Snorkeling is a popular marine sport that can be easily enjoyed by anyone, from children to seniors, without any licenses or qualifications!
Cebu Island in the Philippines is surrounded by beautiful seas and dotted with many great spots, making it a great snorkeling spot that can be enjoyed by beginners and enthusiasts alike. Even if you are not a good swimmer, you will be sure to be captivated by the spectacular sight of creatures that you have only seen on TV or at the aquarium.
This time, we will introduce why Cebu is a popular snorkeling spot, and then introduce four snorkeling spots.
We will also introduce local private tour companies that offer cheap and safe snorkeling so that beginners in particular can enjoy snorkeling to the fullest.
Cebu is a great snorkeling spot all year round!
Cebu Island is known worldwide as a great spot for marine sports. In particular, there are many snorkeling spots in various parts of Cebu Island, and snorkeling is popular not only with backpackers (travelers who travel independently outside the country on a budget) but also with people trying marine sports for the first time.
Why Cebu is perfect for snorkeling
Cebu has the perfect environment and conditions. This province is also renowned for its exceptional snorkeling opportunities We will introduce the best spots in Cebu for snorkeling.
- Highly transparent sea
The transparency of the seawater is very important to see the many tropical fish and beautiful coral reefs. Many areas of the sea around Cebu are designated as marine protected areas, and you can enjoy watching schools of fish swimming in the crystal clear seawater, just like in an aquarium.
- Calm waves
The waters around Cebu Island are calm all year round (except during typhoon season), so even those who are not good at swimming, are not confident in their physical strength, or are not used to snorkeling can enjoy it safely.
- Warm climate throughout the year
Cebu Island has a warm climate with an average maximum temperature exceeding 27°C throughout the year. In addition, there is no period of concentrated rainfall such as a rainy season, so you can enjoy snorkeling all year round.
Cebu is known for its famous beautiful beaches, each offering a unique experience
The beach has been developed as a tourist destination (you can enjoy snorkeling from the beach without having to go out to sea by boat)
Many of the beaches on Cebu Island are popular tourist destinations. The most popular spots have souvenir shops, restaurants, snorkeling equipment rental shops, toilets, and changing spaces. The well-equipped environment makes it easy to enjoy snorkeling.
*However, local businesses and shops do not speak Japanese. Also, they may charge tourists more than the market rate, so if you are not used to traveling abroad, it is better to book a tour with a Japanese-speaking guide so that you can enjoy snorkeling with peace of mind.
・A good distance from Japan
It takes about 5 hours to get to Cebu by direct flight from Japan. Also, if you fly out of season and use budget airlines, the round trip fare can be kept to about 20,000 to 50,000 yen. Another attraction of Cebu is the easy access from Japan.
・Meet marine creatures unique to Cebu (whale sharks and sea turtles)!
One of the best parts of snorkeling is encountering unusual sea creatures, including colorful corals, whale sharks, sea turtles and clownfish, all up close.
[Introducing a cheap tour where you can meet whale sharks and sea turtles]
- “Whale shark and snorkeling + Kawasan Falls tour” 8,200 yen/person
- “Snorkeling with Sea Turtles + Moalboal & White Beach Tour” 8,800 yen/person
- “Whale shark snorkeling + Sumilon Island & Tumalog Falls Tour” 6,900 yen/person
What you need to prepare for snorkeling in Cebu
Preparing for snorkeling in Cebu involves several practical steps to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some things you need to prepare for snorkeling in Cebu.
What you need to go snorkeling
To enjoy snorkeling, you only need three items: a mask, a snorkel, and fins. You can bring these items from Japan, but it is more common to purchase them locally.
There are several ways to source locally:
- The most reliable and safe way to apply for a tour that includes snorkeling equipment
is to apply for a tour. Many tours can be applied for from within Japan, so if you make sure to get your equipment when you make your snorkeling reservation, you won’t have to worry about missing any arrangements. - Apply for a hotel day use plan
A hotel day use plan is a plan for day-trip tourists. In addition to being able to use the hotel’s various facilities, it may also include activities such as snorkeling equipment and boat rentals. If you apply for a day use plan directly on-site, you will need to apply in the local language or English as Japanese is not spoken.
