The Sunken Cemetery

The Sunken Cemetery which is the remains of Mount Vulcan 1871 eruption lies 20 ft underwater in Barrio

Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin, Philippines. History has it that Mount Vulcan or locally known as the Old

Volcano had 4 historic eruptions. One was in 1827 but records of this particular eruption were not important.

Second was in 1862 which claimed 326 lives when thick ashes flowed and caught people who were fleeing

 towards the sea. The third one was in 1871 which caused the whole capital of Camiguin along with its cemetery sunk under the sea.

The years after the destructive eruption of Mount Vulcan,the Sunken Cemetery was visible during low tide.  But Mount Vulcan erupted again in 1948 until 1953 sinking the whole area deeper.  To mark the community cemetery, a large cross was built on the solidified lava in 1982.

Today, the Sunken Cemetery is one of those most visited tourist spot in Camiguin and is one of the most unique diving sites. One can see coral encrusted tombstones when snorkeling and diving in the area.

The Sunken Cemetery is meters away from the shore but there are available bancas that can take you to the

site of the cross if you want a closer look. The banca for rent costs 100 pesos for a maximum of 5 people. Or

alternatively, if you have your swimming gear you can swim through the clear waters up to the site of the cross

for 5 minutes.

Visiting Sunken Cemetery is free. But the property owner is not liable for any loss, damage or any untoward

incident that will happen while in the area. Just take extra precaution in everything that you do while enjoying

your vacation.