Have you heard about the exciting things to do on Mactan Island but are unsure about trying them out? Did you know that Mactan Island is surrounded by several islets that you can hop on for a day? Well, let me be the bearer of good news and excitement: Yes, it’s true! You can visit these islets by “island hopping” for a day trip. And the experiences? They are even more extraordinary than you can imagine!
I’ve been lucky enough to experience it multiple times before, yet each time feels like a brand new adventure. Seeing the stunning beauty of those islets, I couldn’t help but whisper, “God’s creations are incredibly beautiful!”
The most recent island-hopping we had was in August 2023. You can hold your special occasions like birthdays, barkada gatherings, company team building, family reunions, or even if you simply just want to relax.
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Book in Advance
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of planning! Of course, you’d want to make the most of your island hopping adventure without spending too much. Island hopping usually takes a whole day. Yes! Just a day trip and you can enjoy visiting three islands. So, it’s highly advisable to look for a boat tour operator in advance and plan your itinerary if you do not want any delays. We usually book in advance to avoid hassle.
For first-timers, you can reserve a banca (pump boat) for this adventure. There are trusted local tour operators that specialize in island-hopping adventures in Mactan and offer the best deal packages. They will handle the seamless sail, giving you a hassle-free adventure, just soak up under the sun and enjoy the stunning views.
The jump-off point is either in Hilton Port (Punta Engaño), Angasil Port, Marigondon Port, or Cordova Parola Port. It all comes down to where you rent your boat or which travel agency you choose for your island-hopping adventure.
Where to book?
The local tour operator we contacted was Endez Island Hopping Mactan Cebu via their Facebook page. You might want to consider their service. They have a permit to run their business, and all their boats are registered with the marina and accredited by the Department of Tourism. For the packages, it depends on the size of your group and the size of the boat you are going to rent. We chose their semi-large boat good for 15 pax for ₱4,500 and brought our food.
Budget Tip: You can cut costs on your Mactan island hopping adventure by bringing your food. This will save you from potentially pricier food options.
To book, just head over to their Facebook page, Endez Island Hopping Mactan Cebu, and drop them a message or contact them directly at PLDT: 349-2220 | Smart: 0947-467-4684 | Globe: 0976-081-9770.
They will require a ₱1,000 downpayment to secure the booking through GCash or pay at any 7/11 branch. Once the downpayment is settled, send them your transaction slip and the names and ages of the guests (required for the passenger manifest, Coast Guard requirements) and they will send you the booking confirmation.
Inclusions and Rental Pricing
Here are the inclusions and boat rental pricing of Endez Island Hopping Mactan Cebu.
Rental pricing and entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
How to get to Mactan?
Since we live in Lapu-Lapu City, we took a multicab and a tricycle to reach Marigondon port. If you’re not from Lapu-Lapu City or Cebu City, you can take a ferry boat, public jeepney (PUJ), taxi, or rent a private van.
The Adventure Begins!
We chose to visit the Nalusuan, Sulpa, and Caohagan Islands. Our jump-off point was at Marigondon Port. We timed it just right and reached the port a good 1 hour before our scheduled departure.
As we got to the port, the boat crew welcomed us warmly with big smiles, showing how excited they were for the day. They were so prepared and quick that it made us feel relaxed, knowing we were in good hands for our island hopping adventure.
At 8 AM sharp, our boat left Marigondon port. After a quick 30-minute ride, we reached our first stop, Nalusuan Island. The guests will be the ones to manage the time on how many hours you want to spend on the island.
The Island We Visited
We started our day with lots of energy, excited to discover the hidden treasures under the sea. Our excitement was palpable especially the kids, all geared up with their life jackets and snorkeling equipment snugly in place, eagerly anticipated the adventure that awaited us.
Our first stop was Nalusuan Island, located between Mactan Island and the province of Bohol. This small coral island is part of the Olango Reef, a marine sanctuary renowned for its vibrant underwater ecosystems. It is a great site for snorkeling, diving, and basking in the sun. The island is adorned with white sand beaches, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for relaxation. This island felt like an aquatic wonderland, and I couldn’t help but be amazed at its beauty. We had a great time snorkeling, kayaking, diving, and swimming.
Then we took another 30-minute travel to our next destination, Sulpa Island. This islet is a popular destination for island hopping in Mactan for both locals and international travelers. This is a tiny islet near Barangay San Vicente Olango Island with shallow, rough coral sand and rocky cliffs but surrounded by beautiful scenery. As we approached Sulpa Island, we were greeted by a captivating sight. Sulpa is appealing not just for its beautiful beaches, but also for its peaceful atmosphere. With fewer people around, visitors can fully enjoy the calm vibe and connect with nature, making it ideal for those looking for some quiet time.
Our adventure reached its peak as we approached Caohagan [Cawhagan] Island, one of the islands of the Olango group of islands. Situated southwest of Mactan, Caohagan welcomed us with a sight of white sands and clear waters. This island is becoming one of the most-visited attractions in Mactan since it has a wide white powdered beach and a marine sanctuary, where tourists can do underwater diving or snorkeling to the island’s adjacent coral reefs.
Picture a sun-kissed day filled with laughter and the joyous shouts of kids as we explore and discover the underwater wonders. It was a great day exploring those islands. Other people hopping between islands also seemed to enjoy the adventure, having fun with their activities on Sulpa, Nalusuan, and Caohagan.
At exactly 3:30 PM, we headed back to the port of Marigondon.
Exploring the rest of the islands like Olango, San Vicente, and Hilutongan is highly recommended. They are equally captivating, offering enchanting experiences like the ones we encountered during our visit.
Pandanon Island: A Quick Glance
Consider adding Pandanon Island to your list as well. Even though Pandanon Island is in Bohol province, it’s easy to get to, and lots of boat operators include it in their list of places to visit.
I’ve been to Pandanon Island many times, and every time, its beauty leaves me speechless, like I’m seeing it for the first time.
We booked our island-hopping adventure through a local tour operator called Abentura Visayan Cruises. Their boat had a yacht-like feel, providing us with a comfortable experience during our trip to Pandanon Island. With spacious seating areas, panoramic views, neat interior furnishing, and attentive crews, this boat was not just a means of transportation; it was a floating haven of luxury and relaxation.
Stepping onto Pandanon Island felt like entering a dreamscape, which made it perfect for our team building and indeed promised an unforgettable escape from the ordinary.
Island hopping is all about fun activities like diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming. The best time for island hopping in Mactan is usually during the summer. However, it is worth noting that these activities are available throughout the year. Just remember to check the weather before you plan your island-hopping trip in Mactan.
So, get your snorkel gear, bring your adventurous spirit, and experience the magic of Mactan’s island hopping firsthand!
Until next time, and may your travels be as thrilling and enchanting as the islands of Mactan!