Island Hopping in Cebu Guide
Cebu is located to the east of Negros, to the west of Leyte and Bohol islands, the province consists of Cebu Island, as well as 167 mini islands, which include Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and the Camotes Islands, tourist flock to the Cebu islands year round and it’s easy to see why
Rates for island hopping in Cebu, El Nido, Conron, Palawan, don’t fluctuate a great deal, It’s really up to you how you negotiate with the operator to give you the best deal locally, the international Cebu tourist will pay a slight premium compared to a Filipino or Cebuano and that is normal all over Cebu and the Philippines
Some Islands and beaches have an additional entrance fee, its inexpensive and paid locally
It’s hardly ever worth pre-booking a Cebu island hopping tour, unless you require a bespoke tour, you will get the best deal locally, and especially if your with a Filipino or Cebuano, most full-day island hopping tours depart as early as 8:00AM
Sea Urchins Caution in Cebu
Most Island hopping tours in Cebu will include snorkeling, and we recommend you bring dive slippers or aqua shoes, because there are sea urchins including sharp rocks in shallow waters leading to the snorkeling zones on some islands and beaches in Cebu
Jellyfish Caution for Island hopping tours, diving and snorkeling around Cebu Beaches, Cebu Islands, Coron and El Nido, Palawan
Thimble Jellyfish also known as Sea Lice, are predominantly found while Island hopping in deeper portions of the sea and shallow parts of the sea at Mactan Island in some part of Olango Island, and in the sea waters near Agus, Marigondon in the mainland of Lapu-Lapu. Thimble Jellyfish are also common in shallow parts of the sea, including Cebu Beaches and Resorts around Sibonga, Argao, Alcoy, Oslob, Coron and El Nido, Palawan
This type of jellyfish may appear harmless because of the smaller size, swarming in very large numbers and are identified by there orange colouring
If you see this kind of jellyfish, please avoid them because they will sting resulting in spot rashes, which will result in extremely uncomfortable itchiness and burning sensation on the skin, usually the same day, which can last around 4 to 7 days
Extreme symptoms of the Thimble Jellyfish, can include fever, nausea, and chills
Thimble Jellyfish are usually seen during the months when the temperature are high or during the summer season, they are able to penetrate the wet suits worn by free divers
Calamine Lotion and Antiseptic Cream will bring relief to the itchiness, and we recommend you bring a supply or buy locally
The Cebu Tourist island Hopping Recommendation;
Mactan Island Hopping, Cebu
Olango Island
Just 6kms away from Mactan Island, Olango is a smaller island with estimated 920-hectare land area, known for its wildlife sanctuary and a excellent diving spot, once there you can witness the most stunning sunset, you can also enjoy kayaking, rent a pedal bike if you want to stay longer on the island
Nalusuan Island
Famous for its well-preserved Marine Sanctuary, the island of Nalusuan, with it’s picturesque wide stretch of white sandbar, you can swim and snorkel the shallow part of the island, rent a jet ski, boardwalk, paddle boat, kayak and banana boat
Pandanon Island
Just 1 hour by boat from Mactan, the first thing that will welcome you when you arrive on Pandanon remote island are it’s fine white sand beach and sandbar and the crystal clear warm water, once on the island, you can just relax and enjoy swimming, snorkel, you cant rent a day cottage on the island, there cheap to rent and there are mini convenience stores on the island
Moalboal island Hopping, Cebu
Pescador island
If you are spending your time in Moalboal, do not miss the opportunity for island hopping to Pescador Island,
the island is widely visited by scuba divers because of its rich marine sanctuary and it’s famed heard of sardine run,
experience turtle and dolphin watching in the waters of Pescador, snorkeling is an opportunity not to be missed when visiting the fish sanctuary
Bluewater Sumilon Island
South in Tan-Awan, Oslob, whale shark watching is the most prized and eagerly awaited attraction for The Cebu Tourist, it attracts huge numbers for early morning 5:30AM – 6:00AM departures to the snorkel and dive sites, the gentle giants are fed by local fishermen in the morning and tourists are given the chance to be part of it and it’s truly a once in life-time experience
Most people continue the whale shark experience by going island hopping to Sumilon Island, just 20 minutes by boat to reach
the island, which has an area of 24 hectares and is surrounded by crystal clear waters with varying aquamarine
It’s the first marine protected area in the Philippines and was made a fish sanctuary in 1974 under the guidance of Siliman University Marine Reserve
During dives, there is a varied marine species and even occasional sightings of black tip sharks, you’ll know you are near the island when you get a glimpse of the white long sandbar
Bantayan island Hopping, Cebu
Bantayan island as become one of the most visited islands for The Cebu Tourist, Bantayan island lies off the coast of northern Cebu, island Hopping in Bantayan is hugely popular
Virgin island, island Hopping from Bantayan
The Virgin Island, great for a day trip with its beautiful beaches and a popular place for snorkeling, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this island with it’s laid back appealing charm
Hilantagaan island
Hilantagaan island, just east of Bantayan island, less well known island, it has a beautiful beach and white sandbar where you can swim and relax
Kinatarkan island
Kinatarkan Island is a beautiful place to island hop, barely untouched by the masses, with it’s stunning pristine beaches to explore
Malapascua Island Hopping to Kalanggaman island
Kalanggaman island hopping from Malapascua island is a small remote island paradise located in Palampon, Leyte and The Cebu Tourist can’t get enough of it’s famous crystal clear waters, lush palm trees, and beautiful sandbars on both ends, you really can’t afford not to visit this island, and the trip leading up to the island is spectacular, chill out have an ice cold beer or swim in the warm sea, GoPro and Drone users will definitely feel at home on Kalanggaman island
Kalanggaman island is a remote island and does not have a main electrical supply, for your safety you should not swim either side of the sandbars, because of strong rip tides