One of the most popular activities in Cebu is island hopping.
Island hopping is an activity where you travel to remote islands by boat and enjoy snorkeling, barbecues, etc. at each destination. Cebu Island is a great spot for island hopping, as it has many fascinating islands surrounded by beautiful seas.
This time, we will introduce what activities you can enjoy on island hopping in Cebu, what island hopping spots there are on Cebu, and how to enjoy island hopping on Cebu. We will also introduce local optional tour companies, so please use this as a reference.
We hope that this article has given you an idea of how to enjoy island hopping in Cebu.
- 1 How to enjoy Cebu Island | What is island hopping?
- 2 5 activities you can enjoy while island hopping in Cebu!
- 3 5 popular and recommended island hopping spots in Cebu!
- 4 [Cheap] Cebu Island Hopping Tour Comparison!
- 5 For Cebu Island hopping tours, we recommend “Cebuplus” with the lowest prices in the industry!
- 6 11 useful items to have while island hopping in Cebu!
- 7 Summary
How to enjoy Cebu Island | What is island hopping?
Island hopping is the act of traveling around remote islands by boat and enjoying activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and BBQ at various points. Cebu Island, with its many beaches and snorkeling points, is one of the best spots for island hopping.
There is also a term “island picnic” which is very similar to island hopping. This is simply a difference in terminology, there is no difference in meaning.
Island hopping allows you to enjoy activities unique to Cebu, such as crystal clear waters, white beaches, whale sharks and sea turtles, exploring tropical remote islands, and snorkeling with tropical fish and sea turtles.
5 activities you can enjoy while island hopping in Cebu!
We will introduce the activities you can enjoy while island hopping in Cebu. Each activity has its own unique way of enjoying it, so we will introduce them together.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a popular marine sport to enjoy in Cebu.
Snorkeling is a marine sport where you dive into the ocean wearing a simple device called a snorkel. In the ocean of Cebu, you can see a variety of tropical fish, tornadoes of tens of thousands of sardines, coral, and more. You can also encounter whale sharks, sea turtles, and clownfish, which are synonymous with snorkeling in Cebu.
Also, the creatures you can see, as well as the scenery and atmosphere underwater, vary greatly depending on the diving spot, so we recommend island hopping and diving at two or three spots.
Snorkeling can be enjoyed without qualifications, and since the sea in Cebu is shallow and the waves are calm, it is an activity that even beginners to marine sports can enjoy. Even people who are not good at swimming or children can enjoy it safely by wearing a life jacket, so it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders.
Cebu is synonymous with snorkeling, with so many world-famous spots to enjoy snorkeling in.
In addition to being able to see lively creatures swimming in their natural environment, the crystal clear waters and blue skies of Cebu will enhance your resort experience. With an underwater camera (GoPro), you can take photos of yourself enjoying snorkeling.
*Renting an underwater camera
Underwater cameras can be rented from optional tour companies. It depends on the tour company’s terms and conditions and the contents of the tour plan, but for example, our tour “Cebu Place” offers a rental service with commemorative photo support for 800 pesos (about 1,700 yen).
Jet ski/Banana boat
Marine sports such as jet skiing and banana boats are also popular activities in Cebu.
Jet skiing is a marine sport where you pilot a water bike, while banana boating is a marine sport where you ride a banana-shaped boat and are pulled by a motorboat. Both activities allow you to fully enjoy the freedom of the open sea of the tropical island of Cebu and the hot sunshine.
It is also a very enjoyable marine sport that is filled with a sense of speed and excitement.
On Cebu Island tours, Pandanon Island, nicknamed “the island closest to heaven,” is a popular spot where you can enjoy activities such as jet skiing and banana boats.
Parasailing
Parasailing is an activity where you fly over the tropical ocean with a parachute pulled by a motorboat. You can fly at a leisurely pace, about 40 meters above the open beaches of Cebu Island, as if you were taking a stroll.
