Snorkel· Fortune Island· Philippines

Fortune Island Snorkel (Acropolis beach)

14° 3.2′ N · 120° 29.8′ E · approximate

Clear water off the white-sand beach below Fortune Island's ruined Greek-style 'Acropolis', 14 km off Nasugbu. Wikivoyage calls the island a great place for swimming and snorkelling, and the whole island is a 1978 marine reserve.

Practical

Coordinates approximate: just off the south-east beach (OSM beach 14.0543°N 120.4948°E), below the Acropolis ruins (OSM 14.0520°N 120.4952°E). Wikipedia: designated a marine reserve under Proclamation 1801 (1978), so treat it as no-take and do not anchor on coral. The galleon San Diego (sunk 1600) lies nearby and is an archaeological site, and two modern passenger ferries also sank near the island (1995 and 1998); do not dive or anchor on wreck sites. Wikivoyage: visiting is 'not cheap'. Landing fees and the island's access status change, so confirm before landing. There is no fresh water or shade beyond the ruins. The island is fully exposed to the SW monsoon, so go only on settled NE-monsoon days, and leave by early afternoon before the sea breeze builds. See Fortune Island Anchorage (east side landing).

Best for

Reserve snorkelling beside surreal ruins

Season

Nov–May in settled weather

Nearby