Island hopping in Cebu: where to go and how to book

Island hopping is one of the best days out in Cebu. You climb into a bangka, the traditional outrigger boat, and spend the day snorkelling over coral, eating on a small island and swimming in clear, warm water. Trips run from many parts of the island, so you can fit one into almost any itinerary.

Where to go island hopping

• Mactan: the easiest choice, close to the airport and the city. Boats leave from Lapu-Lapu and Cordova and usually stop at marine sanctuaries such as Hilutungan and Nalusuan, and islands like Olango, Pandanon and Caohagan. See our Mactan island hopping guide.
• Moalboal: short boat trips to Pescador Island, a protected marine area with a steep reef wall, often combined with turtle spots along the coast. See Moalboal.
• Bantayan: calm, shallow water and small islands off Santa Fe. See Bantayan Island.
• Malapascua: trips around the island and to Gato Island. See Malapascua.
• Oslob: the white sandbar of Sumilon Island. See Oslob.
• North Cebu: quieter islands like Capitancillo and Gibitngil.

Ways to book

There are three common ways to go:

• Joiner or group tour: you share a boat with other travellers. This is the cheapest option and good for solo travellers.
• Private boat: you rent the whole bangka for your group and choose the stops. The price is per boat, so it gets cheaper per person in a bigger group.
• Package tour: booked through your hotel, a travel agency or an online booking platform. These often include hotel pickup, lunch, snorkel gear and fees.

Whichever you choose, agree clearly on what is included before you pay: the boat, the stops, the time on each island, lunch, snorkel gear, life jackets and the fees. Ask for it in writing or in a message if you can.

Fees to expect

Besides the boat itself, expect a few small fees on the day. In Lapu-Lapu City, island-hopping visitors pay an environmental fee, and most marine sanctuaries and private islands charge their own entrance or landing fees. Some package tours include these, others do not. Fees are set locally and change, so ask your operator and carry some small notes.

Lunch is often a grilled seafood feast cooked on the boat or on an island. If it is not included, ask the price before the food is cooked.

Boat safety

Most trips go smoothly, but the sea deserves respect. A few checks make a big difference:

• Choose an accredited operator or boatman. In Lapu-Lapu City, accredited boats display their permits.
• Make sure there is a life jacket for everyone, in the right sizes for children, and wear one if you are not a strong swimmer.
• Do not go if the boat looks overloaded.
• Check the weather. The Coast Guard can stop small boats from sailing in rough seas, and trips may be cancelled. That is for your safety.
• Keep your phone and money in a dry bag.
• Agree on the return time, and do not stay out late on small boats.

From about June to November, storms can bring rough water. Read our guide to typhoon season travel and keep a spare day in your plans.

Be kind to the reef

• Never stand on or touch coral, and do not take shells or sand.
• Do not chase, touch or ride turtles and fish.
• Feeding fish is common on some tours, but it harms their natural behaviour. Just watch.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen, or better, a rash guard.
• Take all your trash back with you.

More ideas in our guides to snorkelling in Cebu and responsible travel in Cebu.

What to bring

• Swimwear, a towel and a rash guard or light long-sleeved top.
• Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
• Water and snacks.
• Cash in small notes.
• Your own mask and snorkel if you prefer them to rented gear.
• Seasickness tablets if you feel unwell on boats.

When to go

Boats run all year when the weather allows. The dry season, from about December to May, usually brings calmer seas and clearer water. Go in the morning: the sea is often flatter, the light is better for snorkelling, and you will reach popular sanctuaries before the biggest groups. Weekends and holidays are the busiest days, so plan a weekday trip if you can.

Going with children? ReadCebu with kids for calm-water ideas.

Photo: "Cool and Clear Waters of the San Vicente Marine Sanctuary, Olango Island" by Elmer nev valenzuela, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.