Parasailing does not require any qualifications or special skills, so even tourists who have never tried parasailing before can enjoy this activity. The parachute is a two-seater, so couples or friends can enjoy it together.
You can also enjoy parasailing over the beautiful beaches of Pandanon Island.
BBQ
Cebu Island is surrounded by sea on all sides, so you can take advantage of the open atmosphere and enjoy a barbecue.
There are many ways to enjoy barbecues in Cebu, including using the barbecue facilities at the cottage, enjoying it in a restaurant, or on the venue’s boat.
In Cebu, lunch can be an extraordinary experience that you can enjoy as an activity.
Sunbathing and beach volleyball on the beach
We also recommend sunbathing and beach volleyball on Cebu’s resort-like beaches.
At the beaches of Cebu, you can enjoy an extraordinary experience that you won’t find at Japanese beaches. By relaxing on the beach or playing with friends, you can fully enjoy the resort atmosphere.
Beaches such as Nalusuan Island, Pandanon Island, and Hilutungan Island are popular spots for tourists.
5 popular and recommended island hopping spots in Cebu!
For those of you who are considering a trip to Cebu, here are five recommended island hopping spots.
Nalusuan Island
Nalusuan Island is one of the most popular island hopping spots in Cebu.
Nalusuan Island is an uninhabited island located about 30 minutes by boat from Mactan Island next to Cebu City. As it has been developed as a resort, the island is equipped with facilities for enjoying activities such as hotels, restaurants, and toilets. The highlight of Nalusuan Island is the pier, which is longer than the island itself. The long pier, sandwiched between the sea on both sides, has become a very popular photo spot.
The sea off Nalusuan Island is shallow and calm, so even those who are not good at swimming can enjoy swimming. The emerald green sea and white sandy beach are very impressive and distinctive, and you can enjoy a resort that looks like it was taken out of a postcard. It is also popular to relax in a hammock on the beach of Nalusuan Island.
There is a snorkeling spot near the pier, where various types of fish are fed, so you can see a variety of colorful fish while snorkeling.
Cheap Cebu Island Hopping Tour “Cebupre” Nalusuan Island Plan
This is the most popular island hopping tour plan, where you can island hop around three remote islands near Cebu and enjoy activities such as snorkeling.
This plan involves island hopping around two islands, Hilutungan and Nalusuan, which are said to be the most beautiful in Cebu.
Pandanon Island
Pandanon Island, nicknamed “the island closest to heaven,” is a popular spot for its beautiful beaches and untouched natural surroundings. Its scenic beauty is so great that it has been used for filming movies.
It is located about an hour by boat from Mactan Island (the island next to Cebu City), where most of the accommodation facilities in Cebu City are located, and is the farthest of Cebu’s outlying islands.
The waters around Pandanon Island are very shallow, so it is not suitable for snorkeling, but you can safely enjoy swimming there. There is a wide variety of creatures, so you can enjoy swimming in a way that you cannot in the seas of Japan.
It is also popular as a spot where you can enjoy marine sports such as jet skiing, banana boats, and parasailing. The waters around Pandanon Island are particularly clear, so you can enjoy the resort atmosphere while feeling refreshed.
Cheap Cebu Island Hopping Tour “Cebupre” Pandanon Island Plan
Marine sports such as jet skiing, banana boating, and parasailing are available as options.
Hilutungan Island
Hilutungan Island is a remote island located about 15 minutes by boat from Mactan Island. It is also known as “Cebu’s best snorkeling spot” and is renowned for its outstanding water clarity. It is also a very famous diving spot, where you can swim with many colorful tropical fish and clownfish.
If you are not confident in your swimming skills, you can rent a life jacket and enjoy snorkeling with peace of mind.
Cheap Cebu Island Hopping Tour “Cebupre” Hilutungan Island Plan
This tour plan involves island hopping around three remote islands near Cebu and enjoying activities such as snorkeling.
Caohagan Island
Caohagan Island is famous in Japan as an island that is rich with nothing. It is located about an hour by boat from Cebu Island. This small island, with an area the size of the Tokyo Dome and a population of 600 people, is filled with clear seawater, white sandy beaches, tropical flowers such as bougainvillea and hibiscus, and trees such as coconut palms, all of which are unique to the tropics.
Caohagan Island is a resort area with a special connection to Japanese people, as the owner of the island is Japanese (currently jointly owned by four people, including a Japanese person).
It has a wide shallow beach where you can enjoy barbecues and other activities, making it a great destination for family trips.
Sulpa Island
Sulpa Island does not have many fish or sea creatures, so it is not suitable for marine activities such as snorkeling. We recommend enjoying a barbecue or relaxing on the beach.
[Cheap] Cebu Island Hopping Tour Comparison!
Since island hopping involves traveling by boat from island to island, we recommend using a tour. If you use a tour, not only will transportation be arranged, but snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and guided tours will also be arranged, so you can enjoy island hopping to the fullest.
Cebu Island is a popular resort destination worldwide, and many tour companies are offering island hopping tours. On the other hand, there are so many tour plans that it can be hard to decide which tour company to choose.
Here we will introduce some island hopping tours offered by Cebu Island, comparing them including prices.
CebuPre is the cheapest tour company that only offers private tours for one group. In addition to being cheap, the company offers hotel transportation in a private vehicle and a Japanese-speaking female guide. As a tour company that specializes in Cebu Island, the guides who know the area inside and out will support your plans.
・”Tour of the two islands of Nalusuan Island and Hilutungan Island” (from 8,900 yen)
Tabinaka plans and develops optional tours not only in Cebu but also in resorts and tourist destinations around the world. They only contract with reliable local guides, and after making a reservation, the customer can directly communicate with the local guide. The island hopping tour is a popular plan among locals, with over 500 people using it.
・”Pandanon Island + Nalusuan Island” (from 3,600 pesos = 7,800 yen)
PUAHELE is a local tour company that focuses on scuba diving. Its features include low base rates, local guides who can speak Japanese, and hotel transfers (free between Lapu-Lapu City and hotels, paid transfers to other areas). They also offer plans to enjoy the whole island at a low price.
For Cebu Island hopping tours, we recommend “Cebuplus” with the lowest prices in the industry!
To fully enjoy island hopping in Cebu, we recommend the tour plans on our website, Cebupre.
Above all, the best thing about Cebu Plus is that you can enjoy island hopping in Cebu at the lowest price in the industry, but that’s not all that’s the strength of Cebu Plus. Let’s take a look at what it has to offer.
Low price
<Prices for island hopping plans with “Cebu Premium”>
<Prices for island hopping plans from other tour companies>
・Visit the two spectacular islands of Nalusuan Island and Hilutungan Island! Snorkeling in a marine protected area! Lunch included (“Tabinaka” from 9,790 yen)
・Island hopping on Pandanon Island + Nalusuan Island with BBQ lunch (MAPPLE Activity, from 11,250 yen)
-Plan touring two popular islands (Hilutungan Island & Nalusuan Island) with BBQ lunch and underwater GoPro camera (“VELTRA” from 8,700 yen) *This plan does not include hotel transfers.
By comparing it with tour plans that are well-known for their low prices, we hope you have been able to feel the appeal of “CebuPre”. Furthermore, as a private tour, we provide flexible and reliable tour plans, so “CebuPre” is recommended for those who want to enjoy Cebu Island in terms of both price and service.
Private tour
When island hopping, it is especially important to pay attention to the boat’s schedule; if you are late for the boat, you may make mistakes such as not being able to reach your destination or return to your hotel.
“Cebu Pre” is a private tour that can be booked for just one group, so you can enjoy island hopping to your heart’s content without the problems and inconveniences mentioned above.
Adaptable response
By customizing your tour plan to your liking, you can enjoy a more satisfying tour plan.
A female guide who speaks Japanese!
At CebuPre, each group is assigned one dedicated guide (a local woman who can speak Japanese).
