Cagayan de Oro is not itself a beach destination, but it sits on Macajalar Bay, and a short drive east or west along the coast brings you to quieter stretches. The nearest swimming is at Opol, about 15km west, where resort beaches line the bay. The water is warm year-round.
For a full beach day, most travellers head to Camiguin Island — a volcanic island about 90km north, reachable by bus to Balingoan and then a 45-minute ferry crossing. Camiguin has white sand beaches, hot springs, cold springs, and a sunken cemetery visible from glass-bottomed boats. It is one of the best small-island destinations in the Philippines and well worth a two-night trip from Cagayan de Oro.