby Estancia and northern Panay offer rural hilltop views over bays and fishing villages—routes are often informal, so go with a local guide or ask residents for directions.
Airports
How to reach Carles by plane.
Main gateway for Iloilo province with regular domestic flights; from the airport it’s a 3–4 hour drive (by bus or private van) to Carles, often followed by a short boat transfer depending on your final island destination.
Closer than Iloilo for parts of northern Iloilo and neighboring Capiz; offers domestic flights and is a useful entry point with a road transfer of ~2–3 hours to reach Carles and its ports.
Larger airport with more flight options (Aklan); travel time by road is longer and usually used when combining trips with nearby tourist areas like Boracay.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population speaks Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) and practices local cultural traditions tied to fishing and farming.
Communities on the coast and islands who rely on fishing and small-scale tourism — visitors will often interact with families who run homestays and boat services.
Like much of the Philippines, many households include multiple generations; younger people often work in service industries or migrate seasonally for work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — you’ll see pickup games and community courts in towns and barangays; basketball is a social and competitive pastime.
Both a livelihood and pastime — community fishing and small competitions are common around the islands and coastal villages.
Often played on beaches and barangay courts, especially during festivals and gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Carles.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but possible—request vegetable dishes, rice, egg dishes and vegetable stews; communicate clearly that you don’t eat fish or meat as seafood is central to many meals.
Shellfish is heavily used; if you have shellfish or fish allergies, notify hosts and restaurants in advance and carry medication. Bring printed allergy notes in Filipino/Hiligaynon for clarity.
Vegan and gluten-free options are uncommon; base meals around plain rice and vegetable dishes, and pack specialty snacks if you rely on a strict diet.