Best in February

Gilutongan, Cordova, Cebu

Nalusuan Island

A tiny resort island and marine sanctuary off Cordova, about 20-40 minutes by boat from Mactan. Calm, shallow snorkelling and a wooden jetty, with fees and rules explained.

Hilutungan, Cordova, Cebu

Hilutungan Island

A tiny island with one of Cebu's oldest marine sanctuaries, about 30 minutes by boat from Mactan. Snorkel a protected reef full of fish, with fees and rules explained.

San Juan, Siquijor

Siquijor

A small, friendly island of turquoise waterfalls, sunset beaches and old stone churches, best explored on a slow loop by motorbike or tricycle. Now reachable by direct flight from Cebu.

Malapascua, Daanbantayan, North Cebu

Monad Shoal (Thresher Shark Dives)

The underwater plateau off Malapascua where thresher sharks rise at dawn. What the dive is like, who can do it, what it costs, how to pick a shop and what to do if you do not dive.

Panglao, Bohol

Panglao Island

Bohol's beach island: white sand at Alona, turtles and reef walls at Balicasag, an underground lagoon at Hinagdanan and an easy fast-ferry trip from Cebu.

Santander, South Cebu

Santander

The southern tip of Cebu: Liloan port and the short crossing to Negros, pebble beaches, calm mornings and views of Negros and Siquijor. A quiet base next to Oslob and Sumilon.

Sogod, North Cebu

Sogod

A quiet town on the north-east coast where the white sand begins. Beach days on the Camotes Sea, a roadside waterfall, a cold spring and an old church, about two hours from Cebu City.

Bojo, Aloguinsan, South Cebu

Bojo River

Paddle through quiet mangroves to the sea with local guides on the community-run Bojo River tour in Aloguinsan, then swim at nearby Hermit's Cove. Slow, green and good for the soul.

El Nido, Coron and Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Palawan

Limestone lagoons in El Nido, crystal lakes and wrecks in Coron, and an underground river in Puerto Princesa. How to pick your base and fly there from Cebu.

Malay, Aklan

Boracay

The Philippines' most famous white beach, now cleaner after its 2018 rehabilitation. Sunset sails, calm turquoise water and an easy short flight from Cebu.

Off Panagsama Beach, Moalboal, South Cebu

Pescador Island

A tiny, rocky island off Moalboal, ringed by coral walls and protected as a marine sanctuary. Snorkel the reef edge or dive into the famous Cathedral cave.

Bancogon, Oslob, South Cebu

Sumilon Island

A small island off Oslob with a white sandbar that changes shape with the seasons, clear water and one of the oldest marine sanctuaries in the Philippines.