Cebu’s stunning island landscapes await adventurous travelers. This tour offers a chance to explore three distinct islands, each with its own allure. Snorkel through vibrant marine sanctuaries, relax on pristine beaches, and savor a delicious Filipino-style BBQ lunch aboard a boat. With a competitive price point and small group sizes, this experience promises personalized service and lasting memories in a tropical paradise. Discover the wonders that make this island-hopping adventure a must-do for visitors to Cebu.
Key Points
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A 7-hour island hopping tour from Cebu that visits Nalusuan, Hilutungan, and Caohagan islands with snorkeling, beach relaxation, and a Filipino-style BBQ lunch.
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The tour is priced at $115 per person with a 5% discount available and offers free cancellation up to 2 days prior to the tour.
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The tour includes hotel pickup, certified guides, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and transportation by van and boat throughout the day.
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Highlights include vibrant marine life at Hilutungan Island, relaxation on white sand beaches, and opportunities for scenic photography, especially at Nalusuan’s long pier.
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The tour is not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions and participants should bring appropriate attire and notify any dietary restrictions in advance.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour offers an island hopping experience to three popular destinations in Cebu – Nalusuan, Hilutungan, and Caohagan islands.
At 7 hours long, the tour costs $115 per person, but there’s a 5% discount available. Cancellation is free up to 2 days prior.
The small group is capped at 12 participants, with guides available in English and Japanese.
This budget-friendly tour provides excellent value, allowing travelers to explore vibrant marine life, relax on white sand beaches, and enjoy a Filipino-style BBQ lunch on the boat.
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Itinerary and Activities
The tour kicks off with hotel pickup between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m., allowing participants to be transported by van for about an hour to the departure point.
After a 30-minute boat ride, the group arrives at Hilutungan Island Marine Sanctuary, where they can:
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Snorkel and swim among the vibrant marine life.
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Relax on the white sandy beaches of Nalusuan Island for 1.5 hours.
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Visit Caohagan Island for a photo stop and more swimming before returning after 1.5 hours.
Throughout the day, a Filipino-style BBQ lunch is served on the boat.
Highlights and Experiences
Snorkeling in the vibrant marine life at Hilutungan Island Marine Sanctuary offers visitors a chance to enjoy the underwater wonders of Cebu. Guests can relax on the white sandy beaches of Caohagan Island, taking in the scenic views and snapping photos, especially at Nalusuan’s long pier. Fresh seafood prepared by local islanders is available for purchase on Caohagan Island, providing a delicious taste of the region. The tour also includes:
| Highlights | Experiences |
| — | — |
| Vibrant marine life | Relaxation on white sand beaches |
| Scenic photo opportunities | Fresh local seafood |
| Guided snorkeling | Island exploration |
Inclusions and Requirements
Although the tour includes a range of amenities like lunch, certified guides, hotel pickup and drop-off, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, travel accident insurance, entrance fees, bottled water, and towel rental, it’s not suitable for individuals with certain health conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure, or epilepsy, nor for wheelchair users.
Participants should:
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Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, and sandals.
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Inform about any food allergies or restrictions at least 2 days prior.
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Note that the cancellation policy allows for a full refund up to 2 days in advance.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
How do the island hopping tour’s customer reviews and ratings fare? Overwhelmingly positive, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 37 reviews.
Customers rave about the tour’s excellent guides, like Mae, who provide exceptional service. The beautiful beaches and clear ocean waters during snorkeling also earn high praise.
While the value for money is still strong at 4.1 out of 5, it’s the slightly lower score compared to the guide and transportation ratings.
Pickup and Transportation
The tour conveniently picks up guests from hotels in Cebu City and Mactan Island between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m.
This hour-long van transport gets you to the water transfer point efficiently. The water transport to the islands takes about 30 minutes, allowing you to start your snorkeling and swimming activities quickly.
With a small group size limited to 12 participants, the transportation ensures a personalized and comfortable experience throughout the day.
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Van pickup from hotels in Cebu City and Mactan Island
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30-minute water transfer to the islands
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Small group transportation for a personalized experience
Marine Sanctuary Exploration
After the quick transfers, guests can start their adventure by snorkeling through the vibrant Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary.
The marine sanctuary is home to a diverse array of colorful coral and tropical fish. Snorkelers can observe schools of clownfish, parrotfish, and other marine life up close.
The marine sanctuary is home to a diverse array of colorful coral and tropical fish, which snorkelers can observe up close.
The clear, shallow waters provide an ideal environment for exploring the underwater world. With the provided snorkeling equipment, guests can enjoy the sanctuary’s natural beauty and witness the thriving ecosystem firsthand.
This activity promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and marine life lovers alike.
Island Visits and Activities
Departing the vibrant marine sanctuary, the tour continues its island-hopping adventure.
After a short boat ride, the group first visits Nalusuan Island, where they can marvel at the long pier and take a refreshing swim in the azure waters.
Next, they head to Caohagan Island, known for its white sandy beaches and local seafood specialties. Participants can explore the island, snap photos, and savor a delicious Filipino-style BBQ lunch freshly prepared on the boat.
Finally, the tour wraps up with a visit to Caohagan for one last swim and photo opportunity before the return journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Possible to Visit the Islands on a Different Day?
Yes, the tour allows flexibility to visit the islands on a different day. Customers can contact the tour provider to reschedule the tour date as needed, subject to availability and any change fees.
Can We Bring Our Own Snorkeling Equipment?
Yes, participants can bring their own snorkeling equipment for the tour, which can help save on rental costs. However, the tour provides snorkeling gear for those who prefer to use the equipment included in the package.
Are There Any Dietary Options Available for Lunch?
Yes, the tour offers dietary options for lunch. Participants can inform the tour operator about any food allergies or restrictions at least 2 days prior to the tour, and the team will accommodate their needs.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Islands?
The best time to visit the islands is during the dry season from March to May when the weather is generally sunny and calm, making for ideal snorkeling conditions. Prices may be slightly higher during this peak travel period.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There’s no option to extend the tour duration beyond 7 hours. However, guests can customize the itinerary by requesting additional time at each island or adding a fourth island for an extra fee.
The Sum Up
This island hopping tour from Cebu offers an unbeatable day of adventure and relaxation. With snorkeling in marine sanctuaries, lounging on pristine beaches, and a delicious Filipino BBQ lunch, it’s a fantastic value at just $109 per person. Small group sizes and personalized service ensure an unforgettable experience in this tropical paradise.
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