When is danggit season in Bantayan Island?

Fresh danggit (rabbitfish) peaks from December through March in Bantayan Island, during the amihan (northeast monsoon). Dried danggit is available year-round at markets.

Where to buy fresh fish in Bantayan Island?

The Bantayan Public Market has the widest selection. The Madridejos fish landing is best for fresh catch direct from boats (early morning). Sta. Fe market is convenient for tourists.

Nature Guide

Fishing Seasons

Bantayan Island's fishing calendar — what's in season, where to buy, and what to know about the island's lifeblood industry.

Madridejos is known as the "Little Alaska of the Philippines" for its rich fishing grounds.

Key Species

Danggit (Rabbitfish)

Peak: December – March

Bantayan's most famous export. Sun-dried and salted, eaten for breakfast as dangsilog. Look for pale, pliable pieces at the market — avoid brown or stiff stock.

Dried danggit available year-round

Bangus (Milkfish)

Wild peak: November – February

Raised in fishponds and caught wild. Bantayan bangus is known for its size and flavour. Available year-round from fishponds. A staple at local carinderias.

Pusit (Squid)

Peak: October – February

Sold fresh, dried, or grilled over charcoal. Dried squid is a popular pasalubong. Fresh squid most abundant during the northeast monsoon months.

Hipon (Shrimp / Prawns)

Best: Cooler months

Caught fresh from surrounding waters. Best eaten grilled or in sinigang. Availability varies with season.

Talaba (Oysters)

Best: Cooler months

Harvested from mangrove areas and coastal beds. Most abundant in cooler months. A delicacy best eaten fresh.

Buwad (Dried Fish Varieties)

Available year-round

Bolinao (anchovies), Tunsoy (sardines), Labtingaw (flying fish), Guinamos (fermented fish paste). Best selection at Bantayan Public Market.

Monthly Calendar

Month Conditions Notes

January Good — calm northeast winds Peak dried fish production

February Good — dry and clear Danggit and squid peak

March Excellent — peak dry season Best time to buy fresh danggit

April Good — warming waters Summer crowds drive demand

May Transitional Winds shifting, some rough days

June Variable — habagat begins Some fishing activity reduced

July Rough — open sea limited Some closures possible

August Rough — typhoon season Storm fishing bans possible

September Variable — typhoon risk BFAR may impose seasonal bans

October Improving — northeast winds begin Market begins restocking

November Good — amihan returns Fresh catch improves, peak season begins

December Excellent — amihan full Peak fishing season. Best seafood.

BFAR Fishing Bans

BFAR Region 7 periodically imposes 3-month fishing bans in the Visayan Sea to protect fish stocks. These bans affect commercial vessels (not small-scale subsistence fishing) but can impact market supply and prices. Check current BFAR advisories before visiting.

Where to Buy

Bantayan Public Market

Largest selection, best prices

Widest selection of dried fish. Open daily, best from 5:30–8:30 AM. Located in Bantayan town center.

Madridejos Fish Landing

Freshest catch, direct from boats

Best for fresh catch. Arrive 5:00–7:00 AM when boats return. Authentic experience worth waking early for.

Sta. Fe Market

Convenient for tourists

Smaller selection near the port area. Morning market 5:00–10:00 AM. Convenient if staying in Sta. Fe resorts.

Roadside Stalls

Throughout the island

Dried fish stalls along the main road between Sta. Fe and Bantayan town. Good for last-minute pasalubong purchases.

What's biting?

Unsa ang isda karon?

Ask what's in season right now, where to find the freshest catch, or how to cook Bantayan seafood.

Ask Batad