Island Hopping from Cebu

Offshore Islands of Cebu

Pristine sandbars, marine sanctuaries, and hidden island escapes surrounding Cebu

Cebu is surrounded by some of the Philippines' most beautiful smaller islands — each with its own character, from the thresher shark dives of Malapascua to the migratory bird sanctuary of Olango, the freshwater lakes of Camotes, and the iconic overwater cottages of Nalusuan. Whether you're looking for a half-day snorkelling trip or a multi-night island escape, Cebu's offshore islands offer experiences you won't find on the mainland.

Explore the Islands

Islands Surrounding Cebu

Connected by bridge

Mactan Island

Cebu's resort island — beaches, diving, and luxury stays

Home to Cebu's top luxury beachfront resorts: Shangri-La Mactan, Crimson, Plantation Bay
Island hopping to Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary, Caohagan Island, and Olango Island

Explore Mactan Island →

~8 km east of Mactan

Olango Island

Bird sanctuary, marine reserve, and island hopping east of Mactan

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary — one of the Philippines' most significant migratory bird sites
Marine sanctuary with excellent snorkelling and clear shallow waters

Explore Olango Island →

Near Cordova, Mactan

Gilutongan Island

Sea turtle snorkelling and marine sanctuary near Cordova

Reliable sea turtle encounters in the marine sanctuary's shallow snorkelling zone
One of Cebu's most accessible and affordable snorkelling day trips

Explore Gilutongan Island →

~45 min from Mactan

Nalusuan Island

Marine sanctuary, floating cottage, and island hopping from Mactan

Iconic floating bamboo cottage overwater resort — one of Cebu's most photographed scenes
Marine sanctuary snorkelling with sea turtles, reef fish, and coral gardens

Explore Nalusuan Island →

Cebu–Bohol Strait

Pandanon Island

Pristine sandbar island between Cebu and Bohol

Dramatic white sandbar emerging at low tide with turquoise water on both sides
Excellent snorkelling directly off the beach with live coral and reef fish

Explore Pandanon Island →

~65 km east of Cebu City

Camotes Islands

Cebu's hidden island group — lakes, caves, and unspoiled beaches

Lake Danao — a scenic freshwater lake ideal for kayaking and lakeside picnics
Santiago Bay beach — pristine white sand and calm turquoise water with minimal crowds

Explore Camotes Islands →

~30 km off northwest Cebu

Bantayan Island

White sand, turquoise water, and one of Cebu's most beautiful island escapes

Santa Fe Beach — one of Cebu's finest white-sand beaches
Kota Beach — quieter, more secluded stretch popular with families

Explore Bantayan Island →

~8 km north of Cebu tip

Malapascua Island

Thresher shark diving and pristine Bounty Beach in north Cebu

Monad Shoal thresher shark dives — one of the most reliable shark encounters on Earth
Bounty Beach — pristine white sand, calm water, no motor vehicles

Explore Malapascua Island →

Getting There

How to Reach Cebu's Offshore Islands

North Cebu

Bus from North Bus Terminal to Maya Port (Malapascua) or Hagnaya Port (Bantayan). Ferries depart regularly.

East of Mactan

Pump boats from Santa Rosa Wharf in Cordova to Olango, Gilutongan, and Nalusuan. 15–45 min crossings.

Camotes Islands

Ferry from Danao Port (1 hr north of Cebu City) to Camotes. 1.5–2 hour crossing.

Island Hopping Tours

Mactan resort tour desks and boat operators offer half- and full-day tours to Pandanon, Nalusuan, and Hilutungan.

← Back to Cebu