Mactan Cebu Island Hopping with Lunch – Gilutungan, Caohagan, Nalusuan

A Balanced Look at Mactan Cebu Island Hopping with Lunch — Gilutungan, Caohagan, Nalusuan

This island-hopping tour around Mactan offers a relaxed way to see some of Cebu’s most iconic reefs and beaches. For around $80 per person, travelers are transported via a private boat directly from their hotel, enjoying the flexibility and comfort of a small group. The tour’s highlight? Snorkeling in vibrant fish sanctuaries, topped off with a tasty barbecue lunch on Nalusuan Island.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the personalized nature of the private boat, which means fewer crowds and more tailored moments. A minor consideration? The tour’s pace can feel a bit rushed at times, especially if you’re keen on soaking up every detail of each island. Still, this tour suits those who value convenience, comfort, and seeing multiple spots in one day without the hassle of large groups. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a repeat traveler, this trip offers a solid combination of scenic views, marine life encounters, and laid-back island vibes.

Key Points

• Private boat experience offers more intimacy and flexibility than shared tours.
• Snorkeling at two fish sanctuaries provides lively underwater scenes.
• Lunch on Nalusuan Island is a highlight, with fresh seafood and a semi buffet setup.
• Convenient hotel transfers make the day stress-free.
• Crowd levels vary, with some islands feeling busy, especially Caohagan.
• Guides and crew are praised for their helpfulness and friendliness.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Caohagan Island is your first stop, an excellent place to stretch your legs and relax on white sand beaches. Although just an hour here, reviewers like Anastasia_L found the beaches “very nice” with calm water and colorful coral nearby. It’s a typical small island with limited activities but offers a peaceful break from the boat ride and a chance to enjoy some sun.

Next is Hilutungan Island, renowned for its snorkeling. Here, you’ll find a designated snorkeling area teeming with fish, making it the most colorful stop of the trip. Reviewers like Stephen_G appreciated the “helpful and knowledgeable” crew, ensuring they had the best time. Expect clear waters, shallow spots perfect for beginners, and a chance to see schools of sardines or even a sea turtle, as mentioned by some guests. The water’s natural beauty makes this a real highlight, though some mention that the boat motor can be loud, so ear protection might be handy.

Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary caps off the tour with a snorkel in the fish sanctuary. Reviewers often cite this as the most memorable part, with “lots of fish” and vivid coral formations. The lunch served here is a semi buffet, featuring Filipino seafood and grilled dishes cooked on the boat’s engine — a resourceful touch that impresses many. The calm waters and the vibrant marine life make it a perfect spot for snorkelers of all levels. While some wished for fins to enhance their experience, most found the snorkel gear included adequate.

The Value of Included Features

What’s included: The tour provides all fees and taxes, use of snorkeling equipment, a private motorized boat for six hours, and assistance from a boat crew and guide. The lunch, a generous semi buffet with drinks, is served at noon onboard, enhancing the laid-back vibe.

What’s missing: Items like towels, shower rooms, and fins are not included. Reviewers pointed out that there are no facilities on the islands, so it’s best to bring your own towel and plan for a quick shower after. Also, the snorkeling gear is provided, but fins are optional and not included, so bringing your own could improve your underwater experience.

Transportation: The pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, whether in Cebu City, Mandaue, or Lapu-Lapu, is a major plus, especially for those unfamiliar with local transportation. The tour departs from Cordova RORO Port, making it accessible for most travelers staying in Cebu.

The Experience Crew and Guides

The tour’s success often hinges on the guides and crew. Multiple reviews praise the staff for their helpfulness, friendliness, and professionalism. Nanie, Milchon, and Peter received special mentions for making the day fun and engaging, while others like Bobby, the driver, received kudos for punctuality and care.

However, not all reviews are glowing; some guests felt the guide’s engagement was lacking, mentioning that sometimes the crew seemed distracted or unhelpful. One guest highlighted an incident where a guide was “buried in his phone” during the trip, which impacted the overall vibe. On the flip side, many comments reinforce that a knowledgeable, attentive crew can make or break the day, especially when it comes to snorkeling safety and island navigation.

The Food: A Highlight for Many

The lunch onboard Nalusuan Island gets rave reviews. Described as “delicious” and “one of the best meals” some guests have had in Cebu, the semi buffet serves Filipino seafood, rice, fruits, and grilled delights cooked on the boat’s engine — a fun, innovative approach. Reviewers appreciate the generous portions and the fact that drinks are included, adding value to the overall experience.

Some mention that the food isn’t hot or gourmet, but it’s fresh and satisfying enough to fuel the rest of your day. For those concerned about dietary restrictions, it’s worth noting that the meal is seafood-heavy, but alternatives may be available upon request.

Timing and Pacing

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, with each island stop lasting about an hour. This allows a good balance between activities and relaxation, but some guests felt the schedule was a bit tight, especially if you want to linger over snorkeling or beach lounging. The tour begins early and ends back at the meeting point, which is convenient but means your day is scheduled tightly.

A couple of reviews pointed out that the tour can feel rushed or that certain islands are crowded — particularly Caohagan, which can get busy with vendors. Still, the private boat helps avoid the chaos of larger group tours, making it a more intimate experience.

Snorkeling and Marine Life

Snorkeling is the core activity. Multiple reviews praise the crystal-clear water and the colorful fish, with sightings including sardines, sea turtles, and vibrant coral. The inclusion of rice-throwing as an attraction for more fish is a quirky detail some guests enjoyed. However, water irritants or parasites have been a concern, with one guest mentioning skin irritation post-snorkel, so caution and protective clothing are advised.

Overall Experience and Suitability

This tour offers great value for those wanting to see multiple islands without the hassle of complicated logistics. It’s best suited for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic day on the water. The private boat and hotel transfers are particularly appealing for travelers who prioritize convenience and comfort.

While some guests noted the tour’s pace can be rushed and the islands crowded, many found the friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and delicious lunch made up for it. The experience balances adventure with relaxation, making it a good choice for those wanting a straightforward, enjoyable day in Cebu’s waters.

The Sum Up

In essence, the Mactan Cebu Island Hopping with Lunch is a dependable choice for anyone wanting an easy, all-inclusive way to explore some of Cebu’s islands. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer private, guided trips rather than crowded group tours. The included snorkeling gear, hotel transfers, and tasty Filipino lunch make this a practical and enjoyable package.

It’s especially ideal if you love marine life, want scenic beaches, and don’t mind a busy, lively environment at certain stops. Its value lies in the personalized experience, helpful crew, and tasty food, making it a good overall deal for a full day of island adventures.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included? Yes, the tour offers stress-free pickup and drop-off from your Cebu City, Mandaue, or Lapu-Lapu hotels.

How long is the tour? The whole experience lasts around 6 hours, from pickup to drop-off.

What islands are visited? The tour visits Caohagan Island, Hilutungan Island, and Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary.

Is snorkeling equipment included? Yes, all snorkeling gear, including masks and tubes, is provided.

Are fins available? Fins are not included, but you may bring your own for better comfort.

What does the lunch consist of? A semi buffet with Filipino seafood, rice, vegetables, and fruits, served onboard during lunchtime.

Are there any facilities on the islands? No shower rooms or toilet facilities are available; it’s best to bring a towel and plan accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, and the flexible schedule can accommodate young children, especially if they enjoy snorkeling and beaches.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour are fully refundable.

What should I bring? Sun protection clothing, water, a towel, possibly fins, and your camera. Reefs should be treated with care; avoid sunscreen if possible to protect marine life.

This tour offers an authentic, relaxed glimpse into Cebu’s marine and island beauty, with enough comfort and guidance to make it a memorable experience for most travelers.