Island Hopping in Mactan

The island of Mactan is surrounded by numerous smaller islands and islets, which makes it ideal for some island hopping adventures. Island hopping is actually one of the most popular activities to do while in Mactan.  All you need to have is a boat, a guide, food, and a sense of adventure. Some of the more notable areas to visit while island-hopping are the Hilutungan Island Marine Sanctuary, Nalusuan Island, Caohagan Island, and Pandanon Island.

Island Hopping in Mactan – image source: islandsbanca.com

The Hilutungan Island Marine Sanctuary is an area where marine life is protected making it among the best places to see a huge variety of tropical fish. Even as it was declared a protected area by the government, people are allowed to visit the place as long as they do not destroy the natural habitat of the fish. The Nalusuan Island is a part of the Olango Island group where a beach resort facility is situated. It is around one hectare in size and is located between the islands of Cebu and Bohol. The marine life in this island is also as rich as the Hilutungan Island Marine Sanctuary. 

The Caohagan Island is a marine sanctuary that stretches around three kilometers along the coast of the island. The marine sanctuary was created upon the request of the barangay officials and a benefactor of the barangay. While you can swim in any part of the island, the best area would be along the area where the sandbar is located. Technically Pandanon Island is a part of the province of Bohol, but it is accessible from Mactan Island and has become one of the most visited places for island hoppers. It features a white sand beach, clear waters and a sandbar. Pandanon Island is a good place to drop anchor for lunch or the final destination for your island hopping adventure.

Pandanon Island – image source: bohol.ph

The foremost activities you can do while island hopping are swimming and snorkeling. There are some islands where you can drop anchor and do some exploration. Since small communities were also established in some of these islands, you can have lunch prepared for you for a fee, if the island hopping package you got does not include meals. 

Aside from the boat and guide, island hopping packages may also include lunch and snacks, entrance fees, snorkeling equipment, and life vests for those who are not comfortable swimming in the open sea. There are a good number of outfits offering island hopping packages, including Islands Banca Cruises. Some of these outfits may even offer discounts for children under 12 years old. If you are staying in one of the resorts in Mactan, they can also set up an island hopping activity for you. The prices of island hopping packages vary depending on the number of people joining the group. It can start at around PHP2,000 and can go up to around PHP5,000.

Island Hopping in Mactan – image source: islandsbanca.com

With the popularity of island hopping in Mactan, it is important for you to make sure you get the services of reputable island hopping operators. You can also opt to hire a boat and make your own itinerary, but you will also have to shoulder the entrance fees to the islands as well as bring your own lunch, snacks and drinks.

Island Hopping in Mactan – image source: islandsbanca.com

The smaller islands and islets surrounding Mactan are blessed with an abundance marine life and a huge variety of corals and coral dweller. The best way to explore them is through island hopping. Have you ever gone island hopping in Mactan Island? Tell us about it on the comments section below.