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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.