If you’re looking for a balanced blend of adventure, stunning scenery, and authentic Filipino hospitality, this island-hopping tour from Cebu offers a compelling package. For around $109 per person, you’ll spend roughly 7 hours exploring three of Cebu’s most popular islands, each with its own unique charm. The tour includes snorkeling, relaxing on white sandy beaches, and a delicious Filipino-style BBQ lunch aboard the boat.

What stands out for us? First, the diverse experiences across different islands—from snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life to strolling on peaceful beaches. Second, the knowledgeable guides, who make the trip both fun and informative, ensuring you get the most out of every stop. Of course, a potential consideration is the early pickup and long day of travel, which may not suit everyone seeking a more leisurely pace.

This tour is best suited for active travelers who enjoy water activities and want to see Cebu’s marine biodiversity without the hassle of organizing their own transportation. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with family or friends and prefer a group experience that combines sightseeing, snorkeling, and cultural highlights in one day.

Key Points

Diverse island visits: Nalusuan, Hilutungan, and Caohagan offer different scenic and recreational opportunities.
Full-day experience: Approximately 7 hours of island hopping, snorkeling, and relaxing.
Authentic Filipino lunch: Enjoy a BBQ meal on the boat with a breeze and views.
Guided adventure: Certified guides provide insights and assistance, making the experience smooth.
Excellent reviews: Consistently high ratings, with travelers praising the guides, scenery, and value.
Group size: Limited to 12 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at Cebu’s Island Hopping Tour

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Why Choose This Tour?

This trip captures the essence of Cebu’s coastal beauty. It’s designed for travelers who want to experience the islands’ natural wonders without the stress of planning. The cost of $109 encompasses transport, admission fees, snorkeling gear, lunch, and insurance, which makes it a good value for such a packed day.

The small group size (up to 12 people) helps keep the experience intimate and friendly. We found that the certified guides—like Mae, praised for her warmth and detailed explanations—make a real difference, turning a simple boat ride into a memorable adventure.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Transfer

The day begins with hotel pickup between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m., with the exact time communicated the day before. You’ll travel by van for about an hour, then switch to a water taxi or similar craft for approximately 30 minutes to reach your first island.

This early start means you beat some crowds, especially at Nalusuan, and get to enjoy the marine life with fewer visitors around. The transportation arrangements are well-organized, ensuring a smooth ride from start to finish.

Visit Gilutongan Marine Sanctuary

Your first stop is the Gilutongan Marine Sanctuary—a place renowned for its outstanding water clarity and variety of marine species. Expect to snorkel amidst vibrant coral reefs and schools of fish, with a chance to spot some of Cebu’s abundant marine life. The reviews highlight that this part of the tour offers “incredible snorkeling” and a chance to see “stunning reef and marine life.”

While the sanctuary itself is modest in size, its real strength lies in the richness of the underwater world and the peaceful setting. We loved how the guides help ensure everyone feels comfortable, especially if you’re new to snorkeling.

Nalusuan Island: Beach and Marine Fun

Next, you’ll visit Nalusuan Island, a tiny yet picturesque spot with a long pier leading over emerald green water and a pristine white sand beach. Here, you can relax or splash around, with plenty of time—about 1.5 hours—to snorkel, walk, or take photos. Travelers mention the “beautiful ocean and white sands,” making it an ideal place for leisurely exploration.

The island’s small size feels cozy rather than crowded, thanks to the early departure. We particularly appreciated the opportunity to snorkel directly from the beach, spotting colorful fish swimming close to the shore. The reviews point out that the “long pier and scenic views” make for excellent photo opportunities.

Caohagan Island: Cultural and Culinary Highlights

The final stop is Caohagan Island, known as an island of “abundance and nothingness”—a peaceful spot where you can explore freely or simply unwind. This is a great chance to see local life, interact with islanders, and enjoy freshly caught seafood prepared on the spot.

Some travelers rave about the fresh seafood—caught locally and cooked by islanders—making this a culinary treat. You might also enjoy the scenic views and the relaxed atmosphere. The 1.5-hour visit is enough to soak in the island’s charm and take some memorable photos.

Snorkeling and Marine Life

Across all stops, snorkeling is a highlight. The water’s clarity and vibrant fish populations are frequently praised, with reviews like “the snorkel is incredible” and “you can see so many fish while snorkeling.” The snorkeling gear is included, and guides assist beginners, making it accessible for all skill levels.

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Lunch with a Sea Breeze

A standout feature of this tour is the Filipino-style BBQ lunch on the boat. Instead of a land-based restaurant, you’ll dine aboard with a breeze and scenic views of the ocean. The reviews emphasize the quality and abundance of the food, with some calling it “excellent” and highlighting the variety of fresh seafood.

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The Return Journey

After exploring Caohagan, you’ll transfer back via boat and van, arriving back at your hotel around around 3 or 4 p.m. This full day ensures plenty of time to enjoy each island without feeling rushed—though the early start and busy schedule could be tiring for some.

What Travelers Love

Many reviews reflect high satisfaction, especially praising guides like Mae for her friendliness, knowledge, and helpfulness. Travelers also mention “beautiful reefs,” “professional and friendly staff,” and “great value for money.”

One reviewer shared how the early start and careful planning allowed them to miss most of the crowds, making the experience more intimate. The small group setting helps everyone feel involved and well cared for.

Considerations

The main thing to keep in mind is the early pickup and the long day of travel—not ideal if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are traveling with very young children or those with limited energy. Also, the boat ride on an older vessel was described as noisy by some, which could affect sensitive ears or those seeking a quieter experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re an adventurous traveler eager to snorkel with colorful fish and explore multiple islands in a day, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. It’s also perfect if you appreciate authentic local experiences, like sharing a Filipino BBQ among island scenery. Families and small groups looking for a well-organized, value-packed trip will appreciate the small group size and friendly guides.

However, those who seek leisurely, slow-paced beach days might find the schedule a bit packed. Plus, if you’re not comfortable in the water or prefer less travel, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

This island-hopping tour around Cebu offers a well-rounded experience—combining marine adventure, stunning scenery, and local flavor—at a reasonable price. You’ll visit three diverse islands, snorkel among vibrant fish, and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch amid friendly guides.

The high praise from past travelers underscores how much they valued the guides’ professionalism, the beauty of the marine life, and the authenticity of the experience. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a full day of adventure, nature, and culture without breaking the bank.

If you’re seeking a memorable, active day trip that captures the best of Cebu’s islands, this trip ticks many boxes. Just remember to bring your swimwear, change of clothes, and an appetite for fresh seafood and fun.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, a Filipino BBQ lunch on the boat, entrance fees to the islands and marine reserve, bottled water, towel rental, and travel accident insurance.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, starting early in the morning and returning by late afternoon.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, but it’s not recommended for people with heart problems, wheelchairs, epilepsy, or high blood pressure. Participants under 76 also need to provide their details for insurance, but those over that age may need to purchase additional coverage.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, sandals, and perhaps a hat or sunscreen. If you want to capture your underwater moments, request a GoPro rental when booking.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 2 days before for a full refund. Just be sure to notify the operator in advance.

Is the lunch suitable for specific dietary needs?
If you have food allergies or restrictions, inform the organizer at least 2 days prior so they can accommodate your needs.

In the end, this Cebu island-hopping tour offers a lively, authentic, and budget-friendly way to experience the natural beauty and local life of the Philippines. Whether snorkeling in crystal-clear waters or relaxing on quiet beaches, you’ll leave with plenty of memories—and probably some great photos too.

You can check availability for your dates here: