Check off island hopping from your bucket list on your next trip! Mactan, Moalboal, and Daanbantayan are three popular spots for island hopping in Cebu. Each of these areas has beautiful, smaller islands that are waiting to be explored. Every island is characterized by its own features, like rich marine biodiversity, diving spots, cave exploring, snorkeling, and many more.

From the planning stage to the trip itself, what are the things you should know? Here are some tourist-friendly tips to keep in mind when going on a Cebu hopping tour.

13 Useful Tips for a Hassle-Free Island Hopping in Cebu

• Plan your trip during the dry season.

It’s always best to visit top Cebu island hopping destinations during the dry season, which is around December to May. The volume of visitors increases during the weekends and holidays, so try to pack some visits during the weekdays instead. Start your activities early in the morning, when beaches and tourist spots are less crowded, and you can get a better, more intimate experience while exploring.

SuperCat has ferry schedules going to Cebu from Batangas and nearby Visayan provinces every day. Book with us for a worry-free trip to The Queen City of the South before your island hopping begins.

• Know your ports and jump-off points.

Each island and tour operator will have different jump-off points, or points of origin. For example, if you are visiting Carnaza Island, you must board the pump boat at Tapilon Port. For Bantayan Island, your starting point is at Hagnaya Port. D.I.Y travelers should research the correct port to avoid confusion and save time. Coordinate with your tour operator if you availed a tour package inclusive of island hopping Cebu.

• Set aside an emergency budget.

This is a must for every traveler. Although the province has upgraded its methods to accept digital payment, islands on a Cebu hopping tour still heavily rely on cash payment. Have some loose change and paper bills handy before your trip. Foreigners may be charged higher fees than locals, especially for environmental fees.

• Research reliable tour operators.

There are many local businesses offering day tour packages, but you must research these operators to check if they’re authorized or legitimate. Island hopping Cebu can get tricky and potential problems may arise along the way. Choose a trusted operator to ensure that your trip will be hassle-free.

Here are some of the trusted operators for island hopping Cebu:

• Ramirez Island Hopping and Tours (Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu)
• Blue Wave Island Adventures (Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu)
• Carnaza Island Tour and Accommodation (Carnaza Island, Daanbantayan, Cebu)
• Cebu Tours (Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu)

• Inquire about your package inclusions.

Tours can be D.I.Y. or provided by an operator. If you’re planning to book a packaged Cebu island hopping tour from an operator, ask them whether the following items and fees are included:

• Entrance fees: Some islands, attractions and tourist spots require visitors to pay an entrance fee.
• Environmental fees: This is required as certain islands in Cebu are home to marine and wildlife sanctuaries. Environmental fees are also used to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the island.
• Meals: There may not be food stalls or restaurants on some islands, so it’s advisable to bring your own snacks or meals. If your tour guide provides meals, inform them ahead if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Activity gears: For island tours that have activities like snorkeling or diving, ask if the necessary equipment is included for free or for rental. Otherwise, you might have to bring your own.
• Safety gears: Island excursions like cave visits may require special safety equipment besides those used during the boat ride.

• Bring extra batteries or a powerbank.

There is limited electricity on some islands and you won’t know until your guide tells you or until you get there. For example, Carnaza Island’s electricity only runs from 6 AM to 9 PM daily. Make sure your power bank is fully charged at the beginning of your tour.

• Protect yourself from the sun.

Joining a Cebu island hopping tour means basking in the heat of the sun. Bring protective gear such as a hat and sunglasses. A mini battery-operated fan or classic hand fan will help beat the hot weather. Lather on some sunscreen too, regardless if you have sensitive skin or not – prevention goes a long way!

• Bring your own food and drinks.

As mentioned above, some islands may not have food and drink stations readily available. Bringing your own snacks is the best option for those with dietary restrictions as well.

• Bring your own trash bag for proper waste disposal.

Island hopping in Cebu is an experience that will connect you with a lot of nature and marine wildlife. Be a responsible tourist and have your own bag to collect your trash until you return to the main island. Pocketing candy wrappers or tissues might be a small, easily dismissible thing, but it is an action that will keep Cebu’s islands clean and beautiful.

• Engage with the friendly locals.

It pays to be kind, especially the people who are making your trip possible! Cebuanos are accommodating and approachable. Ask them for the best spots and tips for making the most out of your stay! They know the place best after all. Who knows, you might make a few unforgettable memories with them, too.

• Expect mobile and data signals to be limited.

Aside from potential electricity problems, mobile and data signals may be limited during island hopping in Cebu. In case of emergency situations, coordinate a meeting place for your companions and listen to your tour guide for safety pointers.

• Inquire if your destinations are open to the public.

Islands might have private properties, especially if there are residential communities. Be mindful of where you trek to avoid potential trespassing.

• Bring medication and remedies for seasickness.

Seasickness is one of the things that could possibly ruin your trip. Bring your own medication and take preventive medicine before your trip. The trip can get pretty rocky at times, and there might not be a nearby pharmacy on some islands.

What are the best islands for a Cebu hopping tour?

Mactan

Mactan Island is the closest jump-off point for many smaller islands to the east if you are staying in Cebu City. Most Cebu hopping tour boats are stationed at Cordova RoRo Port, Angasil, and Hilton ports.

From here, you can reach islands with rich marine protected sanctuaries and rock formations, such as: Nalusuan, Hilutungan, Caohagan, Olango, Pandanon, Sulpa, and the Camotes Group of Islands.

Moalboal

A hot spot for tourism nowadays, Moalboal does not only boast scenic beaches, but also the stunning Pescador Island. This is home to vibrant coral reefs and marine life, which are being re-cultivated by the locals after being swept by typhoon Odette in 2021. Visitors can begin their Cebu hopping tour by hiring a boat from any point in Moalboal to Pescador.

Daanbantayan

The more tranquil and relaxing islands are located north of Cebu province. Head over to Hagnaya or Medellin Port (if you’re coming from Malapascua) to be taken to Bantayan / Virgin, Kinatarkan, and Hilantagaan Islands.

The jump-off point for Malapascua Island is Maya Port, while visitors of Carnaza and Manocmanoc Islands book a ride from Tapilon Port.

Planning the perfect summer island hopping requires a good amount of effort and eye for detail, but the most important thing is to choose the route that best suits your interests and capacity!

 

ALSO READ: Top 23 Beach Resorts in Cebu for All Types of Budget

 

Explore beyond the metro and gain a newfound appreciation for Cebu’s marine biodiversity by booking your ferry ride today! Check our schedule and rates bound for Cebu from nearby provinces and contact us today.