Explore Cebu

Top 20 Beaches and Islands to Visit in Cebu

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🏝️ Top 20 Beaches & Islands in Cebu (2025–2026)

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📍 Northern Cebu

1. Malapascua Island (Daanbantayan)
   Famous for thresher shark diving, white sand beaches, and island vibes.

2. Bounty Beach (Malapascua)
   A stunning beachfront lined with dive resorts and chill bars.

3. Bantayan Island (Santa Fe)
   Crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and serene atmosphere.

4. Paradise Beach (Bantayan)
   Hidden gem known for peace and quiet—great for swimming and picnics.

5. Virgin Island (near Bantayan)
   Pristine, privately owned island for day trips and snorkeling.

6. Carnaza Island (Daanbantayan)
   Crescent-shaped island with raw, rugged beauty—ideal for camping.

 

📍 Central Cebu (Mactan & Metro)

1. Mactan Island Beaches (Lapu-Lapu City)
   Resorts like Shangri-La, Crimson, and Plantation Bay offer exclusive beaches.

2. Caohagan Island (Cordova)
   Small island with lively marine life—great for snorkeling and local seafood.

3. Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary (off Mactan)
   Premier spot for snorkeling and diving with vibrant coral reefs.

4. Nalusuan Island
   Marine sanctuary and beach resort island with shallow sandbars.

 

📍 Southern Cebu

1. Lambug Beach (Badian)
   Long public beach with wide shores and nearby canyoneering at Kawasan Falls.

2. Tingko Beach (Alcoy)
   White sandy public beach popular with locals and tourists alike.

3. Sumilon Island (Oslob)
   Home to a luxury resort, a sandbar that changes with the tide, and excellent snorkeling.

4. Basdaku (White Beach, Moalboal)
   Known for its long shoreline and affordable beach cottages.

5. Panagsama Beach (Moalboal)
   Ideal for snorkeling with the famous sardine run and turtles.

 

📍 Island Hopping Spots

1. Pescador Island (Moalboal)
   A top dive/snorkel site with rich marine life and coral gardens.

2. Camotes Islands (access via Danao)
   Group of islands with white beaches, caves, and laid-back resorts.

3. Olango Island (Cordova)
   Bird sanctuary and snorkeling destination, perfect for eco-tourists.

4. Gibitngil Island (Medellin)
   Home to Funtastic Island—a clifftop adventure site with zip lines and diving boards.

5. Kinatarkan Island (Sta. Fe, near Bantayan)
   Off-the-beaten-path island with crystal-clear lagoons and unspoiled shores.

 

✨ Bonus Tips:

• 🕒 Best Time to Visit: Morning trips recommended (avoid afternoon rains in June)

• 🏊 Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, sunbathing, and cliff diving

• 🚤 How to Get Around: Join island-hopping tours, hire bancas, or take ferries/buses

• 🛏️ Where to Stay: Moalboal, Bantayan, Mactan, and Oslob are top beachside bases