A few minutes by boat from the pier, but the beach (in my opinion) was not affected. The water was clear and transparent, unlike Boracay, which had too many algae and floating seaweed etc. We came with the tour boat on the island and were glad we came. My children were finally able to swim in the clear water :) The sand was not as fine as the pink white of Boracay, but it was good enough for us.