Island-hop from Mactan to Hilutungan, Nalusuan and Caohagan on a full-day boat tour that pairs top snorkeling with a beachside BBQ lunch. Expect reef dives, life jackets, and a relaxed island pace ideal for first-time snorkelers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step onto a polished wooden banca as dawn softens the skyline of Mactan. The engine hums, the sea breathes salt and heat, and the first reef shadows appear beneath clear water — a ribbon of color that dares you to snorkel in. Over the day you’ll slip between Hilutungan’s guarded reef, Nalusuan’s long jetty and the lazy shores of Caohagan, each island offering a different tempo: active snorkeling, hammock idling, and fresh seafood grilled over coals.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7–10 hours
Fitness Level
Basic fitness — able to get on/off a small boat, enter shallow water and float with a life jacket; short swims required for snorkeling.
Wildlife
History
These islands sit off Mactan, an area historically tied to maritime fishing communities and proximate to the site of the 1521 Battle of Mactan between local forces and Magellan’s expedition.
Conservation
Hilutungan and Nalusuan are within managed marine areas where feeding, collecting coral, and anchoring on reefs are restricted; use reef-safe sunscreen and follow guide instructions to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the From Cebu: Island Hopping to 3 islands with BBQ lunch today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Use mineral-based sunscreen to protect coral and reapply often — sun is intense on open water.
Pack a dry bag
Keep phones, documents and a light change of clothes dry in a small waterproof pouch.
Wear water shoes
Rocky shores and boat ladders are easier with protective footwear when boarding or exploring beaches.
Arrive early for pickup
Hotel pickups begin around 6:30 a.m.; punctuality keeps the itinerary on schedule and avoids missed ports.
Mask & snorkel (or rent locally)
Clear, well-fitting snorkel gear makes reef time safer and more enjoyable.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin and the coral; apply before boarding and after swims.
summer
Light long-sleeve rashguard
Shields from sun and wind on open stretches of the boat.
spring
Water shoes
Useful for rocky island shorelines and easing ladder transfers on and off the boat.