Private Island Hopping in Nasuluan, Hiltotongan and Caohngan

Exploring Cebu’s Islands: A Practical Review of the Private Island Hopping Tour in Nasuluan, Hilutongan, and Caohagan

When we think of Cebu, what often comes to mind are its vibrant city life, historical sites, and stunning beaches. But if you’re craving a day of island-hopping that combines crystal-clear waters, colorful marine life, and peaceful beaches, this private tour is worth considering. For $137 per person, you get around 8 hours of exploring three scenic islands—Nalusuan, Hilutongan, and Caohagan—each offering snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on pristine sands.

What we love most about this experience is the personalized boat ride, which gives you a sense of intimacy and flexibility that group tours often lack. Plus, the delicious onboard lunch with panoramic views hits the right spot after a morning of swimming and sunbathing. Another highlight is how the guides share insights into the islands’ ecosystems and history, making the trip educational as well as fun.

A key consideration is that the tour’s reviews are mixed, with some travelers experiencing issues like poor communication or cleanliness. If you’re expecting a luxurious or perfectly organized outing, this might not be your ideal choice. However, for adventurous travelers who value authentic experiences and don’t mind minor hiccups, this tour offers a solid way to enjoy Cebu’s marine beauty.

This tour suits families, couples, and groups of friends eager for a private, flexible, day out on the water. If you’re okay with the possibility of uneven service—as some reviews suggest—then you’ll probably find this trip a rewarding way to see some of Cebu’s best islands.

Key Points

• Private, flexible boat experience offers personalized time at each island.
• Includes snorkeling gear and a delicious onboard lunch with scenic views.
• Visit three islands—Nalusuan, Hilutongan, and Caohagan—each with unique marine ecosystems and beaches.
• Multiple reviews highlight stunning views and friendly guides, but some mention issues with food and organization.
• Ideal for families, couples, and friends seeking an authentic, less commercialized island adventure.
• Weather dependency means the trip could be affected by rain or strong winds, so check the forecast.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

The tour kicks off with a 30-minute hotel pickup—a convenient start that ensures you’ll be on time without the hassle of searching for a meeting point. From there, you head to the Mactan Island pier, where your private boat awaits. The boat ride to Hilutongan Island takes approximately 30 minutes. The promise of privacy and flexibility is a major plus here; you’re not sharing a crowded boat with strangers, giving you room to relax or take photos as you wish.

Hilutongan Island

Your first stop is Hilutongan Island, a well-loved spot for snorkeling. The island is known for vibrant coral reefs and lively marine life, making it an ideal introduction to the day. You get about 1.5 hours here, plenty of time to float above reefs with provided high-quality snorkeling gear. The reviews speak well of the snorkeling—though one mentions that the heat can make it uncomfortable to stay out long, especially at the sandbar.

Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary

Next, you travel to Nalusuan Island, a marine sanctuary famous for its clear waters and abundant marine creatures. Here, you’ll spend around 1.5 hours snorkeling and swimming, exploring underwater worlds that are often described as colorful and lively. The admission tickets are included, so no surprises there. Reviewers have noted that guides are helpful, with one mentioning how they even assisted with underwater videos, adding a personal touch to the experience.

Caohagan Island

Then it’s time for a longer break—about 1 hour and a half to 2 hours—at Caohagan Island. This is the perfect chance to relax on the beach, explore the island’s small local community, or enjoy the delicious Filipino lunch served onboard. The meal is a highlight for many, with travelers praising the tasty local dishes amid scenic surroundings. Some reviews mention it being a bit “cold and stale,” but overall the consensus leans toward satisfying local fare.

Return to Nalusuan & Final Snorkeling

In the late afternoon, you return to Hilutongan Island for a second snorkeling session of about 1.5 hours. This repetition allows you to revisit marine life or explore new spots, and some travelers appreciate the additional time in the water after a relaxing lunch. The boat then heads back to Mactan Island, with a 30-minute ride, wrapping up your day.

