Gigantes Islands

The Gigantes Islands are an archipelago in the Visayan Sea off northeastern Iloilo, administered by the municipality of Carles. Comprising Gigantes Norte, Gigantes Sur and smaller islets, the group is known for white-sand beaches, limestone formations, lagoons and caves. Notable for scallop harvesting and traditional fishing villages, the islands are accessed by boat from Bancal Port and are a popular island-hopping destination in Western Visayas.

Visitors can expect an island-hopping experience across two main islands and several islets with white-sand beaches, clear turquoise water, limestone cliffs, sea caves and a saltwater lagoon. The setting is rural with small fishing villages, homestays and resorts. Areas visitors can explore include Antonia Beach, Cabugao Gamay, Tangke Lagoon, Bantigue Sandbar and Bakwitan Cave. Activities center on swimming, snorkeling, photography, cave exploration and seafood dining, with all inter-island movement by pump boat.

The islands were named Islas de Gigantes during the Spanish period after local legends of giant human bones found in coffins inside caves. Historically inhabited by fishing communities, the islands developed around subsistence fishing and scallop harvesting and later became known for their lighthouse on Gigantes Norte built during the American colonial period.

The islands are known for a traditional fishing culture and as a center for scallop (wasay-wasay) harvesting in northern Iloilo. Local communities maintain fishing villages, seafood cuisine traditions, and folklore associated with caves and rock formations.