Discover the beauty of Cebu and the Central Visayas with our exclusive scuba diving and snorkeling tour packages, designed for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Located in the heart of the Philippines, Cebu is world-famous for its rich marine life, historic landmarks, and vibrant island culture. Swim alongside millions of sardines in Moalboal, dive into the Cathedral caverns of Pescador Island, or experience the thrill of thresher shark encounters in Malapascua. For those who prefer a gentler pace, Cebu’s white-sand beaches, waterfalls, and sandbars provide the perfect tropical escape. Whether you’re a beginner snorkeler or an advanced diver, our packages include professional guides, comfortable accommodations, and local insights to ensure a safe and memorable trip. Make Cebu your base for exploring nearby gems like Sumilon, Kalanggaman, and Bohol, and experience why the Visayas is considered one of the best scuba and snorkeling destinations in Asia.
We cooperate with three luxury live-aboard cruise ships and a fully customizable live-on-board catamaran which can take you through various areas of beautiful Palawan and Visayas. Below you will find an overview of the sites you can see in the Cebu, Visayas area while our Tubbataha page shows more sites in the Palawan area. Feel free to send us a note so we can provide you with more information.
Here’s a visual map of the tours we offer in this area (click on a balloon for more info, or on the menu button top left to see the entire list of sites):
Diving Areas
Below is a list of the above balloons with brief description of the various sites our three luxury live-aboard cruise ships can take you to. Or the same with your own, fully customizable live-on-board catamaran.
Southern Leyte
- Anda – A peaceful dive and beach destination in Bohol (often combined with Leyte itineraries), known for long stretches of white sand and superb coral reefs.
- Limasawa Island – Famous as the site of the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines (1521); today, it offers historical landmarks, diving, and quiet beaches.
- Napantao Marine Sanctuary – A protected dive site in Southern Leyte with rich coral walls, sea fans, and schooling fish; part of a major conservation effort.
- Panaon Island – Linked to Southern Leyte, this island is an eco-tourism hotspot with excellent dive spots, mangroves, and encounters with whale sharks.
- Padre Burgos – A laid-back coastal town serving as the main jump-off point for Sogod Bay diving; also offers whale shark watching in season.
- Sogod Bay – Considered one of the best diving bays in the Visayas, featuring pristine reefs, macro life, and occasional whale shark encounters.
Cebu North
- Capitancillo Island – A tiny coral islet near Bogo City with a historic lighthouse and three notable dive spots (Ormoc Shoal, Nuñez Shoal, Southwest Wall).
- Gato Island – A marine reserve and dive hotspot north of Cebu, famous for a tunnel dive filled with soft corals, whitetip reef sharks, and sea snakes.
- Kalanggaman Island – Known for its long, powder-white sandbars, this islet near Leyte is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and Instagram-worthy views.
- Kimud Shoal – A submerged seamount near Malapascua, renowned for thresher shark and hammerhead sightings during early morning dives.
- Malapascua Island – A diver’s paradise, world-famous for daily thresher shark encounters at Monad Shoal, plus white-sand beaches and relaxed nightlife.
- Monad Shoal – The primary dive site near Malapascua, a sunken plateau where thresher sharks reliably appear at dawn.
Cebu South
- Apo Island – Near Negros, this island is world-renowned for its marine sanctuary with sea turtles, coral gardens, and vibrant local community eco-tourism.
- Cabilao Island – A small Bohol island popular with divers for healthy reefs, pygmy seahorses, and calm dive conditions away from crowds.
- Moalboal – A famous dive town in Cebu, home to the sardine run (millions of sardines right off the shore), plus nearby Pescador Island and canyoneering at Kawasan Falls.
- Oslob – Well-known for whale shark encounters (regulated snorkeling and diving tours), alongside nearby Tumalog Falls and Sumilon Island trips.
- Pescador Island – A small limestone island off Moalboal with colorful coral walls, the Cathedral cavern, and abundant fish life—ideal for diving/snorkeling.
- Pamilacan Island – Off Bohol, this island is known for dolphin and whale watching tours, plus community-based tourism and historical watchtowers.
- Pungtud Island – A crescent-shaped sandbar off Panglao that appears at low tide, popular for wading, photos, and tranquil picnics.
