Camiguin’s Sunken Cemetery in Catarman

Discover the Sunken Cemetery in Catarman, Camiguin. An iconic underwater site that reveals the island’s volcanic past and cultural depth.

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History of the Sunken Cemetery

Learn about a quick fact about the history and why it is called as the Sunken Cemetery.

Back in 1871, Mount Vulcan erupted and reshaped Camiguin Island, burying the town of Catarman and submerging its public cemetery beneath the sea.

Before Mount Vulcan erupted in 1871, the area where the Sunken Cemetery is located, was a part of the old town of Catarman. It had a regular cemetery right by the coast, used during the Spanish colonial period.

What used to be a peaceful burial ground, now submerged under the sea after the eruption, and now all that’s left above water is a giant white cross, which was erected by the local government in 1982 to commemorate the burial site, marking the spot.

Today, it is now known as the Sunken Cemetery.

Sunken Cemetery Key Features & Activities

Historical Significance: Once a known local cemetery but now submerged after the 1871 volcanic eruption.
Giant Cross Monument: A large cross marked the site that serves as a visual anchor for tourists, great for photography and sunset shots.
Underwater Tombstones: Most of the tombstones are no longer visible due to the overgrown coral frees on the site, creating a unique underwater ecosystem.
Snorkeling: Watch the graveyard, coral reefs, and giant clams underwater.
Sunset Watching: Chill at the viewpoint and wait for the sun to set and capture a panoramic sunset view, with Mount Vulcan as your background.

How to Get to the Sunken Cemetery

The Sunken Cemetery is located at Barangay Catarman. It is also 10–20-minute drive from Mambajao. You can park for free near the viewpoint if you are driving a motorcycle.

If you’ve booked a day tour, the Sunken Cemetery will also be included in your itinerary so that you don’t have to worry on where to go during your Camiguin trip.

Book your Camiguin Day Tour now and experience the Island Born of Fire, one unforgettable stop at a time!

Sunken Cemetery Opening Hours & Fees

Unlike the White Island and Mantigue Island, Sunken Cemetery does not have a strict opening and closing time since the site is a public coastal.

However, if you are planning to snorkel or take a boat to the cross monument, local guides and boatmen are present at the viewpoint as early as 7:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

These local guides will offer you a boat ride from the viewpoint to the cross if you decide to take a closer look of the cross monument.

Here are the updated prices and fees as of August 2025:

Entrance fee: Free
Boat ride to the cross monument: ₱100 or $2
Snorkeling rental (optional): ₱150 or $3

You can also ask for a local to guide you where are the best spots to snorkel around the area, for an additional cost.

Sunken Cemetery: My Experience

We got to the viewpoint around 8 AM and were actually the first ones there. The weather was kind of gloomy, clouds rolling in, looked like rain was on the way which made the giant cross out in the water feel even more eerie.

I really wanted to hop on a boat and check out the monument up close, but my girlfriend wasn’t feeling it. She said the whole vibe was too creepy, so we just stayed on shore and took it all in from a distance.

Still, it was wild to think that the spot used to be a cemetery over 150 years ago before it got buried by the sea. Seeing that cross out there, knowing what’s underneath, it definitely makes you pause and appreciate the history.

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About Me

Hello and welcome! I’m Joshua, a passionate Cebuano writer and storyteller. This blog is where I express myself and share with you the breathtaking beauty of the Philippines, from hidden gems to well-known wonders. Come along and join me on this journey.