Lake Danao in Camotes: Largest Lake in the Visayas

Lake Danao is probably one of the most spectacular and breath-taking tourist attractions of Camotes Islands in Cebu, Philippines. It is the largest and longest lake in the Visayas formed like a number eight (8), similar to the body of a guitar. It is really like a guitar when you’re there because you will be serenaded by the natural breeze of the water, the singing birds and the swish of the trees.

Lake Danao occupies an estimated 649 hectare with a couple of islets about 600 square meters named Crocodile Islet and Snake Islet in the south part of the lake. It is bounded in 6 out of 15 barangays in the island of Pacijan which is now known as San Francisco or “San Fran” to most locals. Its shoreline ranges from rocky to soft mud. The types of soil are soft, silty and sandy. The depth of water ranges from 0.5 meters to 30 fathoms. The water at Lake Danao has a pH of 8.5 to 9.0 while salinity ranges from 0.0 to 0.5 ppt. The lake water is free from pollutants. It has no definite inlet and outlet but it is presumed that a subterranean spring supplies water to the lake.

Lake Danao in Camotes

Kids swimming at Lake Danao

The water of Lake Danao is generally clear and locals take a dip during mornings and late afternoon. Because of the buildup of mud and weeds, one will assume that the depth of the water is shallow. But when you ask the locals, they will say that it’s deep and never try touching the ground or you will end up full of mud and weeds. The color of the waters of Lake Danao is a combination of green and blue because of the reflection of trees and plants surrounding the lake and the sky up above.

Fishing using an outrigger boat is one of the things locals (and even tourists) can enjoy at Lake Danao. Swimming is allowed to tourists as long as they borrow a life jacket from the authorities.

Landscape view of Lake Danao

View of Lake Danao from Arqui's Viewing Deck

Lake Danao is located 20 to 30 minutes away from Santiago Bay, the prime beach resort of Camotes. It can be accessed going to the west part of Pacijan Island near Union and Campo. A big signage on the corner is visible enough for one to know that it is the road going to Lake Danao. It can be accessed by tourists in two different locations, Lake Danao Park and Green Lake Park. If you want to see the full length and landscape view of Lake Danao, you might want to visit Arqui’s Viewing Deck for you to be astonished.

About the author

Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.