Five Islands To Visit Close To Cebu

​If you ask Cebuanos where the best beaches are located, their answers would not only be limited to the beaches located in the mainland. While the island of Cebu offers numerous options for people looking for a place they can relax over the weekend, the islands surrounding the mainland also have a number of beaches that have captured the hearts of residents and visitors alike. 

Islands To Visit Close To Cebu – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

We came up with a list of some islands located close to mainland Cebu.

Bantayan Island Group

A list of beautiful beaches in the Province of Cebu will not be complete without the beaches in the Bantayan Island group. The Bantayan Island group is located of the northwest coast of Cebu and is considered a paradise for nature lovers. It is made of a number of islands with Bantayan Island being the biggest in the group. 

Islands To Visit Close To Cebu – image source: bantayanisland.org

​The island group has a number of beaches where you can stay a night or two. You can head over to Sta. Fe where you can find a good number of excellent beaches to spend your weekend. You can also opt to go to Virgin Island, which is also known as Sillion Island. Since it would be a shame if you do not stay at least two days in Bantayan, you can choose for a number of resorts where you can spend the night. You can get to Bantayan by riding a bus headed for the Hagnaya Port where you can take a boat ride to Sta. Fe.

Islands To Visit Close To Cebu – image source: cebu-bluewaters.com

Camotes Island Group

The Camotes group of islands is situated on the northeastern coast of Cebu. It is also called the Lost Horizon in the South and became famous around the world after it figured prominently in a reader’s poll of the Conde Nast magazine in 2016. The island group consists of Poro, Ponson, and Pacilan along with the Tulang islet. 

Islands To Visit Close To Cebu – image source: pinterest.com

​While many of the best beaches in Camotes are located in San Francisco, there are also a number of other excellent beaches in Poro. The island group is one of the favorite destinations of local tourists and has attracted the attention of international visitors. Camotes has numerous beach resorts where you can stay while at the place. There are numerous options in getting to the islands. You can take a fastcraft going to the islands or get on a bus at the Cebu North Bus Terminal to the Danao Port where you can ride on a ferry to Camotes.

Islands To Visit Close To Cebu – image source: rappler.com

Malapascua Island

Malapascua Island is known as a diver’s paradise due to the marine sanctuary located in the area. Thresher sharks are regularly seen at the Monad Shoal before sunrise. But, Malapascua is also known to have good beaches where you can simply spend some time off from work.

Islands To Visit Close To Cebu – image source: flickr.com

​Many tourists visit the island for diving, which means most of the beaches are not crowded. You can find a number of isolated coves where you can swim in relative peace. Bounty Beach of Malapascua was also included in the list of Asia’s 16 Most Beautiful Beaches of the British publication “The Telegraph.” You can get to Malapascua Island by getting a bus or van ride to Maya Port where you can ride a ferry to the island. 

Islands To Visit Close To Cebu – image source: commons.wikimedia.org

​Pandanon Island

Pandanon Island is situated in between the islands of Cebu and Bohol. While it is a part of Bohol, it is also accessible from Mactan Island through a pump boat and is one of the stops of some island hopping activities. There is a small community on one side of the island. On the other hand, the other side features a white sand beach and crystal clear waters. 

Islands To Visit Close To Cebu – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​While there are some cottages for day use, the island does not have any facilities for overnight stays. But there are some basic facilities you can use, including a changing area and cooking area.  You can go to Pandanaon Island by hiring a pump boat from Mactan Island. The trip to the island takes a little over an hour.

Islands To Visit Close To Cebu – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Carnaza Island

Carnaza Island is another relatively-undiscovered paradise off the northern coast of mainland Cebu. It is a part of the municipality of Daanbantayan and hosts a small community of residents. The island is also one of the stopover points of tourists going island hopping from Malapascua Island. 

Islands To Visit Close To Cebu – image source: Carnaza Island, Daanbantayan, Cebu Facebook Page

​There is little commercial activity on Carnaza Island, which makes it ideal for tourists looking for a place that is relatively unspoiled. Aside from lounging at the beach, you can also hire a pump boat to go to La Manok Island. There is a resort at the island owned by a well-known political family, but it does not accept walk-ins. But, you have the option of getting in touch with the barangay officials who can point you to the direction of a place where you can stay.  To get to Carnaza Island, you should get on a bus going to Tapilon Port where you can ride a pump boat going to the island.

Islands To Visit Close To Cebu – image source: Carnaza Island, Daanbantayan, Cebu Facebook Page

​These islands are among the places local and international tourists can visit if they ever find themselves in Cebu. It goes to show that Cebu has a lot more to offer to anyone who would want to explore the natural wonders in and around the island of Cebu.

Islands To Visit Close To Cebu – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​Have you visited any of these islands already? Tell us about your experience on the comments section below.