A Simple Yet Beautiful River Cruising Experience at Maasin River

On our recent trip to Siargao, we found ourselves back at one of the most popular spots on the island the Maasin River. We’ve been here before, maybe four times already, but this was our first time to finally try the river cruising experience, something we didn’t get to do on our previous visits.

This was part of the Land tour that we availed, and this is our second-to-the-last stop for the day. When we arrived, we were told there’s an entrance fee Php 30 per adult, but this was already included in our tour package. The place was lively with tourists, but still peaceful enough to enjoy. We were approached by a local who offered the river cruise for Php 600 per boat, good for up to three people. We thought it was a fair price for what was ahead.

The boat was small and simple, made of wood, and steered by a local boatman. As we cruised down the calm green waters of Maasin River, I couldn’t help but admire how beautiful and relaxing everything looked. We’ve seen this river before, but being in it—floating gently with the sound of water and birds—was a whole new experience. I can say the river is well-maintained because there were fishes. On the side of the river are full of trees, and the fresh air made the ride even better.
The ride took about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the boatman but we didn’t mind the time because we enjoyed the view. After a few minutes, the boat brought us to what the locals call the “secret lagoon.” Honestly, it’s not much of a secret anymore. There were quite a few tourists already there when we arrived, but it was still a nice spot to see.

There was a short line to take photos in the lagoon and I’m glad it wasn’t too long. The locals will be the one to take the photos and we just gave them a tip after. While waiting for our turn, we ordered avocado shake and watermelon shake because were so thirsty. The water in the lagoon was cool and clear, surrounded by rocks and lush trees. We were only allowed five minutes to swim and take photos, which felt a bit short, but we tried to make the most of it.

What made the whole trip extra special was the chance to swim freely in the main river after the cruise. My daughter loved it so much. She swam, splashed, and laughed the entire time. It was such a joy to see her have fun in the water, completely carefree. These little moments always make the trip more meaningful.

Maasin River may be a popular tourist spot now, but it still has its charm. If you’re visiting Siargao, I highly recommend trying the river cruise—even if you’ve been there before. It’s simple, beautiful, and worth doing at least once.

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