- Sumilon Island – Near Oslob, this coral island is home to the Philippines’ first marine sanctuary (est. 1974), famous for its shifting sandbar and Bluewater Sumilon Resort.
Booking
Through the pages above you can organize your own tour of each area, or we can organize for you multiday tours via the below live-aboard cruise ships, or longer trips via live-aboard catamaran. Just send us a note and we’d be glad to help you.
Dolphin Live-aboard
Infiniti Liveaboard
Philippines Siren
Central Visayas & Cebu Travel Guide
🌴 An Introduction to Central Visayas
The Central Visayas region (Region VII) is made up of four provinces — Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. Together, they form one of the Philippines’ most diverse and exciting regions for travelers, combining rich history, world-class beaches, UNESCO heritage sites, vibrant marine life, and a blend of Spanish, Chinese, and indigenous Filipino cultures.
At the heart of it all is Cebu City, the region’s main hub and one of the Philippines’ oldest cities, often referred to as the “Queen City of the South.” For visitors, Cebu is both a gateway to the Visayas and a destination in its own right, offering island-hopping, scuba diving, snorkeling, waterfalls, heritage tours, and city adventures.
🏝️ A Glimpse Into History
Cebu is one of the most historically significant provinces in the Philippines. It was here, in 1521, that Ferdinand Magellan first landed, introducing Christianity. The Magellan’s Cross in Cebu City remains a major pilgrimage site to this day. Cebu later became the base of Spanish colonization in the archipelago, influencing architecture, religion, and trade.
The region’s history is also woven with indigenous stories. Before Spanish arrival, Cebu was already a thriving trading port connected with China, India, and the Malay world. Towns like Carcar and Argao still showcase Spanish-era churches and ancestral houses, offering travelers a chance to step back in time.
🌊 Natural Wonders & Island-Hopping
Cebu and its neighboring islands are a paradise for nature and adventure lovers:
- Island Hopping: Explore white-sand islets such as Sumilon, Pescador, and Kalanggaman; each offers unique snorkeling and picnic experiences.
- Beaches: From the lively shores of Mactan Island to the quieter sands of Malapascua and Bantayan, Cebu has beaches for every type of traveler.
- Waterfalls: The world-famous Kawasan Falls in Badian offers turquoise pools perfect for swimming and canyoneering adventures.
- Whale Shark Encounters: In Oslob, travelers can snorkel beside gentle whale sharks (regulated tours are available to protect these creatures).
🤿 Diving & Snorkeling Hotspots
Central Visayas is widely regarded as one of the best scuba diving regions in Asia. Key diving highlights include:
- Malapascua Island: The only place in the world where thresher sharks can reliably be seen year-round at Monad Shoal.
- Moalboal: Home to the famous sardine run, where millions of sardines form shimmering walls of silver just meters from the shore.
- Pescador Island: A marine sanctuary with spectacular coral walls and the famous Cathedral dive site.
- Sumilon Island: The country’s first marine sanctuary (established in 1974), perfect for snorkeling and conservation-focused diving.
- Mactan Island: Offers easy access to reefs, wreck dives, and luxury dive resorts just minutes from Cebu City’s airport.
Nearby provinces in Central Visayas also hold treasures:
- Bohol: Dive Balicasag Island for turtles and schools of jacks, or snorkel the sandbars of Virgin/Pungtud Island.
- Negros Oriental: Explore Apo Island, world-renowned for turtle encounters and vibrant coral gardens.
- Siquijor: Known as the “Mystic Island,” it combines white-sand beaches with healthy reefs and fewer crowds.
🌆 Culture & Festivals
- Sinulog Festival: Held every January in Cebu City, it’s one of the Philippines’ largest festivals, celebrating the Santo Niño (Holy Child). Expect street dancing, parades, and colorful displays of Filipino faith and culture.
- Food: Central Visayas is also a culinary delight — Cebu is the birthplace of lechon (roast pig), hailed by Anthony Bourdain as “the best pig ever.” Street food, mangoes, dried fish, and fresh seafood abound.
- Handicrafts: From guitars in Lapu-Lapu City to woven mats and shell crafts, the region’s artistry makes for excellent souvenirs.
🚐 Travel Logistics
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Getting There: Cebu’s Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the second busiest in the Philippines, with direct flights from Manila, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan.
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Getting Around:
- Public transport includes buses, vans, and ferries connecting the islands.
