Best Beaches Near Davao City: Samal, Talikud, Mati and More

Davao City sits on the Davao Gulf, so the nearest island beaches are a short boat ride away and the big Pacific surf beaches are a few hours by road. Here's how to choose, from a quick half-day on Samal to a weekend in Mati.

Prices, fares and schedules in this post were checked in October 2026. They change often, especially with fuel surcharges and the seasons, so use them as a guide and confirm with the operator or venue before you travel.

Samal, officially the Island Garden City of Samal, is Davao's closest beach escape. Barges run around the clock from Sasa to Kinawitnon wharf, take 10 to 15 minutes and cost about ₱20 a person. For the southern beaches and Talikud, smaller boats leave from Santa Ana Wharf.

Photo: Lachlan Fearnley, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Kaputian Beach

A long public beach on the south of the island, with calm water and shade trees. Expect about ₱25 to ₱50 at the gate, plus Samal's ecological fee of around ₱50.

Vanishing Island

A sandbar that appears and disappears with the tide, so you need a boat and decent timing. Boats run around ₱400. Agree the price before you set off.

Resorts near the barge

Short on time? Several day-use resorts sit close to the barge landing. Fees vary from place to place, so ask before you settle in.

Photo: RoyKabanlit, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

A 4.7 km bridge between Davao City and Samal is being built. It was around 61% complete in mid-2026 and is due to open in 2028, when it should cut the crossing to a few minutes. Until then, it's the barge or a boat.

Talikud is the smaller, quieter island off Samal's south-west tip, with good snorkelling and fewer people. Boats from Santa Ana Wharf take 45 to 60 minutes, and day-use beaches charge around ₱50 to ₱100.

For a long Pacific beach with proper surf and skimboarding, go to Dahican Beach in Mati. Bachelor Express buses leave Davao's Ecoland terminal about every 40 minutes, cost ₱392 and take around four hours, so plan on at least one night.

Dahican itself is a free public beach 10 to 15 minutes from Mati city by tricycle, though some resorts charge day visitors. Plan your days with our Mati itinerary.

South of Davao City, the coast of Davao Occidental around Malita has quiet coves and beach resorts. It's a long drive, so stay the night and check road conditions before you go.

Half a day

Take the barge to Samal and spend it at a resort near the landing, or ride down to Kaputian.

A full day

Samal plus a boat out to Vanishing Island, or the trip to Talikud.

A weekend

Head to Dahican in Mati for surf and skimboarding, then give a day to island hopping in Pujada Bay. Boats leave from Pier One in Sitio Batiano, Barangay Tamisan, and your resort or one of Mati's private boat operators can set it up.

What is the nearest beach to Davao City?

Samal Island, 10 to 15 minutes by barge from Sasa.

Is the Samal bridge open?

Not yet. It was about 61% complete in mid-2026 and is due to open in 2028.

Can I visit Dahican as a day trip from Davao?

Not really. It's about four hours each way by bus, so stay at least one night.

See the Mati and Davao Oriental travel guide and our guide to getting to Mati.

Cover photo: RoyKabanlit, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons