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Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Cebu
Ready to check out the best sites in Cebu for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 79 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best ocean activities in Cebu to suit your needs.
#1 - Monad Shoal (Shark Point)
Philippines
beginner
(1)
Monad Shoal is a Thresher Shark Paradise. Monad Shoal, also known as Shark Point, has now become a World famous dive site. It is the best place in the world and in the Philippines to see the rare and timid Thresher Sharks! This is actually the place that made diving in Malapascua Island famous, with a sunken coral plateau about 20m deep! Here you have the chance of spotting Thresher Sharks which use Monad Shoal as a cleaning station. These sharks normally live in deep water but come here early in the morning to the cleaning station. It is important to stay as quiet as possible when diving there as the Thresher Sharks are very shy creatures. Sightings are not guaranteed but if you dive there for a few days, you have quite high chances to encounter them several times! If there are no Thresher Sharks in sight, you could also keep your eyes out for the the superb Manta Rays gliding around the reef. Or you could always keep your eyes out for Monad Shoal. It is also a great location for Underwater Macro Photography and for critter lovers! Pygmy Seahorses, various species of Nudibranchs, Mantis Shrimps and so much more! The conditions are generally pretty good with 10m to 15m visibility, however with a maximum depth of 24m and occasionally quite strong currents, Padi Open Water Advanced divers will fully enjoy this wonderful dive! It takes about 30min by boat to reach Monad Shoal from Malapascua Island. This is a dawn dive around 6am!
#3 - Dolphin House
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Moalboal
beginner
(2)
The dive site is located in front of the Dolphin Resort, NW of Moalboal peninsula.
#4 - Cordova White Sand
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
beginner
(1)
20 min fron marine Station by banker boat
Cordova White Sand is also known as Cordova.
#5 - Sanctuary
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Moalboal
beginner
(0)
As far as I know, this dive site is still FORBIDDEN !
Extreme N of Moalboal penninsula.
#6 - Gato Island - The Cave
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
intermediate
(0)
This L shape cave is really great. Once in, just go to the surface and watch the bats! Then go back to the bottom and continue to the NW. There is a nice lightening window on the right (good for photographers). Turn left and you should see the exit. There are often reef sharks at the exit point, or below the large rock just after the exit.
The marine life in the cave is really great. A lot of flatworms, sea slugs, crabs, cat sharks...
The entrance of the cave is just south of the houseguard, near the surface. A hole allow bats to enter the cave.
#7 - Malapascua - Ubang Bato
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
intermediate
(0)
Malapascua - Ubang Bato is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
#8 - Santa Rosa
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Olango island
intermediate
(0)
You can meet Dolphins sometime in the area!
W of Olango island. 20 min from Kon-Tiki.
#9 - Kenzai
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu
beginner
(0)
the reef along the coast between Delegate and Argo is unexplored. it has rich marine life but has some damage due to the fishing activity. if you are in the area and have the chance to get wet then its a "why not" site
Go by boat from Argao or Dalaguete and look for the bamboo boys along the coast
Kenzai is also known as Argo south.
#10 - Sand Bar Sanctuary
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, South Cebu
beginner
(0)
Sand Bar Sanctuary is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, South Cebu which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
#11 - Erics Cave
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
intermediate
(0)
This site is only known of by the 5 of us. as far as we know no one else has ever been here. This is an L shape tunnel cave at 30 meters... it is 10 meters wide.
You need to get here by private boat. Look for the house with the blue roof and head 150 south... this is the entry point. Once in the water get down to 30 meters and head north... you will find the cave.
Erics Cave is also known as Eric's Cave.
#12 - Guard House
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, South Cebu
beginner
(0)
Many small caves, nice dive.
SE side of the S point of Cebu Island, 25min from Marine Village. Dive site is near the small Guard House.
Guard House is also known as Sumilon 2.
#13 - Panagsama Beach
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Moalboal
beginner
(0)
Dive site in in front of the two warfs and the jetty.
The dive site is just in front of Sumisid Loadge Panagsama beach.
#14 - Deep Rock
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
Unrated
(0)
Deep Rock is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
#15 - Malapascua - Bantigue
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
beginner
(0)
Malapascua - Bantigue is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
#16 - Monad Shoal
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
beginner
(0)
Top of the shoal is 12m, going deep down to 200+m! This is a unique place to meet the rare Thresher shark (morning). Also a good place for Mantas (afternoon)...
SE of Malapascua island, in open seas. Several buoys for mooring are available (white bamboo sticks).
Monad Shoal is also known as Shark Point.
#17 - Oakita Maru
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
advanced
(0)
This wreck, just off Malapascua, is variously called the 'Pioneer' (it isn't) and the 'Unknown Maru'. Terry Dukes found a reference to a Japanese Personnel Carrier, 'AP Oakita Maru' sunk on 12th September 1944 at coordinates close to the wreck site (N 11-21; E 124-07 reference The Official Chronology of the US Navy in World War II). Source: panagadivers.com
Sunk on September 12, 1944
AP Oakita Maru 22 nm S of Masbate Is. (11-21N, 124-07E)
Oakita Maru is also known as Pioneer, Unknown Maru.
#18 - Malapascua - Deep Slope
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
intermediate
(0)
Great Muck site
Malapascua - Deep Slope is also known as Pantaw Pantaw.
#19 - Tuble Reef
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Moalboal
beginner
(0)
Nice dive site for second dive.
There is small caves at 27-30m deep.
S of Dolphin house
#20 - Ormoc Shoal
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
intermediate
(0)
Far from the common hotels. This sandy plateau has great corals (tubastrea coral, acropora, montipora and digitala).
4 nautical miles northeast from Capitancillo Island. 18 nautical miles south of Malapascua island (2hrs+)
#21 - Punta West
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
beginner
(0)
this is a dirty dive much like the two sites further up north but again this side is full of small nudies and baby fish ... its a real breading ground for frog fish so move really slow and watch out for 5mm orange spots!
Take a short boat ride from any of the dive shops on the other side of the island. you can get there by shore but its rocky so I would not recommend it
#22 - Talima
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Olango island
beginner
(0)
TarimaTarima
NW side of Olango island. 25 min from Kon-Tiki.
Talima is also known as Tarima.
#23 - Bas Coral
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Olango island
intermediate
(0)
Current may be strong sometimes... Take care!
SW of Olango island. 12min from Kon-Tiki.
Bas Coral is also known as Cathedral.
#24 - Malapascua - Ka Osting
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
beginner
(0)
Malapascua - Ka Osting is also known as East Garden.
#25 - Pescador Island
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Moalboal
beginner
(0)
Pescador island is a marine sanctuary. You can dive several times here, best is the S part. There is a steep wall with a cave named cathedral in the NW side.
Seen in this area: Whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, etc.
SW of Coption peninsula.
#26 - Santa Maria
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, South Cebu
beginner
(0)
Look for garden eels at the 20m sandy floor.
Near Marine Village. Entry point is S of a nice white cimetery bow-chapel.
Santa Maria is also known as Garden Eels.
#27 - Malapascua - Quiliano
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
beginner
(0)
Malapascua - Quiliano is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
#28 - White beach
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Moalboal
beginner
(0)
Off white beach, just south of Copton Point and Airport point.
White beach is also known as Saavedra.
#29 - Copton point
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Moalboal
intermediate
(0)
THere is an airplane at 20m deep, just at the wall edge.
Copton point is located at the west point of the northern end of the Copton Peninsula. Western Cebu and Moalboal.
Copton point is also known as Coption point.
#30 - Chocolate Island
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
beginner
(0)
Good dive site for macro photography with a good diversity of sea life: cuttlefish (with flamboyants), sea snakes and snake eels, seamoths, dragonfish, Pegasus and batfish, seaslugs and a lot of shrimps.
Small Island between Cebu tip and Malapascua Island.
#31 - Kasai Point
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Moalboal
beginner
(0)
W of Moalboal peninsula. The dive site is in front of two appartments (one white and the other yellow).
#32 - Agus
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
beginner
(0)
Agus, Mactan island. 3min from Kon-Tiki or Hadsan Beach Resort.
#33 - Gato Island - West
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
beginner
(0)
Pygmee seahorse, sea snakes, gorgonians and black corals... A very nice dive.
West side of Gato Island.
Gato Island - West is also known as Last Part.
#34 - Parker
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
beginner
(0)
Suba Basbas, Mactan Island. 22min from Kon-Tiki.
#35 - Tingo Point
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Olango island
beginner
(0)
There are many chances to see Thresher Sharks in the morning.
Extreme N of Olango Island. 25min from Kon-Tiki.
#36 - Fun in the sun
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
beginner
(0)
There are lots of small nudibranches on the rocks around this site so take your time. The dive starts with a gentle slope until you reach a wall that drops about 15 meters... stay on the top to find the more interesting stuff... go to the bottom for the big snappers.
Take a short boat ride from any of the dive shops .. the site is not accessible from the beach as it is in front of a rock face 2 meters tall. its 500 meters north of the Hilton hotel. there are no marks to show the site so ask the local DMs
#37 - Malapascua - North Point
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
beginner
(0)
Malapascua - North Point is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
#38 - Whale Rock
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
beginner
(0)
Maribago, Mactan island. 3min from Kon-Tiki. Dive the NE part of the rocks.
Whale Rock is also known as Dakit Dakit.
#39 - Tapilon Wreck
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
intermediate
(0)
Japaneese cargo vessel, broken in many peaces (torpedoed).
N from Cebu, W of Malapascua island, in open seas.
#40 - Alegre reef
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu
beginner
(0)
Alegre beach resort house reef has been protected since 1992.
Its a great house reef with snakes octopus nudies and lots of fish but the highlight must be the two huge 5 ft clams so be sure to get the DM to show you the clams at 18 meters.
the only problem with this site is the ongoing construction and land reclamation next door which gives you a visibility of only 10-15 meters.
200 meters off shore... a short boat ride or you can swim of the shore
#41 - Punta
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
beginner
(0)
this is part Muck dive part wall dive but the muck part is the better half ... spend sometime and move slow as there are plenty of small things to see
by boat is the best way.. you need to get out about 150 from the beach
#42 - Gato Island - Houseguard reef
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
beginner
(0)
Start in front of the guard house, then dive along Gato to the south. There are large rocks covered of gorgonians. A nice dive.
Located N from Cebu, Gato Island is a small deserted island. The houseguard is located on the northeast side of Gato island.
#43 - Gato Island - The Wall
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
beginner
(0)
Large boulders and a very nice small wall close to the island.
Southwest side of Gato island. There is a 'buoy' (boat life jacket) for mooring.
#44 - Whale shark watching
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu
beginner
(0)
It is a unique experience to dive with many whale sharks (no miss). It is starting 6:00 and ending 12:00. The whale sharks are being partially fed, so they are there around the year. They stop feeding them at 12:00 so they will have to find some of their food by theirselves, retaining that ability. Recommended to come at 6:00 or close to that since the fun begins and the masses of visitors are coming (most are coming for snorkeling so the diving is not so busy and it is a 60 minutes dive). Recommended to do the snorkeling as well.
The access is from the shore in the gathering area of whale shark watching. You must listen to the briefing and not wearing and sun protective agents, perfumes or after shaves.
#45 - Fish Sanctuary
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, South Cebu
beginner
(0)
Current is variable
Fish Sanctuary is also known as Sumilon 1, Sumilon island drift dive.
#47 - Malapascua - Lapus Lapus
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
beginner
(0)
Very bad viz; but nice soft coral garden.
Extreme NW point of Malapascua island
Malapascua - Lapus Lapus is also known as Lipus Lipus.
#48 - Sunken island
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Moalboal
intermediate
(0)
This site is well known for its large fish shoals, sponges and gorgonians. Lot of Lion Fishes are on the S side. A must!
This is the site where the 1st underwater wedding ceremony in Asia was officiated by a Catholic parish priest in Sangi
Sunken island, Badian, Cebu, Philippines.
Underwater plateau located S of Copton peninsula, SW of Badian Point.
Sunken island is also known as Sunken Island Cebu.
#49 - Liloan Wreck
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu
advanced
(0)
To visit the wreck you have to pay 150 pesos to the local responsible people (they come to you with their little banca).
It's a big wreck (superferry)the top of the wreck is around 35 meters, the bottom is at exactly 50 meters, not really a marine life (shoal of batfish and few soft coral) the bottom is a sand, to penetrate the wreck is easy, but careful to not be lost inside.
They said that the wreck was burn, but i didn't see any trace of fire, some people think that they sank it to get the insurance's money.
The mark is the buoy with a little tree on it, just follow the rope of the buoy to go directly on the wreck
Liloan Wreck is also known as Liloan superferry, San Juan Wreck.
#50 - Tongo point
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Moalboal
intermediate
(0)
Turtles are often seen at Tongo point
S point of the Copton Peninsula
#51 - Coral Reef
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
beginner
(0)
Similar as Agus dive site.
Agus, Mactan island. 5min from Kon-Tiki.
#52 - Alcoy sanctuary
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu
beginner
(0)
Alcoy only has one dive shop named Alcoy dive point... it is poorly managed and has bad service but its the only option if you want to dive the site unless you bring your own tanks etc.
The Sanctuary is not yet fully matured yet but there is still a few things to see such as nudies and lots of clams.
this is a good dive spot if you are passing by and have your own boat/gear
Great shore entry dive with the wall dropping off only 10 meters from the beach or get into the boat and head 200 meters out to the sanctuary
#53 - Lavin
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, South Cebu
beginner
(0)
Lavin is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, South Cebu which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
#54 - Nalusuan Island
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Olango island
beginner
(0)
10km S of Olango island. 27min from Kon-Tiki.
Nalusuan Island is also known as Nalusuan Island Resorts and Marine Sanctuary.
#55 - Tambuli
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
beginner
(0)
There is a small airplane at the end of the slope (22m deep), surrounded by truck tires.
Soong, Mactan island. 8km from Kon-Tiki.
#56 - Tingo Wreck
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Olango island
Unrated
(0)
The wreck is a diving boat (you can see the place of the cylinders at the back) it's not a banca but a kind of speed boat, when you go back (ascent) try to go a little bit to go the south, at 40M there is a nice cavern if you have time with your deco stop, it's interesting and there is some big fish also
Be after the drop off (big blue) you should parallel to Tingo point and see the extreme point of Olango island.
Underwater it's at the north of the cavern (around 50M to the north) the top of the wreck(it's the back) is around 75M and the front follow the slope until 85M.
#57 - Ludo
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
beginner
(0)
Similar as Kon-Tiki.
Maribago, Mactan island. Just 2min from Kon-Tiki.
#58 - Kon-Tiki
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
beginner
(0)
Very nive corals at 10m deep. Wall is great. For all divers. Biodiversity is great! Watchout for Frogfish, Mandarin fish, Ghostpipe fish, Blue ring octo etc.
Hadsan Beach Cove, Maribago, Mactan Island
Kon-Tiki is also known as Kon Tiki.
#59 - The mountain
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
advanced
(0)
just beside the wall, it's look like a little mountain, with a kind of canyon, the top of this "mountain is at 45/50M the bottom is around 60/65M but it continue deeper
You should be align with the 3 trees (from the shore) and choose the tree in the middle when you are on the boat
#60 - Olango Cave
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Olango island
Unrated
(0)
The bottom of the cave is at exactly 60 meters, a huge field of gorgona and soft coral on the sloap in front the cave, a shoal of big snapper live around the cave
Access by Banca (local boat), the floatting bambou is a mark of the drop off.
Technical Deep Diver or Tec Trimix level required
#61 - Maria's point
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
intermediate
(0)
Maria Island is a very small island, SE of Carnasa Island.
Maria's point is also known as Maria Island.
#62 - Marigondon Cave
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
advanced
(0)
Cave entrance is 30-38m deep. The cave is 40m long. Need a torch to penetrate the cave.
A little North West of the cave it looks flat at 45 meters. Swim out appx 50 meters and there is a new drop off that goes straight down to 72 meters!
Marigondon, Mactan Island. 8min from Kon-Tiki. The dive site is in from of the Plantation Bay Resort.
#63 - Pioneer Wreck
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
advanced
(0)
Torch is strongly recommended, as well as a serious deep dive experience!
N from Malapascua Island
#64 - Hiltongan Island
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Olango island
beginner
(0)
This is the best dive of Mactan area. Don't miss it!
7km S of Mactan Island, 20min from Kon-Tiki.
Hiltongan Island is also known as Hilutungan Island.
#65 - Magellan
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
beginner
(0)
Normally low vis but there is a lot of small stuff to see as well as frog fish and pipefish. Do not dive when current is strong
Punta Engano West. One of the few places to dive on this side of Mactan.
#67 - Pawood Cave
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
Unrated
(0)
Pawood Cave is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
#68 - Blue Hole
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
intermediate
(0)
Suba Basbas, Mactan island. The dive site is a litle bit after Marigondon Public Beach. 15min from Kon-Tiki.
#69 - Antina Point
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, South Cebu
intermediate
(0)
Take care of the strong currents that may occurs in this dive site!
Close to the marine village. The entry point is a square shape house on a cliff, with a coconut leave roof.
#70 - Shangri-La House Reef
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
beginner
(0)
A classic dive of Mactan island. Ghost pipefish can be seen there.
Only 5km from Kon-Tiki. NE of Mactan island.
#71 - Sampaguita
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Moalboal
beginner
(0)
Sampaguita is also known as Sampaquita.
#72 - Luisan Shoal
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, South Cebu
intermediate
(0)
NE of Oslob. 1h+ from Marine Village.
Luisan Shoal is also known as Caceres Reef.
#73 - Capitancillo Island
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
intermediate
(0)
Very nice wall running from 30m to 50m deep; with large gorgonian fans, puffer fishes and schools of fusiliers.
20 nautical miles south of Malapascua Island. There is a lighthouse on this small reef.
#74 - Doña Marilyn Wreck
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, North Cebu
intermediate
(0)
The Dona Marilyn sunk in 1984. It lays on its starboard. Top of the wreck is 17m, bottom is 35m.
SW of Manoc-Manoc island
Doña Marilyn Wreck is also known as Manoc Manoc.
#75 - Bas Diot
Philippines, Pacific
beginner
(0)
clownfish, lionfish and altheas.
Off the western side Cebu Island of the Visayas group.
#76 - Coral Reef Costabella
Philippines, Visayas, Cebu, Mactan
intermediate
(0)
Carefull if you dive between the tides, the current can be very strong for the 1st level (open water).
The reef is planty of differents kind of coral, a hudge variety.
From the north the drop off is at 50 Meters before the tiny island (big rock)