- Boats are essential for reaching smaller islands — many travelers book organized island-hopping tours like ours for convenience.
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Best Time to Visit: Dry season (December–May) offers the best weather for diving, snorkeling, and festivals.
📸 Fun Facts for Travelers
- Cebu is home to the Philippines’ oldest street, Colon Street, named after Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón).
- The Chocolate Hills of Bohol, though technically in Central Visayas, are one of the country’s most photographed natural wonders.
- The Visayas region is at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine area in the world — meaning divers and snorkelers enjoy unparalleled marine encounters.
✨ Why Visit Central Visayas?
For travelers, Central Visayas offers the perfect blend of culture, adventure, history, and relaxation. Whether it’s walking through centuries-old churches, diving with thresher sharks, lazing on sandbars, or joining a vibrant street festival, this region captures the very essence of what makes the Philippines special.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best dive sites in Cebu?
Popular spots include Monad Shoal (thresher sharks), Moalboal’s Sardine Run, Pescador Island, and Sumilon Island, which was the first marine sanctuary in the Philippines.
Do I need to be certified to dive in Cebu?
Beginners can join introductory dives with instructors, while certified divers can access deeper sites like Monad and Kimud Shoal. Snorkeling requires no certification.
How much do dive and snorkeling tours cost in Cebu?
Prices range from ₱1,500–₱3,000 per person for snorkeling or fun dives, while full dive packages with equipment and boat transfers start around ₱4,000–₱6,000 per day.
What is the best time of year to dive in Cebu?
The dry season from December to May offers the calmest seas and best visibility. However, marine life is present year-round.
Can I combine scuba diving with other Cebu attractions?
Yes! Many packages include island-hopping, whale shark snorkeling in Oslob, and side trips to waterfalls like Kawasan, making Cebu ideal for multi-day adventure tours.
What is included in a luxury liveaboard diving cruise in the Visayas?
Our liveaboard packages typically include full-board meals, ensuite cabins with air-conditioning, daily guided dives, tanks and weights, island-hopping excursions, and snorkeling opportunities. Soft drinks, Wi-Fi (where available), and on-board dive briefings are also included. Equipment rental and Nitrox are available for an additional fee.
Where do the liveaboard itineraries go?
Cruises explore the best of the Visayas dive circuit, including Malapascua (thresher sharks), Moalboal (sardine run), Pescador Island, Apo Island, Bohol’s Balicasag, and Sumilon Island. Some itineraries also extend to Tubbataha Reefs (UNESCO site) during the right season.
Do I need to be an experienced diver to join the live-aboard cruises?
Most liveaboard cruises welcome divers of all certification levels. Beginners can enjoy shallower dives and snorkeling, while advanced divers can take advantage of deeper sites like Kimud Shoal or Monad Shoal. Specialty courses such as Nitrox or Advanced Open Water can also be completed on board.
How much does a luxury liveaboard in Cebu/Visayas cost?
Prices vary depending on vessel and itinerary. Expect rates between US$250–US$400 per night, which includes accommodation, meals, and 3–4 dives daily. Week-long cruises usually range from US$1,800–US$2,800 per person.
What makes a luxury liveaboard different from a resort-based dive trip?
With a liveaboard, you’re able to wake up next to the dive sites, allowing for early-morning and night dives, fewer crowds, and access to remote locations not reachable on day trips. Plus, luxury amenities like fine dining, private cabins, sundecks, and onboard spas add comfort between dives.
When is the best season to book a liveaboard cruise in the Visayas?
The dry months from December to May are ideal, with calm seas and excellent visibility. Thresher sharks in Malapascua are seen year-round, while hammerheads and whale sharks are more seasonal. For Tubbataha, the short season runs from March to June only.
Can non-divers or families join the cruise?
Absolutely. Non-divers can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, beach excursions, and island-hopping, while still experiencing luxury accommodations and gourmet dining. Some cruises even offer spa services or onboard entertainment.
Experience the thrill of
island hopping cruise tours in the Philippines
Other cruises and multiday boat tours
- Cruises to Tubbataha Reef
- Private catamaran throughout Palawan and Visayas
- Private multiday boat tour around or between El Nido and Coron
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We are a family operation managing private custom boat tours in the beautiful Palawan area, and are happy to help travelers with their plans through the country, having traveled a lot of it ourselves and planning to visit it all.