Island Hopping, Lunch Included

Six hours, three islands, one lunch: the Gilutungan, Caohagan and Nalusuan run is Mactan hopping at its most efficient, with sanctuary snorkeling inside easy reach of Cebu City.

Overview

This is a private island hopping trip departing from Cordova RORO Port, with a boat and crew reserved just for your group. A driver collects you from your hotel anywhere in Cebu City, Mandaue City or the Mactan area and takes you to the port, where the boat departs. From there you spend roughly six hours on the water visiting three stops: Caohagan Island, Hilutungan Island and the Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary, with admission tickets included at each.

The focus is snorkelling and slow beach time. Masks and tubes are provided, and a boatman and crew stay with you throughout to help with gear and getting on and off the boat. Around midday lunch is served, semi buffet style, with a bottle of water. Some travellers praised the food, others reported it sitting out in the heat before serving, a point worth knowing before you book.

The trip suits anyone wanting several hours on the water without organising a boat independently, and the listing says most travellers can participate. It is not wheelchair accessible, and the listing does not recommend it for pregnant travellers. Expect a long transfer each way if you are staying in Cebu City.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupA driver picks you up from your hotel in Cebu City, Mandaue City or the Mactan area. Reviews note the drive to the port can be long, especially with traffic.
2. Arrive at Cordova RORO PortThe boat departs from Cordova RORO Port, on Roro Port Rd in Cordova. This is the meeting and end point of the tour.
3. Caohagan Island, 1 hourFirst stop is Caohagan Island, with the admission ticket included. One hour is scheduled here.
4. Hilutungan Island, 1 hourOne hour at Hilutungan Island, admission included. Snorkelling gear is provided for the stops.
5. Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary, 1 hourThe final stop is Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary, admission included. Lunch is served around noon, semi buffet style, with a bottle of water.
6. Return to port and hotelThe boat returns to Cordova RORO Port and the driver takes you back to your hotel. The whole experience runs about six hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

These points come from the listing and from what travellers have reported about this specific tour.

• Bring your own gear. Masks and tubes are provided but fins are not, and one reviewer called the provided mask poor quality and noted no fins were offered. If you own a decent mask and snorkel, pack them.
• Pack snacks and cash. Lunch and one bottle of water are included, but one reviewer recommended bringing your own snacks, and beer is available for purchase on the island. A little cash is useful.
• Loud engine. One reviewer reported the boat engine needed a muffler and found the noise uncomfortable. Ear plugs may make the ride between islands more pleasant.
• Long transfers. If you are picked up first, one reviewer said it can take around two hours to reach the boat because of other pickups and traffic. The drive from Cordova back to Cebu City hotels also takes time, so plan the day around it.
• Limited English from crew. One reviewer reported that the crew speaks very little English, and another said their guide gave little explanation of the islands. The boatmen are generally described as helpful and attentive on the water.
• Bring a towel. Towels are not included, and shower rooms are listed as not included too. Pack a towel and water footwear, since one reviewer mentioned rocky ground at a stop.

Common issues. The listing requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers; if either forces a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Several reviewers reported extra fees demanded on the day despite the listing saying all fees and taxes are included, though one said the operator later reimbursed most of them, so keep receipts and confirm costs with the operator before departure. One reviewer said food was left out in the sun for hours before lunch, a complaint echoed by others in milder form. The trip is not wheelchair accessible or recommended for pregnant travellers.

Common Questions