Santiago Island

Santiago Island is a coastal island off the western coast of Bolinao in Pangasinan, Philippines, separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. Comprising six barangays, it is known for its white-sand beaches, clear waters, and marine conservation areas including a giant clam sanctuary. The island features fishing villages, rock formations, and caves, and is accessed by boat from Bolinao town, serving as a quiet beach and snorkeling destination.

Visitors reach Santiago Island by a short motorized boat ride from Bolinao mainland. The island offers white-sand beaches, clear shallow waters, and small fishing communities spread across six barangays. Visitors can explore beach areas, snorkel in marine protected areas to see giant clams and coral, view rock formations and caves, and experience a quiet island environment with limited development, homestays and small resorts, and local eateries.

Santiago Island has long been part of Bolinao municipality and traditionally supported fishing communities. It has become notable for community-based marine conservation, particularly the giant clam restocking and protection program established to preserve local marine biodiversity.

The island is home to six barangays with fishing as the primary livelihood, reflecting coastal Pangasinan culture. Local communities maintain small chapels, traditional fishing practices, and hospitality through homestays for visitors.