When you think about ways to have fun in Cebu, the first thing that comes to mind is probably marine sports, right?
Under the tropical atmosphere of Cebu Island, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing, banana boats, etc. In addition, these activities are free of charge, with some exceptions such as scuba diving, so they are activities that you can try without hesitation.
This time, we will introduce what kind of marine sports activities you can enjoy in Cebu, as well as recommended spots and tour companies on Cebu. If you are planning a trip to Cebu, please use this as a reference.
5 marine sports you can enjoy in Cebu!
Marine sports are one of the best parts of traveling to Cebu. Cebu’s waves are gentle, so it’s not really suitable for surfing, but instead, even beginners can enjoy marine sports such as snorkeling and banana boats.
Here we will introduce the types of marine sports you can enjoy in Cebu.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is the most popular marine sport that can be enjoyed in Cebu.
Cebu Island has all the conditions you need to enjoy snorkeling: not only is it surrounded by beautiful, crystal clear waters, but there are also many different kinds of creatures to see depending on the spot, the waves are calm so even beginners can try it, and you can see large creatures such as whale sharks and sea turtles. Another great attraction of Cebu is that you can dive in the sea all year round.
Another attractive feature of snorkeling is that, unlike scuba diving, no qualifications are required.
For information on how to enjoy snorkeling in Cebu and recommended spots, please see “4 Snorkeling Spots in Cebu | Enjoy a Private Tour Limited to 1 Group.” If you’re interested, please take a look.
Banana boat
Banana boating is also a popular marine sport. Banana boating is an activity where a banana-shaped rubber boat is pulled by a motorboat. As the speed of the motorboat increases, the excitement and thrills increase.
It’s very exhilarating to be pulled through the crystal clear waters of Cebu, splashing around in the water.
Parasailing
Parasailing is an activity where you ride a motorized parachute-like vehicle and fly gracefully over the sea. It is also called “walking on the sea” and can be considered an activity that involves both the sea and the sky.
Since no qualifications or licenses are required and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders, from small children to the elderly, it is an activity that anyone can easily enjoy.
Parasailing in Cebu allows you to experience the feeling of having the ocean view all to yourself from an altitude of over 40 to 50 meters.
Jet skis (personal watercraft)
One activity that is especially popular among men is jet skiing (personal watercraft).
Jet skiing is a marine sport where you glide over the ocean on a personal watercraft. In Japan, you need a license to enjoy jet skiing, but in Cebu you can ride without a license.
What’s more, you can enjoy an exhilarating ride as you run under the bright tropical sunshine and on the crystal clear waters.
Scuba Diving
If you’re a certified scuba diver, Cebu has plenty of diving spots. Like snorkelling, scuba diving can be enjoyed all year round in Cebu.
Since you can dive deep into the ocean, you can see a wide variety of fish and observe them in a state closer to the wild. If you’re lucky, you may even see whale sharks and manta rays at the same time in the waters off Cebu Island.
4 recommended spots for enjoying marine sports in Cebu!
Here are four recommended spots for enjoying marine sports in Cebu.
Pandanon Island
Pandanon Island is a popular island hopping destination in Cebu.
*Island hopping: Using a boat to stop at remote islands along the way and enjoy activities such as snorkeling, barbecues, and scuba diving. Cebu Island is a great spot for island hopping, as it has many remote islands with beautiful beaches.
Pandanon Island, known as “the island closest to heaven,” has shallow, clear waters. In addition to swimming, you can enjoy marine sports such as banana boats, parasailing, and jet skiing on Pandanon Island.
The view from above while parasailing is especially spectacular, and the commemorative photo you can take from above is sure to become a memorable part of your trip.
<Tour to enjoy Pandanon Island>
This is a plan on our website “Cebupre” where you can enjoy marine sports on Pandanon Island.
[Cebupre’s Pandanon Island tour plan introduction]
・”Island hopping 3 islands (Pandanon Island + Nalusuan Island + Hilutungan Island)”
Banana boats, parasailing and jet skiing are available as optional services.
