With over one hundred islands, the province of Cebu caters to travelers, from nature and beach lovers to culture and history enthusiasts. We put together a list of the most beautiful island destinations in Cebu for your next great vacation.

1. Mactan Island 

The island of Mactan is near the airport, often making it the starting point for many tourists visiting the province. Visitors can visit this island’s several beautiful resorts, marine sanctuaries, and coral reefs.

The Lapu Lapu Statue and the Magellan Shrine are famous landmarks near the Magellan Port. The statue and shrine pay tribute to the battle in the 1500s, where Lapu Lapu and the people of Mactan fought and won against Magellan and the Spanish colonizers. 

2. Malapascua Island

The island of Malapascua is a popular destination for its world-class diving sites. Beautiful manta rays and hammerheads have been spotted in the area, among many other marine species. The island’s underwater vista also has coral gardens and shipwrecks believed to date back to World War II. 

The island, however, is primarily known to be the only place in the country where Thresher Sharks can be seen regularly. Diving with these incredible Thresher Sharks in Monad Shoal in Malapascua is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience for divers and other adventurous tourists. Thresher Sharks can grow to about four meters long. Their most distinguishable quality is their thresher-like tail or caudal fin, which is usually as long as the shark’s body.

For non-divers, the island also has pristine white sand beaches, cliff-jumping spots, a renowned lighthouse, and rich nightlife. 

3. Bantayan Island

For the more relaxed traveler, Bantayan Island is a haven and sanctuary. Known for its white-sand beaches, it has often been likened to Boracay, but without the crowds. 

The island is recommended for cave exploration, scuba diving, snorkeling, skim boarding, and even sky diving. One of the island’s most popular tourist spots is the Ogtong Cave and Sto. Nino Cave. Both caves are located inside private resorts where tourists can pay an entrance fee and access the resort’s pool and beach. 

Other spots beach-lovers won’t want to miss when in Bantayan include Virgin Island, Kota Beach, and Paradise Beach. All beaches feature gorgeous stretches of white sand leading into pristine blue waters.

4. Sumilon Island

Tourists who love nature would appreciate the incredible island of Sumilon. Although, unlike the other islands, Sumilon is privately owned by the Blue Water Sumilon Resort and maintained by the municipality of Cebu. 

The island is known for being an island sandbar, which constantly shifts direction. This fascinating natural phenomenon is caused by the monsoons bringing tide patterns that adjust the sandbar. 

Adventure seekers would also appreciate that Sumilon Island is just a few minutes away from Oslob, where people can swim with whale sharks. There are also a handful of significant dive sites around the island that the resort can organize. Divers can explore reefs and coral formations here as well as a vast number of tropical marine species. 

5. Camotes Islands

The Camotes Islands is the perfect destination for travelers looking to get their vacation’s worth of endless activities, from spelunking in different caves and rock formations to kayaking in lakes and taking a dip in beaches with powder-like sand.

Starting with Santiago Bay Beach, travelers will fall in love with the majestic waters and pristine sand covering the shoreline. The islands also house Timubo Cave and Bukilat Cave, Buho Rock in Poro Island, Busay Falls, and Lake Danao.

Lake Danao is worth mentioning again as it is one of the more popular and exciting tourist spots in the Camotes. Travelers can fill their days here with activities like zip-lining and kayaking.

6. Zaragosa Island

Zaragosa Island, also known as Badian Island, offers white sand beaches and ideal snorkeling spots. The island has one resort, the Badian Island Wellness Resort, and a small golf course. Travelers can get to Zaragosa Island via boat trips or island hopping tour packages.

There’s a myriad of activities in store for tourists on Zaragosa Island. One of the primary activities enjoyed on the island, aside from snorkeling and sunbathing by the shore, is diving. Several dive sites are located just off the beach and nearby sunken island. These dive sites are suitable for all types of divers—beginners and professionals.

For more relaxing activities, travelers can refer to Badian Island Wellness Resort’s offerings. The resort provides facilities that allow guests to enjoy the island’s serene and calming atmosphere. Furthermore, spa treatments, such as hand and body massages and a seaweed bath, are available in the resort. Guests may also opt to be physically active by joining the resort’s yoga and Zumba sessions.

7. Pescador Island

Pescador Island is yet another favorite destination for divers and water lovers. The island is located off the coast of Moalboal in Southern Cebu and has an abundant marine ecosystem. 

Numerous dive sites with various water levels, from shallow to deep levels, make it an ideal spot for scuba and free divers. Divers have spotted stonefish, white frogfish, and various sea turtles. There’s also a cave with a vertical swim where tourists can easily see the surface. 

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