The benefits include a variety of perks, including access to snorkeling equipment, lunch, toilets, changing rooms, the pool, and other activities.
- Ask a local rental company
Local rental companies also require negotiations in the local language or English. They usually charge higher prices, so negotiations are essential if you want to use the equipment at a cheaper price.
Conditions for enjoying snorkeling
Snorkeling can be enjoyed by anyone, from children to seniors. Even if you are not good at swimming, there is no need to worry as you can enjoy it safely by wearing a life jacket.
However, please note that pregnant women and preschool children cannot sign up for snorkeling.
The specific conditions are often set by tour companies, but generally speaking, it is popular with a wide range of people, regardless of age or gender.
The minimum techniques you need to know to enjoy snorkeling
Snorkeling in Cebu is an activity that even beginners can enjoy easily and safely and to ensure a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience, it’s important to master some basic techniques and skills. Here’s a guide to the minimum techniques you need to know:
How to Use Your Snorkel Gear
Snorkel:
- Breathing: Breathe slowly and deeply through your mouth, not your nose. The snorkel allows you to breathe while your face is submerged.
- Clearing Water: If water enters your snorkel, use a forceful exhalation to expel it. Most snorkels have a purge valve at the bottom that makes this easier.
- Positioning: Keep the snorkel above the water’s surface while swimming. If the snorkel dips below, it may fill with water.
Mask:
- Fitting: Adjust the straps so the mask fits snugly but comfortably on your face. Avoid over-tightening, which can cause discomfort and leave marks.
- Clearing Water: If water gets inside the mask, tilt your head back and use your finger to lift the bottom of the mask while exhaling gently through your nose to clear the water.
Until:
- Wearing: Ensure fins fit comfortably and are secure but not too tight. The fins should allow for easy movement without causing blisters.
- Swimming: Use a gentle, steady kick to propel yourself through the water. Avoid excessive splashing, which can tire you out quickly.
Buoyancy and Floating
- Adjusting Buoyancy: If you need additional flotation, consider using a life jacket or buoyancy aid. These are particularly useful for beginners or those who are less confident in the water.
- Floating: Relax and use a back float to stay calm and conserve energy when you’re not actively swimming.
Entering and Exiting the Water
- Entering:
- From a Boat: Sit on the edge and slide gently into the water. If using a ladder, descend slowly and carefully.
- From the Shore: Walk into the water gradually until it’s deep enough to float. Avoid running or jumping into the water, as it can disturb marine life and cause injuries.
- Exiting:
- From a Boat: Use the ladder or handrails to pull yourself out of the water, keeping your gear secure.
- From the Shore: Walk out slowly, ensuring you’re in an area free of sharp objects and marine life.
Swimming Techniques
- Breaststroke: This is a common technique for snorkeling, as it’s easy and allows you to keep your face in the water. Keep your arms and legs moving in a coordinated manner to maintain a steady pace.
- Flutter Kick: Use a gentle, alternating kick with your legs to propel yourself forward. Avoid kicking too hard, which can tire you out quickly and create unnecessary splashing.
Navigating and Awareness
- Orientation: Stay oriented to your entry point to avoid getting lost. Keep an eye on landmarks or use a buddy system if snorkeling in a group.
- Marine Life: Observe marine life from a distance. Avoid touching or disturbing animals and coral reefs, as they can be delicate and sensitive.
Handling Emergencies
- Signal for Help: If you need assistance, use a distress signal, such as raising one arm above your head or using a whistle if you have one.
- Self-Rescue: If you get tired or disoriented, float on your back to rest and regain composure. Use your fins to gently paddle back to your entry point or to a safe area.
Basic Safety Guidelines
- Buddy System: Snorkel with a buddy whenever possible for added safety. Keep an eye on each other and stay within sight.
