Diving Close To The Mainland At Panagsama Beach

While it is a popular destination for local and foreign tourists, Panagsama Beach is not much of a beach anymore. The beach was actually washed off during a typhoon in 1984. The beach is also known as Basdiot, which comes from two Cebuano words, bas, which means sand, and diot, which means little. The name basically describes the beach itself, which does not have much sand left.

Panagsama Beach – image source: cebufundivers.com

Due to this, the resorts at Panagsama Beach cater mainly to divers, both local and foreign. The shoreline of the beach is essentially made up of rocks and corals. The end of the coral drops off into an abyss that makes the place an ideal place for divers who do not have to go far to explore the world under the sea. 

Panagsama Beach – image source: moalboalguide.com6

The place actually became a favorite destination among backpackers in the 70s when there were only a small number of places to stay in. During this time, the place still had a suitable amount of sand for ordinary swimmers and beachgoers. However, a typhoon in 1984 washed away most of the sand and was not be replaced by the locals. As a result, the place catered mainly to snorkelers and divers. 

Accommodations for Backpackers– image source: moalboal-backpackerlodge.com

A number of resorts are currently located at Panagsama Beach. While a good number of these resorts have rates aimed mainly at moneyed, there are also a number offering accommodations that is easy on the budget. Some of the foreign visitors who have taken a liking for the place would stay months on end while a number of foreigners have fallen in love with Panagsama Beach so much that they are already living there.

Panagsama Beach – image source: cebu-bluewaters.com

Where To Stay At Panagsama Beach

Since Panagsama Beach was already a favorite destination for backpackers, the place is already home to a number of resorts catering to both local and foreign visitors. Some of these resorts are the Tipolo Beach Resort, Loves Beach and Dive Resort, Pacitas Beach Resort, Moalboal Backer Lodge, Hannahs Place, Sole E Mare Beach Resort, Cabana Beach Resort, and Panagsama Beach Resort, among others.

Panagsama Beach Resort – image source: cebu-bluewaters.com

Getting To Panagsama Beach

Going to Panagsama Beach will require travelers to ride a bus headed for the town of Moalboal. It is important for you to tell the driver or conductor to drop you off close to the place where you can catch a motorcycle ride going to Panagsama Beach. While it is also possible for you to catch a ride from the town itself, the fare will be higher compared to hiring a motorcycle from the main highway.

Cebu South Bus Terminal – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

While Pescador Island is typically the main destination among divers who want to explore the underwater world, Panagsama Beach offers a similar experience without having to hire a boat. Even though the beach was reduced due to a typhoon in 1984, it may have been a blessing in disguise since it essentially enhanced the appeal of Panagsama Beach among tourists looking for a place where they can either snorkel or dive. 

Panagsama Beach – image source: rappler.com

Have you been to Panagsama Beach already? Tell us about your experience through the comments section below.