Mactan Island Hopping

Just off the eastern coast of Mactan, close to the airport, lies a scatter of small islands, coral reefs and protected marine sanctuaries. Island hopping here is one of the easiest beach days you can have from Cebu: you board a traditional outrigger boat, called a bangka, in the morning, snorkel over colourful reefs, have a long seafood lunch on an island and are back at your hotel by late afternoon.

Why go island hopping from Mactan

• Marine sanctuaries at Hilutungan and Nalusuan, with lots of reef fish in shallow water.
• The long white sandbar of Pandanon, on the way to Bohol.
• Quiet fishing-village islands such as Caohagan.
• It is close to the airport, so it works well on your first or last day.

The islands and sanctuaries

Hilutungan Island Marine Sanctuary is the classic first stop. Boats moor near the reef, and you snorkel among schools of fish over coral gardens, with the chance of a sea turtle. Nalusuan Island has its own marine sanctuary and a long wooden walkway over the water, and many boats stop here for lunch or a second swim.

Caohagan is a small, quiet island with a fishing village and soft sand, and a nice place for lunch. Further out, Pandanon Island belongs to Getafe in Bohol. Its long white sandbar and clear, shallow water make it a favourite for a full-day trip, but the boat ride is longer, often over an hour each way. Other stops, such as Gilutongan or Sulpa, may be added depending on the tide and your boat.

Fees and what to expect

Each island or sanctuary usually charges a small entrance or environmental fee, roughly ₱100-₱300 per person per stop. These fees help pay for reef protection and local wardens. Ask whether they are included in your tour price, along with snorkel gear, lunch and drinks. Shared tours are cheapest; a private boat for a group costs more but lets you choose the stops and the pace.

How to go island hopping from Cebu City

1. Book a tour or private boat through your hotel or a trusted, accredited operator. Many include a pick-up from Mactan or Cebu City hotels.
2. Travel to Mactan. From Cebu City, Grab or a taxi takes about 45-90 minutes, depending on traffic and the bridge you use.
3. Board your boat at the beach or pier agreed with your operator, usually along the east coast of Mactan. Most trips leave around 8-9 am and return by mid-afternoon.

If you arrange a boat yourself at the beach, agree on the price, the islands and the return time before you leave, and confirm which fees and meals are included.

Boat safety

• Wear the life jacket provided, and check there is one for every person on board, including children.
• Choose a boat that looks well kept and is not overloaded. If something feels wrong, do not board.
• The Coast Guard can stop trips when the sea is rough or a storm signal is up. This is for your safety, so accept the change of plan.
• Stay with your group when snorkelling, listen to the boat crew and keep away from passing boats.

When to go

The dry season, from about December to May, usually brings the calmest sea and the best visibility. From around June to November, wind, rain and storms are more likely, and trips may be cancelled at short notice. Weekends and holidays are busy at the sanctuaries, so a weekday early start is more relaxed.

Tips for a good trip

• Never touch, stand on or take coral, shells or sea creatures. Do not feed the fish.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and wear a rash guard. The sun on the water is strong.
• Pack a dry bag for your phone and cash.
• Bring small bills for fees, snacks and tips for the crew.
• Take all your rubbish back to the mainland.

For birds rather than reefs, take the short boat ride to Olango Island. For whole-day snorkelling with sardines and turtles, see our guide to Moalboal.

Photo gallery

Tap a photo to see it full size. Gallery photos come from Wikimedia Commons; each photographer's credit shows when you open the photo.

Watch before you go

Photo: "カオハガン島" by Jun2525, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated October 15, 2026