- Weather Conditions: Check weather and sea conditions before snorkeling. Avoid going out in rough seas or poor visibility.
- Hydration and Rest: Stay hydrated and avoid snorkeling if you’re feeling unwell or overly fatigued.
Mastering these basic techniques will help you enjoy snorkeling safely and make the most of your underwater adventure. With practice and familiarity, you’ll gain confidence and be able to focus on the amazing marine life and underwater beauty.
4 stunning snorkeling spots in Cebu!
Cebu is home to some of the most stunning snorkeling spots in the Philippines, each offering unique marine experiences. Here are 4 recommended scenic spots for snorkeling in Cebu that you shouldn’t miss:
Oslob
Oslob is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Cebu. The biggest attraction of Oslob is the chance to encounter whale sharks (encounter rate 99%). Sometimes you may be lucky enough to see several whale sharks at the same time. Whale sharks only appear in the morning, so if you want to enjoy snorkeling with whale sharks, schedule your trip to arrive at Oslob in the morning. It takes about three hours by bus from Cebu City to Oslob.
[Introducing whale shark and snorkeling tours in Oslob]
- “Whale shark and snorkeling + Kawasan Falls canyoning & beach tour”
- “Swim with whale sharks and sea turtles + Moalboal & White Beach Tour”
- “Whale shark snorkeling + Aguinid Falls & Sumilon Island tour”
- “Whale shark snorkeling + Sumilon Island & Tumalog Falls Tour”
Moalboal
Moalboal is one of the tourist spots that can be enjoyed on a day trip from Cebu City. Moalboal is located in the southwest of Cebu Island, about a three-hour bus ride from Cebu City. Moalboal has two beaches (Panagsama Beach and White Beach) that have different ways of enjoying themselves, but White Beach is particularly famous as a snorkeling spot.
There are various spots in White Beach, and the creatures you can see vary depending on the spot. There are various popular spots such as White Beach, where you can see a tornado of tens of thousands of sardines, Marine Sanctuary, where you can see stag beetles, Bogo Paraiso, where you can see rare gobies, and Pescador Island, where whale sharks appear.
[Introducing snorkeling tours in Moalboal]
- “Snorkeling with sea turtles + Moalboal & Kawasan Falls tour”
- “Snorkeling with Sea Turtles + Moalboal & White Beach Tour”
- “Swim with whale sharks and sea turtles + Moalboal & White Beach Tour”
Hilutungan Island
Hilutungan Island is a remote island located just 20 minutes by boat from Mactan Island, where many accommodations are located in Cebu City. It is known as “Cebu’s best snorkeling spot” due to the beauty of its crystal clear seawater. The main attraction of Hilutungan Island is the clarity of the water and the large variety of creatures that can be seen, such as clownfish, schools of giant trevally and swallowtail fish.
[Snorkeling tour introduction to Hilutungan Island]
- “Island hopping to two islands (Hilutungan Island + Nalusuan Island)”
- “Island hopping 3 islands (Pandanon Island + Nalusuan Island + Hilutungan Island)”
Nalusuan Island
Nalusuan Island remains a charming and tranquil destination within the Philippines, offering visitors a slice of paradise with its stunning natural beauty and rich marine life. Given its status as a marine sanctuary, there are efforts to protect and preserve the coral reefs and marine biodiversity around Nalusuan Island. Conservation activities often involve local and international organizations focused on marine life protection. There is limited historical documentation specifically about Nalusuan Island. However, it is part of the Visayas region, which has a rich history of early trade and interactions with various cultures, including Chinese traders and Spanish colonizers and In recent decades, Nalusuan Island has gained popularity as a tourist destination. It has been developed with facilities catering to visitors, including resorts and restaurants. The island’s proximity to Cebu and Mactan makes it accessible for both local and international tourists.
There are few types of tropical fish, but they are fed, so there are many of them. The sea is just deep enough that you can touch the ground with your feet, so even beginners can snorkel with peace of mind.
