Responsible travel in Cebu: reefs, wildlife and local communities

Much of what makes Cebu special is fragile: coral reefs, sea turtles, sardine shoals, clean rivers and small island communities. Millions of visitors come every year, so small choices add up. The good news is that travelling responsibly is mostly common sense, and it often makes your trip better too.

Protect the reefs

• Never touch, stand on or kick coral. Coral is alive and grows very slowly. Practise floating flat, and wear a life jacket if you are not a confident swimmer.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen, or cover up with a rash guard and leggings so you need less.
• Do not take or buy shells, coral or starfish. Leave them where they are.
• Pay the environmental fees. Many beaches, marine sanctuaries and dive sites charge a small fee, which helps pay for rangers and protection.
• If you dive, choose a dive shop that briefs you on the rules and keeps groups small. See our diving guide and our snorkelling guide.

Give wildlife space

In Moalboal you can swim with sea turtles and the famous sardine run, and on island-hopping trips you will meet all kinds of reef life. Local rules in several towns ban touching marine life, with fines for anyone who does.

• Keep a few metres away from turtles. Never touch, chase, ride or block them when they rise for air.
• Do not feed fish or other animals.
• Do not use flash photography close to animals.
• Do not crowd around an animal with a big group. Give it a way out.

Whale sharks in Oslob: know before you go

Whale shark watching in Oslob is one of Cebu's best-known tours, and also one of the most debated. The sharks come close to shore because local boatmen feed them, and researchers have raised concerns about how this changes their natural behaviour. Some travellers choose not to go, and others go and follow the rules carefully. It is your decision, but make it an informed one.

If you do go, follow the rules strictly: no touching, keep your distance (about 4 metres from the body and more from the tail), no sunscreen in the water, no flash, and respect the time limit in the water.

Cut the trash

• Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at your hotel or at refill stations.
• Say no to plastic straws and extra plastic bags. Bring a cloth bag for shopping.
• Take your trash back with you from beaches, waterfalls and hikes, especially on small islands where waste is hard to manage.
• Pick up a few pieces of litter if you see them. Every bit helps.

Respect local communities

• Dress modestly away from the beach, and cover your shoulders and knees in churches such as the Basilica del Santo Niño and Simala Shrine, which has a strict dress code.
• Ask before you take photos of people, especially children.
• Be quiet and respectful during mass and in religious processions.
• Bargain politely in markets, and with a smile. A few pesos means more to a small vendor than to you.
• Learn a few words of the local language. Our Cebuano phrases guide helps.

Spend where it helps

• Hire accredited local guides for canyoneering, hikes and island hopping. At places like Kawasan Falls, guides are often from the nearby community.
• Eat at small local eateries and markets, not only at chains.
• Buy souvenirs made in Cebu, such as dried mangoes, woven bags and local crafts, directly from makers where you can.
• Stay in locally owned guesthouses and homestays from time to time.

Waterfalls and rivers

• Avoid using soap, shampoo or sunscreen in rivers and pools.
• Stay on marked paths and do not carve names or draw on rocks.
• Follow your guide, especially after rain, when rivers rise fast.

Animal tourism to avoid

Skip anything that lets you hold, ride or take selfies with wild animals, and do not buy products made from turtle shell, coral or other protected species. If an animal attraction looks wrong, it probably is.

Small habits, big difference

1. Take only photos, leave only footprints.
2. Follow local rules and pay the small fees.
3. Be patient and friendly. Things move at island pace.

Ready to go? Read our first-time tips for Cebu and our island-hopping guide for more.

Photo: "Sea Turtle in Moalboal 02" by Iampjanz, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.