End of Tour

Finally, you’re transferred back to your hotel, completing a full, varied day of marine adventures and beach relaxation.

What We Think About the Experience

The value of this tour hinges on the personal experience you’re seeking. The private boat is a real advantage—it allows you to customize your pace and enjoy a more intimate outing. The snorkeling gear and included entry tickets mean you won’t need to worry about extra costs or equipment rentals, which simplifies planning.

The journey’s highlights are the beautiful reefs, the laid-back beaches, and the onboard lunch with sea views. These are what make the tour memorable. However, some travelers have expressed dissatisfaction with the food quality and overall organization, citing issues like cold meals or the tour operator “forgetting” them. It’s worth noting that these negative reviews are in contrast to others who found guides friendly and helpful.

Another factor to consider is the weather dependency—Cebu’s climate can be unpredictable, and rough seas or rain might affect your plans or snorkeling experience. The tour’s schedule is designed to fit in ample time at each island, but weather could cause delays or shorten certain stops.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

If you’re someone who values privacy and flexibility, and you’re comfortable with minor inconveniences, this tour can be a rewarding way to see Cebu’s islands. It’s especially suited for families or small groups who want a customized, intimate experience rather than a large, crowded tour.

Those looking for luxury or highly organized trips might find this experience lacking, given the mixed reviews about cleanliness and food. But if you’re open to authentic, slightly rustic adventures, you’ll probably find plenty to enjoy.

Final Thoughts on Value and Experience

This private island hopping tour offers a charming way to explore Cebu’s marine environments without feeling like you’re part of a herd. The personal boat, high-quality snorkeling gear, and delicious onboard lunch give you a complete package that combines activity with relaxation.

The cost of $137 is reasonable for a full-day private experience, especially considering the inclusion of all entry tickets, equipment, and transfers. However, the mixed reviews suggest that you should go in with flexible expectations—be prepared for the possibility of organizational hiccups or minor discomforts.

For travelers craving less touristy beaches, vibrant reefs, and a chance to relax on quiet sands, this tour can be a great option. Just remember that it’s best suited for those who can overlook some imperfections and focus on the natural beauty and personal feel of the day.

FAQ

• What islands will I visit on this tour?
  You’ll visit Nalusuan, Hilutongan, and Caohagan Islands, each offering snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing opportunities.

• How long do we spend at each island?
  Expect around 30 minutes at Mactan Island, 1.5 hours at Hilutongan, 1.5 hours at Nalusuan, up to 2 hours at Caohagan for lunch and free time, and another 1.5 hours for snorkeling at Hilutongan again.

• Is the snorkeling gear included?
  Yes, high-quality snorkeling gear is provided, so you don’t need to bring your own.

• What does the onboard lunch include?
  The tour offers a delicious local Filipino lunch served with scenic views. Some reviews find it tasty, but others mention it can be cold or stale.

• Can I cancel this tour?
  Yes, it has a free cancellation policy if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

• What time does the tour start?
  The tour begins at 8:00 am with hotel pickup, and the day ends approximately 8 hours later.

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  Yes, most travelers can participate, and the experience is family-friendly, especially with the calm waters and snorkeling.

• Are alcohol beverages allowed?
  Alcoholic beverages are at your discretion, but not included in the package.

• How do weather conditions affect the tour?
  Since the experience depends on good weather, poor conditions could cause cancellations or schedule adjustments.

• What is the group size?
  This is a private tour, so only your group will participate, providing a more tailored experience.

To sum it up, this private island-hopping tour in Cebu offers an authentic and flexible way to enjoy some of the most beautiful marine environments in the Philippines. While it might not be perfect, its personalized nature, combined with scenic views, snorkeling, and local food, makes it a worthwhile choice for those eager to explore Cebu’s waters in a relaxed, less commercialized way. If you’re seeking a memorable adventure with the right mix of activity and tranquility, this could be just the right trip.