Filipino women are known for their diligent and hard work, and even in local companies such as banks, there is a tendency for women to hold more managerial positions. This means that women are more trusted by society.
Many people are planning a girls’ trip to Cebu, and “Cebu Plus” is a tour that can be used with peace of mind even when traveling with only women.
Underwater camera rental and commemorative photo service
CebuPre offers the rental of underwater GoPro cameras and a commemorative photo shoot service with a dedicated guide (800 pesos, approximately 1,700 yen).
By using an underwater camera, you can take photos of the underwater world of the remote islands you visit while island hopping, and create memories that will last a lifetime. In addition, the guides are local staff who know Cebu inside and out, so they are also familiar with the best photo spots.
Since Cebu has many photogenic spots, it is recommended to make a trip focused on photography.
11 useful items to have while island hopping in Cebu!
Each tour company will have different plans that include different things, so after checking what the tour company will provide, make sure to prepare anything you are missing on your own.
For example, CebuPre will arrange for your snorkeling gear (snorkel, mask, life jacket, etc.) In addition, the package includes a round trip car from the hotel to the tourist spot (private vehicle), a Japanese-speaking female guide, and admission tickets for activities.
What you need to bring on the “Cebu Pre” tour
Swimsuit
・Sunscreen spray
(The sunlight is strong on the tropical island of Cebu, so sunscreen spray is essential when traveling by boat or relaxing on the beach.)
– Rash guards
(In some marine protected areas, it is prohibited to enter the water while wearing sunscreen in order to protect the wildlife. Rash guards also have the advantage that they can be easily worn over a swimsuit, they help prevent jellyfish stings, and many of them have nice designs, making them popular as fashion items.)
・Sunscreen products
(other than rash guards, there are other sunscreen products such as parasols, umbrellas, hats, and sunglasses. Use them together with sunscreen spray to fully protect yourself from UV rays.)
– Sickness medicine
(island hopping requires travelling by ship or boat, so people who are sensitive to vehicles are likely to get seasick. In particular, when travelling to Cebu, you should be careful as you are likely to be in conditions that make you more susceptible to seasickness due to the unfamiliar overseas environment and getting up early in the morning.)
・Sandals
(beach sandals are great for island hopping and other beach activities. Sandals are also the best for beach sports and barbecues. They can be purchased locally.)
・ Underwater camera GoPro
(Using an underwater camera allows you to take photos of your underwater memories while snorkeling. CebuPlus rents out underwater cameras for 800 pesos (approximately 1,700 yen). There are many photos that can be posted on Instagram, but there are not many opportunities to take photos underwater, so why not try using one on your trip to Cebu?)
・Towels
(Bring a towel to keep you warm after enjoying marine activities)
・Toilet paper
(Many toilets in Cebu do not have toilet paper. Be sure to carry toilet paper with you when you are in Cebu.)
・Meal expenses
(There is a risk of pickpocketing and baggage theft, so it is best to leave your valuables at the hotel front desk if possible, but you will need to pay for lunch, so bring the necessary amount with you)
・Cold weather clothing
(Cebu is warm all year round, but it can get cold on board the ship due to the air conditioning being too strong. Be sure to bring a jacket or blanket to avoid catching a cold.)
Summary
Ways to enjoy Cebu include snorkeling, marine sports, and BBQ, but you can get a more resort-like feel by island hopping and visiting various remote islands while enjoying these activities.
Cebu Island is a region with many islands with beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots, so it is a great spot for island hopping. Take a boat from Cebu Island and explore spots such as Hilutungan Island and Nalusuan Island while enjoying activities.
And to enjoy the tour, choosing the right optional tour company is also one of the key points. “Cebupre” is a charter tour company that specializes in Cebu Island and is the cheapest, with only one group per tour. It is a popular tour not only because of its low price, but also because of its attentive service that covers all your needs, such as hotel and tourist spot transfers, a dedicated local guide (female, speaks Japanese), and photo spots.
When planning your trip to Cebu, be sure to consider island hopping.