Snorkeling at San Vicente with speed boat

Planning a trip to Cebu and looking for an activity that combines adventure, education, and stunning scenery? A snorkeling tour at San Vicente, with a speed boat ride to Nalusuan Island, might just be what you need. This experience promises a quick yet immersive escape into Cebu’s vibrant marine world, perfect for families, solo travelers, or groups wanting a taste of island hopping without the fuss.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the speed boat ride offers a swift, adrenaline-pumping journey across the Cebu Strait. Second, the marine sanctuary on Nalusuan Island is packed with colorful corals and fascinating sea creatures. Lastly, the friendly guides and well-maintained equipment ensure both safety and enjoyment. The only real consideration? With a duration of just around 2 hours, it’s a fleeting glimpse of underwater magic—if you’re after a more extended or in-depth dive, this might not be enough.

This tour suits those who crave an efficient, well-organized snorkeling experience with an authentic touch. If you love marine life, enjoy quick island escapes, and appreciate knowledgeable guides, you’ll likely find this adventure well worth the price.

Key Points

• Fast and fun: Speed boat ride makes the journey exciting and efficient.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, with equipment, life jackets, and educational opportunities.
• Marine diversity: Encounter crabs, giant clams, sea snakes, and more in a protected sanctuary.
• Inclusive amenities: Equipment, towels, bottled water, and taxes are covered.
• Additional costs: Expect to pay extra for lunch, environment fee, and possibly alcohol.
• Authentic experience: Guides like Lalaina and Jonathan enhance the journey with local knowledge and helpfulness.

The Itinerary: What to Expect on Your Snorkeling Adventure

Starting Point and Transportation

Your journey begins at Scotty’s Action Sports Network, located at Shangri-La’s Resort on Punta Engaño Road on Mactan Island. From here, you’ll hop aboard a speed boat—a highlight for many travelers who find the short 20 to 40-minute ride invigorating. The boat’s speed not only cuts travel time but also adds an element of excitement as you zip across the water with breeze in your hair.

The Marine Sanctuary at Nalusuan Island

Once you arrive at Nalusuan Island, you’ll step into a marine sanctuary that’s been carefully maintained and protected. The island itself is a man-made resort, but the underwater environment is entirely natural and teeming with marine life. The coral beds are vibrant, and the variety of species—ranging from starfish and sea urchins to moray eels and stingrays—provides endless opportunities for underwater discovery.

Travelers like the reviewer who said, “Snorkeling was great—I’m so glad I went,” find this part of the tour to be a highlight. The water clarity usually makes for excellent visibility, so even novice snorkelers can enjoy the sights.

Snorkeling Experience

Snorkeling involves wearing a life jacket and using provided equipment—mask, snorkel, fins—so you’re ready for underwater exploration. Reviewers have praised the guides, especially Lalaina, who brought fish food along to attract marine creatures and offered helpful tips on how to best observe the fish and corals.

Expect to see a variety of marine life—crabs scuttling over the rocks, giant clams opening and closing, and perhaps even a shy sea snake gliding past. Many comment on the visual richness, with one reviewer mentioning having “magnificent dive sites and lots of opportunities to explore.” It’s a safe environment suitable for all ages and swimming abilities, making it an ideal family outing or beginner adventure.

Post-snorkeling and Additional Costs

The tour includes bottled water and a towel—helpful for freshening up afterward. Keep in mind, lunch is not included but can be ordered at the restaurant, with payment made directly there. The environment fee of 100 pesos is an extra expense, but it contributes to maintaining this beautiful sanctuary.

If you’re interested in bringing home photos, remember to bring a waterproof camera, as many travelers love capturing their underwater encounters. As one review noted, guides like Jonathan and Larry are happy to help by taking pictures, making it easier to relive those moments.

Ending the Tour

The activity concludes back at the original meeting point, giving you a comfortable, stress-free experience. The entire process—from pickup to return—is streamlined, maximizing your limited time while ensuring safety and enjoyment.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

Value for Money

At $105 per person, this tour offers a compact yet immersive experience. With included gear, water, and towels, it’s a straightforward, fuss-free option. The short duration means you can fit it into a busy Cebu itinerary without sacrificing other activities.

Authentic Marine Encounter

Beyond the typical tourist spots, this tour allows you to see rare species and vibrant corals in a protected environment. The presence of knowledgeable guides enhances the experience, making it educational as well as fun. The reviews praise Lalaina’s fish food approach and the helpfulness of capatins like Jonathan and Larry, adding a personal touch that many travelers appreciate.

Family and Beginner Friendly

Snorkeling in shallow, calm waters makes this accessible for kids and beginners. The safety equipment and attentive guides help ensure everyone feels comfortable exploring the underwater world.

Ideal for Island Hoppers and Nature Lovers

Since it’s part of a larger Cebu island-hopping scene, you might find this tour complements other excursions. Whether you’re looking for a quick nature fix or a family day out, it’s a flexible choice.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

While the experience is largely positive, one thing to keep in mind is the short duration—about 2 hours. If you’re eager for a more extensive underwater experience, you might want to add extra days or consider other diving options. Also, the extra costs for lunch and environment fees mean that your total expense might be higher than the base price.

Weather conditions can affect the tour—if the weather turns poor, the activity could be canceled, with options for rescheduling or full refunds.

Final Thoughts: Is This Snorkeling Tour for You?

This snorkeling adventure at San Vicente offers a quick, affordable, and authentic glimpse into Cebu’s underwater world. You’ll love the way the guides enhance the experience with their friendly, knowledgeable approach and how the shallow waters open up a colorful universe of marine life.

It’s perfect for travelers who want a family-friendly activity that combines ease and excitement. If you’re after a short but memorable outdoor experience with beautiful coral reefs and friendly guides, this tour is a solid choice.

However, if your schedule allows for longer or more in-depth underwater exploration, you might want to consider other options. But for those on a time crunch or seeking a stress-free introduction to snorkeling, this tour hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour provides snorkeling equipment, life jackets, bottled water, towels, and all taxes/fees. The meeting point is at Scotty’s Action Sports Network on Mactan Island, and the activity lasts about 2 hours.

How long is the boat ride?
The speed boat ride to Nalusuan Island lasts between 20 to 40 minutes, making it a quick and exciting start to your snorkeling adventure.

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
Not at all. The equipment and calm waters make it suitable for beginners and children, with guides like Lalaina offering helpful tips and fish food to attract marine life.

What about lunch options?
Lunch is not included in the price; you can pre-order a set meal or pay at the restaurant after you arrive. Additional costs include an environment fee of 100 pesos.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes. It’s designed to be safe and educational for all ages, with shallow waters and well-trained guides ensuring a comfortable experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather to operate. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are group sizes large?
The tour can accommodate up to 50 travelers, but most groups are smaller, ensuring a more personalized experience.

To sum it up, this snorkeling tour at San Vicente with a speed boat to Nalusuan Island offers a quick, well-organized introduction to Cebu’s marine world. It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a family-friendly, authentic, and reasonably priced adventure that delivers colorful corals, lively sea creatures, and friendly guides—all in just a couple of hours. Perfect for island hoppers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to dip their toes into Cebu’s underwater paradise without a long commitment.