What to Do in Camotes Between Freediving Sessions
What to Do in Camotes Between Freediving Sessions
People often book a freediving course thinking they’ll spend every waking hour underwater. Then they arrive in Camotes… And quickly realise that the island itself deserves to be explored. One of the things I love most about Camotes is that life naturally slows down here. There are no shopping malls. No heavy traffic. No crowded tourist streets. Instead, you’ll find quiet beaches, friendly locals, hidden caves, scenic coastal roads and spectacular sunsets. Whether you’re taking a beginner course or spending several weeks training, you’ll quickly discover there’s plenty to enjoy once you step out of your wetsuit.
Why Camotes Island Is One of the Best Places in the World to Learn Freediving
Explore the Island by Scooter
If there’s one thing I recommend to almost every visitor, it’s renting a scooter. Camotes is small enough that you can comfortably explore the entire island in a day, yet large enough that every ride feels like a new adventure. Palm trees line the roads. Small villages appear around every corner. Children wave as you ride past. You’ll constantly discover viewpoints, beaches and quiet places where you simply feel like stopping for a few minutes. Even after years of living here, I still enjoy riding around the island.
Coach’s Tip: Recovery is part of training. Enjoy the island, eat well and avoid turning every free afternoon into another workout.
Relax on Beautiful Beaches
After spending the morning diving, there’s nothing better than relaxing on one of Camotes’ beaches. Some are lively. Others feel almost untouched. Bring a book. Take a nap under a coconut tree. Go for a swim. Or simply enjoy doing absolutely nothing. One of the things students often tell me is that they forgot how relaxing “doing nothing” can actually be.
Discover Caves
One of Camotes’ most famous natural attractions are Caves. Timubo cave, Bukilat cave … you have more than a dozen caves to explore in Camotes. Hidden beneath the surface, the cave features crystal-clear freshwater where you can swim in a truly unique setting. It’s cool, peaceful and a welcome break after a warm tropical day. Even students staying several weeks usually visit it at least once.
Enjoy Beautiful waterfalls
Nested in the hills of Poro island, you will get to reach several waterfalls after short hikes. Chill and relax in the stream on the hot days
Visit Lake Danao
Another favourite destination is Lake Danao, the largest freshwater lake in the Visayas. It’s a wonderful place for a slower afternoon. You can rent a kayak, paddleboat or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It’s very different from the ocean, but that’s exactly what makes it worth visiting. You can take the ziplien above the lake or follow the 16km eco trail all around the lake.
Watch the Sunset
Sunsets in Camotes deserve their own section. Every evening seems slightly different. Some nights the sky turns orange. Others become pink, purple or deep red. After a day spent underwater, sitting quietly on the beach watching the sun disappear below the horizon is one of my favourite ways to end the day. It’s simple. But unforgettable.
Enjoy Local Restaurants
Freediving creates healthy appetites.
Fortunately, Camotes has an increasing number of excellent restaurants and cafés.
Whether you’re looking for:
- Fresh seafood
- Filipino specialties
- Pizza
- Burgers
- Pasta
- Healthy meals
- Great coffee
You’ll find plenty of excellent options around the island. One of the nicest parts of a training day is often sharing dinner with other freedivers and talking about the dives you just completed.
Meet the Local Community
Camotes hasn’t lost its authentic island character. People smile. Conversations happen naturally. Life isn’t rushed. Many visitors tell us that interacting with local people becomes one of their favourite memories from the trip. There’s something refreshing about spending time in a place where life still moves at a slower pace.
Visit Santiago White Beach
If you’re looking for one of the island’s best-known beaches, Santiago White Beach is well worth visiting. Soft white sand . Clear water. Plenty of space to relax. It’s an ideal place to spend a free afternoon after your training sessions.
Simply Slow Down
This may sound strange. But one of the best things to do in Camotes… Is nothing. Really. Modern life constantly pushes us to stay busy. Freediving teaches the opposite. Slow down. Breathe. Observe. Rest. Many visitors arrive with packed schedules. By the end of the week, they’re perfectly happy sitting by the sea with a coffee, watching the waves. That’s one of the greatest gifts Camotes offers.
What I Tell My Students: Some of the best memories are made after diving—sharing meals, exploring the island and watching the sunset together.
Why Students Often Stay Longer
It’s surprisingly common. Students book a three-day course. Then they ask if they can extend their accommodation. Then they add more training sessions. Then they spend another week exploring the island. Camotes has a way of making people slow down. And once they do… Leaving becomes surprisingly difficult.
My Favourite Thing About Camotes
People often ask me what my favourite place on the island is. Honestly… It changes almost every day. Sometimes it’s watching the sunrise before heading to the dive platform. Sometimes it’s sharing dinner with students after certification. Sometimes it’s riding my scooter with no destination in mind. But if I had to choose just one thing… It wouldn’t be a specific location. It would be the atmosphere. The feeling that, for a little while, life becomes wonderfully simple.
The Ultimate Guide to Freediving in the Philippines
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there enough to do in Camotes besides freediving?
Absolutely. Beaches, caves, lake activities, scooter rides, restaurants and beautiful scenery make it easy to fill several extra days.
Should I stay longer than my course?
If your schedule allows, I highly recommend it. Most students wish they had booked a few additional days.
Do I need a scooter?
Not necessarily, but it gives you the greatest flexibility to explore the island.
Is Camotes suitable for non-diving partners?
Definitely. Many partners enjoy the beaches, caves, local cafés and peaceful atmosphere while divers are training.
What’s your favourite activity outside freediving?
Simply exploring the island by scooter and watching the sunset. Sometimes the simplest moments become the most memorable.
Final Thoughts
People often come to Camotes because they want to learn freediving. They leave remembering something much bigger. The conversations after training. The scooter rides through quiet villages. The hidden beaches. The caves, the waterfalls, the market, the rice fields, the sunsets. The feeling of having nowhere else you needed to be. For me, that’s what makes Camotes special. Freediving may bring you here. But the island itself is often what makes people come back.
The Best Time to Learn Freediving in Camotes
Further Reading:
How to Choose the Best Freediving School in the Philippines
How to Get to Camotes Freediving
Where to Stay During Your Freediving Course in Camotes
