Snorkeling in Cebu: Nalusuan Island marine sanctuary

White sand and shallow water where the reef starts at your feet

Snorkel the marine sanctuary at Nalusuan Island off Cebu, departing from Mactan Island by outrigger boat with a live guide in English, Japanese or Filipino. The three-hour activity includes snorkeling equipment, towel and bottled water. Children from age 3 are welcome, and a minimum of two people books the departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Morning island snorkeling tour

• Travel to Nalusuan Island
• Snorkel at marine sanctuary
• Visit white sand beach

The experience

The boat leaves Mactan Island in the morning and takes you by outrigger to Nalusuan Island, where the marine sanctuary sits in shallow water close to shore. You enter with your own snorkeling gear (mask, fins and snorkel provided), and move through the underwater garden as the sun rises. The visibility is high and the water stays shallow enough that you can stand, so there's no need to be a strong swimmer. The guide stays with the group and speaks English, Japanese or Filipino.

Pandanon Island lies one to two hours further by boat, between Cebu and Bohol provinces. The east side is undeveloped and more secluded than the other islands in the area, with white sand beaches, sandbars and water clear enough to see the bottom. If you want shade between snorkeling sessions, cottages are available to rent, and there's a small hut built in the middle of the water. The shallow conditions make it good for swimming as well.

Pickup happens from Mactan Island, so you don't need your own transport to the boat. Bottled water, snorkeling equipment and a towel are included. Bring a rash guard or light shirt if the sun exposure concerns you. The activity runs three hours total. Lunch is available at a restaurant on the island and paid separately when you order.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• towel.
• bottled water.
• live guide in English, Japanese or Filipino.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Filipino and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Scottys Action Sports Network

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying on Mactan and want to snorkel without a separate transfer. The boat leaves directly from your island.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Japanese and Filipino.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I snorkel at Nalusuan Island if I've never done it before?

Yes. Nalusuan Island's marine sanctuary has shallow water where you can stand, and the guide provides all snorkeling equipment and stays with the group. Children from age 3 can join, so the activity is built for beginners and families.

How long does it take to get to the islands from Mactan?

Nalusuan Island is a short boat ride from Mactan. Pandanon Island takes one to two hours by local outrigger boat, depending on which island you visit on the day.

What's the difference between Nalusuan and Pandanon Island?

Nalusuan Island is the marine sanctuary with the main snorkeling site. Pandanon Island is further out, less developed, and has white sandbars and more secluded beaches. It's better if you want to spend time swimming and resting between water sessions.

Is this activity suitable if I have mobility concerns?

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.

What happens if I don't want to snorkel the whole time?

You can swim in the shallow water instead, or rest on the beach and in the island's cottages between snorkeling sessions. The shallow conditions and white sand make it easy to stay in the water without using snorkeling gear.