Snorkel Hilutungan: Day Trip to Cebu’s Marine Sanctuary

Lapu-Lapu City•easy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

6 hours

Fitness Level

Light fitness; ability to swim and tread water comfortably for 10–30 minutes at a time

Overview

Short boat rides from Mactan drop you into shallow coral gardens at Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary where schools of reef fish and occasional turtles patrol bommies. This half-day snorkeling tour pairs easy water access with a seafood lunch on the island—ideal for first-timers and experienced snorkelers alike.

Snorkel Hilutungan: Day Trip to Cebu’s Marine Sanctuary

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wildlife

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Date

Mon, Nov 24

Travelers

The banca hums away from Mactan's shoreline, spray tasting faintly of diesel and salt. Palm-lined hotels shrink into a low, green rim and, in the span of an hour, the silhouette of Hilutungan Island appears—an unadorned knob of coral rock crowned with scrub. Jumping off the gunwale, the surface opens into a blue-green room; below, bommies and branching corals rise like submerged gardens, and parrotfish grind through their lunch.

Adventure Photos

Snorkel Hilutungan: Day Trip to Cebu’s Marine Sanctuary photo 1

Adventure Tips

Use reef-safe sunscreen

Choose sunscreen free of oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect coral; apply 20 minutes before getting in the water.

Bring a snug snorkel mask

A well-fitted mask prevents fogging and lets you focus on fish, not leaks—try it on before boarding.

Respect the reef

Float instead of standing and keep fins clear of corals to avoid damaging fragile structures and injuring yourself.

Carry cash for lunch and tips

The island restaurant and local crew typically accept only cash—small bills for food and crew appreciation go a long way.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Green sea turtle
Parrotfish

History

Hilutungan was designated a protected marine area to restore overfished reef corridors between Mactan and Olango; local management combines tourism revenue with reef patrols.