Lumayag Sandbar

Overview

Lumayag Sandbar is a ring-shaped coral reef formation — an atoll-type structure — located approximately 4 kilometers offshore from Barangay Baybayon in Mabini, Bohol. The sandbar forms a series of islets surrounding a central lagoon and behaves tidally: it is fully submerged during high tide and emerges during low tide.

The site is one of eight Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Bohol province where giant sea clams are present and monitored by the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO). Conservation rules apply.

Location

Approximately 4 km offshore from Barangay Baybayon, Mabini, Bohol. Mabini is located on the southeastern coast of Bohol, roughly 50–60 km from Tagbilaran City.

[TO ENRICH: GPS coordinates of the sandbar formation, tidal window for visibility]

Getting There

From Tagbilaran, travel southeast toward Mabini (approximately 1.5–2 hours by road). From Barangay Baybayon, a boat is required to reach the sandbar, approximately 4 km offshore.

[TO ENRICH: boat hire rates from Baybayon, departure points, boat availability]

Practical Info

Swimming is permitted in designated areas. Snorkeling and diving must be conducted with a Bantay Dagat (sea warden) personnel escort — this is a Marine Protected Area with active conservation management. Viewing of giant sea clams is allowed within the MPA boundaries.

[TO ENRICH: MPA registration or entry fee, Bantay Dagat contact, best tide timing for sandbar visibility]

What to Expect

At low tide, the sandbar emerges as a narrow strip of white sand and coral rubble encircling the lagoon. The atoll structure means the calm lagoon interior contrasts with open water on the outer ring. Giant sea clams — monitored by BPEMO — are among the main marine features.

Nearby dive sites include Intermedio and Kambaki, both within Mabini waters, making the area a multi-point marine destination.

Notes

The Lumayag Sandbar’s status as an MPA reflects Bohol’s provincial framework for reef conservation. Giant clam populations in Philippine coastal areas have historically been under pressure from harvesting; MPA designation with Bantay Dagat enforcement is the primary protection mechanism in use here.

[TO ENRICH: clam species present, reef health status, any seasonal closure periods]