[Nalusuan Island Snorkeling Tour Introduction]
- “Island Hopping 2 Islands (Hilutungan Island + Nalusuan Island)”
- “Island hopping 3 islands (Pandanon Island + Nalusuan Island + Hilutungan Island)”
“Cebu Premium” is a great way to enjoy snorkeling to the fullest
If you want to enjoy snorkeling, we recommend “Cebupre,” the cheapest private tour for one group only. Here are five recommended points.
Private tour from the hotel to the site!
“Cebu Pre” is a private tour limited to one group, with a private shuttle from the hotel to the site. Therefore, you can enjoy sightseeing to your heart’s content without worrying about meeting times.
Also, when dining out at restaurants in Cebu, food tends to be served slowly (the average time from ordering to food being served is 30-60 minutes). With “CebuPre,” a dedicated guide will wait for the food on your behalf, so you can enjoy snorkeling or other activities while you wait for the food.
Security and restroom/changing facilities are also available
Cebu has a worse security situation than Japan, so pickpocketing and snatch thefts are frequent.
CebuPre provides a private tour with one guide per group, so you can enjoy sightseeing and activities with peace of mind. The support of a guide is especially reassuring when you are snorkeling, changing clothes, going to the toilet, or other times when you may lose consciousness of your valuables or have to take your eyes off them.
No need to go through the hassle of negotiating with local vendors
If you ask a local company to arrange snorkeling, you will have to communicate in English or the local language because they do not speak Japanese. In that case, you may be quoted a high price if you are a tourist, so you may need to negotiate the price.
CebuPre’s plans include snorkeling in the set. In addition, a local guide who speaks Japanese is included in the tour, so you can rely on them when you receive an explanation about snorkeling or when you have any questions.
Underwater camera GoPro available for rental
“Cebupre” offers the rental of underwater cameras such as GoPro.
Using a GoPro, you can take photos of yourself swimming with your favorite creatures, such as whale sharks, sea turtles, clownfish, and coral reefs.
Private tour at the lowest price in the industry
Even though “CebuPre” is a private tour for one group, it offers the lowest prices in the industry.
For example, we offer the following plans for snorkeling.
- “Swim with Whale Sharks and Sea Turtles + Moalboal & White Beach Tour” (From ￥8,800)
Enjoy snorkeling in Oslob and Moalboal, where you’ll have the chance to see schools of sardines.
- “Whale Shark Snorkeling + Sumilon Island & Kawasan Falls Tour” (From ￥9,800)
This is a snorkeling experience plan in Oslob, where you can see whale sharks, and Sumilon Island, where you can see various tropical fish such as clownfish. After snorkeling, you can enjoy activities such as canyoning at Kawasan Falls, one of the 100 waterfalls in the world.
- “Island hopping 3 islands Pandanon Island + Nalusuan Island + Hilutungan Island” (From 8,200 yen)
This plan allows you to enjoy snorkeling on three islands where you can enjoy island hopping. You can enjoy shoals of fish swimming in the emerald green sea at Nalusuan Island and Hilutungan Island, which are marine protected areas.
Summary
For those who want to enjoy marine sports, snorkeling in Cebu is highly recommended.
Snorkeling in Cebu, where there are many marine protected areas and the water is very clear, is an activity where you can see various creatures up close while feeling the beauty of the natural sea. There are many creatures that can only be seen on Cebu, such as whale sharks and sea turtles, and another big attraction is that even beginners to marine sports or those who are not good at swimming can easily enjoy it.
All four of the spots on Cebu Island introduced this time are easily accessible from Cebu City and offer the best snorkeling experience. Cebupre, a tour company that only offers one group of private tours, offers a variety of snorkeling plans at the lowest prices in the industry. They cover all four of the spots introduced this time.
If you are interested in snorkeling, please come to Cebu! If you want to enjoy snorkeling in Cebu safely and to the fullest, please contact Cebupre.