Hilutungan Island
Hilutungan Island is a remote island located about 20 minutes by boat from Mactan Island, where there are many accommodations. Since the courses are close, many people go there together with Pandanon Island on island hopping trips.
You can also enjoy marine sports such as parasailing, banana boats, and jet skis on Hilutungan Island. Hilutungan Island is also world-famous as a snorkeling and scuba diving spot, where you can see tropical fish such as clownfish.
[Cebupre’s Hilutungan Island Tour Plan Introduction]
・”Island hopping to two islands (Hilutungan and Nalusuan Islands)”
With the above Cebupre course, you can enjoy both Hilutungan Island and Nalusuan Island in one day.
Oslob + Sumilon Island
Speaking of snorkeling in Cebu, whale sharks are famous, but the spot with the highest probability of seeing them is Oslob. Oslob is located about three hours by car or bus from Cebu city, so it is possible to set up a day trip. And when you do, we recommend you visit Sumilon Island.
Sumilon Island is a remote island located about 15 minutes by boat from Oslob. Although Sumilon Island is uninhabited, it is a popular resort destination where you can enjoy snorkeling and other activities.
The beach on Sumilon Island is a spot where even beginners can enjoy marine sports safely in shallow waters. It is also popular because it is located very close to the largest whale shark spot. Another not to be missed is the island’s only hotel, Sumilon Blue Water Island Resort.
Half of the sea on the island is a private beach for Sumilon Blue Water Island Resort, and is only open to guests staying at the resort or those taking the day use plan (a plan for guests taking day trips from the hotel, which includes use of the hotel facilities, boat transfers, and activities).
In addition, hotel guests are also provided with access to activities such as kayaking.
[Cebupre’s Oslob + Sumilon Island tour plan introduction]
・”Whale shark snorkeling + Sumilon Island & Kawasan Falls tour”
This plan allows you to visit both Oslob and Sumilon Island. In addition, although it is still in the planning stages as of November 2019, CebuPre will be introducing a tour plan that includes a day use plan for the hotel on Sumilon Island, Sumilon Blue Water Island Resort. The plan is to offer a trip that allows you to enjoy even more marine sports, such as dining at restaurants and using kayaks.
Moalboal
One of the best diving spots in Cebu is the White Beach in Moalboal.
The best way to enjoy White Beach is to take a boat to visit different snorkeling spots. At the three most popular spots, you can enjoy different attractions, such as sea turtles, tornadoes of tens of thousands of sardines that cover the surface of the sea, and colorful coral reefs.
One of the spots, the Pescador Island Marine Protected Area, is a remote island that is also one of the world’s most famous diving spots, where you can fully enjoy the charms that only a famous spot can offer, such as the transparency of the water and the diversity of creatures that can be seen.
[Cebupre’s Moalboal tour plan introduction]
・”Snorkeling with Sea Turtles + Moalboal & Kawasan Falls Tour”
Things to keep in mind when enjoying marine sports in Cebu
Here are some things to keep in mind when enjoying marine sports in Cebu. When traveling abroad, safety comes first.
Pay attention to weather conditions and your physical condition
Cebu Island has a stable climate throughout the year, but depending on the weather conditions on the day, entry to remote islands may be restricted or entering the sea may be prohibited. Please always consider safety first and follow the directions.
Also, be sure to consider your own physical condition, especially when engaging in activities such as snorkeling or scuba diving.
A tip for making the most of your trip to Cebu is to plan any spots that you absolutely want to prioritize in the first half of your trip so that you can easily adjust your schedule even if there is a sudden bad weather (this means that you can reschedule to the next day or later if there is a sudden bad weather or accident).
Follow the guide’s instructions and observe etiquette
To ensure your safety and to observe proper etiquette, please be sure to follow the instructions of your activity guide.
For example, when snorkeling or scuba diving, there is a rule that says “you can’t touch whale sharks or sea turtles” to protect marine life. Also, parasailing and jet skiing are very dangerous if not done correctly.
