Masbate Ticao Island & Manta Ray Watching at Manta Bowl

The San Bernardino Strait between Masbate and Luzon is one of the most biodiverse marine passages in the Philippines — a deep, fast-moving channel that funnels plankton-rich Pacific water into the Philippine Sea, creating a permanent feeding ground for one of the largest populations of giant oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris) in Asia. Ticao Island sits at the entrance of this strait and the mantas that patrol the San Bernardino Passage feeding grounds are accessible to snorkelers and divers on small-boat day trips from Ticao's shores.

The tour departs Masbate City by ferry to Ticao Island (approximately 45 minutes), then continues by local bangka to the manta cleaning and feeding sites in the San Bernardino waters. Giant oceanic mantas grow to wingspans of over 5 metres — the largest ray species on Earth — and watching them glide through the blue water with effortless, bird-like wingbeats at close range is one of the most profound wildlife experiences available in the Philippines. The feeding aggregations here can number 20–40 individual mantas on a good day; even on quieter days, encounters with 5–10 animals are routine.

The afternoon moves to Ticao Island's reef for snorkeling at a healthy, little-visited coral garden, followed by time at one of the island's deserted white-sand beaches before the return ferry to Masbate. The whole experience — the remote island, the manta encounter, the pristine reef — combines the wildlife intensity of Tubbataha with the accessibility of a day trip. Book via Klook for the most experienced manta guide in the Ticao passage, with snorkeling and safety equipment included.