Be sure to follow the instructions of the activity guides and staff to enjoy your trip safely. The staff generally do not speak Japanese, so unless you are confident that you can communicate in English or the local language (Tagalog), it is best to request a plan from a tour company with a guide who can speak Japanese.
Even beginners to marine sports can feel at ease, knowing that they will receive support if they are unable to hear or understand the explanations given by activity staff.
UV protection is essential
Cebu is a tropical island, so it is exposed to strong ultraviolet rays all year round. In addition, there is also glare from the sea surface, so if you neglect to wear sunscreen or long sleeves (or a rash guard if wearing a swimsuit), your skin is likely to sting and hurt like a burn.
When it comes to protecting yourself from UV rays, please note that some beaches in Cebu prohibit the use of sunscreen in order to protect the ocean. In areas where the use of sunscreen is prohibited, be sure to bring a rash guard and sunglasses.
Be sure to check the toilets and changing areas.
Before participating in any marine sports, you should always check that there are toilets and changing rooms.
Although Cebu Island has been developed as a resort, the number of toilets and changing rooms is limited compared to Japan. There are also some characteristics unique to overseas countries, such as toilet paper not being provided in the toilets.
To ensure you can enjoy marine sports comfortably, be sure to check in advance where the toilets and where and how to change clothes are located. If you have requested a tour with a guide who speaks Japanese, it is best to check with the guide.
If you want to enjoy marine sports in Cebu, we recommend the private tour “Cebu Pre” which is limited to one group!
Our website, Cebupre, is a recommended tour company for those who want to enjoy marine sports in Cebu.
“Cebupre” is a company located in Cebu Island that offers cheap private tours for one group only. Each group is provided with a dedicated guide (Japanese-speaking, female) and a private vehicle (with driver).
We will explain why we recommend “Cebupre” to those who want to enjoy marine sports in Cebu.
This is a private tour limited to one group, so you can enjoy yourself without worrying about time!
“Cebu Pre” is a private tour limited to one group, unlike typical group tours.
You don’t have to worry about other tour participants or bus times. You can also ask your guide for advice on things like using the restroom, stopping by a nearby spot, or finding out about recommended photo spots or snorkeling spots.
Take advantage of the benefits of a private charter and enjoy marine sports in Cebu.
We can help you with your photography!
With the “Cebu Pre” plan, a dedicated guide will assist you with photography.
For example, when you are enjoying marine sports to your heart’s content, it is easy to neglect taking photos, and in order to capture yourself in a photo, you need to prepare a selfie stick or other equipment. As a result, it is not uncommon that you are unable to capture the scenery or fun memories in photos.
Another advantage of “Cebupre” is that the dedicated guides are local staff and are very familiar with the best photo spots. In addition, we also offer the option to rent out an underwater camera, GoPro, for an additional fee (800 pesos = approx. 1,700 yen).
The lowest tour prices available!
Another attractive feature of “CebuPre” is its low prices.
Even though it is a private tour limited to one group, we offer tour plans at prices much lower than the market rate for group tours. Some plans are even available for less than 10,000 yen per day.
For most plans of “Cebu Pre”, snorkeling is included as a standard set. In other words, the snorkeling activity fee and rental fee for snorkels and fins are included in the tour plan. However, if you want to try marine sports such as water jets or parasailing, they are set as separate paid options.
・Parasailing from 2,200 pesos (from about 5,665 yen)
・Banana boat from 2,500 pesos (from about 6,437 yen)
・Jet ski from 2,500 pesos (from about 6,437 yen)
Summary
Marine sports are one of the most popular ways to enjoy Cebu Island.
Of course, snorkeling with whale sharks is synonymous with traveling to Cebu, but there are many other ways to enjoy yourself, including scuba diving (qualification required), banana boat riding, and jet skiing.
This time, we will introduce the marine sports that you can enjoy in Cebu and the spots where you can enjoy them, so if you are interested, please try out various marine sports.
For travel to Cebu, we recommend “Cebu Pre,” the cheapest private tour for one group only. It’s cheaper than a group tour, and you can enjoy a carefree trip with a dedicated guide and driver.