Where to Stay in Cebu for Diving and Snorkeling

Cebu is one of the top diving and snorkeling destinations in the Philippines, offering an underwater playground for all experience levels. From vibrant coral reefs and sardine runs to thresher sharks and sea turtles, Cebu has it all. Whether you’re a certified diver or a casual snorkeler, this island paradise offers unforgettable marine adventures just minutes from shore.

This guide highlights the best areas and accommodations in Cebu for diving and snorkeling—helping you choose the perfect base for underwater exploration.

Why Cebu Is a Top Choice for Diving and Snorkeling

The island of Cebu sits in the heart of the Visayas, surrounded by some of the richest marine biodiversity in Southeast Asia. Thanks to its position along the Coral Triangle, Cebu boasts:

• Healthy coral reefs teeming with tropical fish

• World-famous dive sites like Pescador Island and Monad Shoal

• Year-round diving conditions with warm water and good visibility

• Abundant marine life, including sea turtles, thresher sharks, sardines, and reef sharks

With dive centers located across the island, Cebu makes it easy to gear up and dive in.

Best Areas to Stay in Cebu for Diving and Snorkeling

1. Moalboal – Best Overall for Divers and Snorkelers

Located on Cebu’s southwest coast, Moalboal is the most popular diving base on the island. It’s especially famous for the Sardine Run, which can be seen just a few meters from the shoreline in Panagsama Beach.

Top Dive and Snorkel Highlights in Moalboal:

• Sardine Run (free diving and snorkeling from shore)

• Pescador Island (coral walls and schools of fish)

• Sea turtle encounters in Tongo Point and White Beach

• Macro and night diving available

Top Places to Stay in Moalboal:

• Quo Vadis Dive Resort
  Dive-focused resort with certified instructors and a full dive shop. Oceanfront rooms and PADI courses available.

• Diving Resort Club Serena
  Upscale beachfront resort with in-house dive center and boat tours to Pescador Island.

• Pescadores Seaview Suites
  Mid-range with excellent access to snorkeling spots and sea views.

• Turtle Bay Dive Resort
  Private and peaceful with a house reef ideal for beginner snorkeling.

The Ultimate Guide to Moalboal: Cebu’s Hidden Paradise for Divers and Beach Lovers

2. Malapascua Island – Best for Thresher Sharks

At the northern tip of Cebu lies Malapascua Island, a world-renowned destination for one very special marine species: thresher sharks. Divers from around the globe come here to see these graceful creatures at Monad Shoal.

Why stay in Malapascua:

• Only place in the world with near-daily thresher shark sightings

• Additional dive spots with mantas, nudibranchs, and coral gardens

• Crystal-clear waters and a tranquil island atmosphere

Top Dive Resorts in Malapascua:

• Evolution Dive Resort
  PADI 5-star dive resort with eco-friendly design. Offers early morning shark dives and specialty courses.

• Thresher Shark Divers
  A long-established dive center with full service and beachfront lodging.

• Ocean Vida Beach & Dive Resort
  A perfect mix of comfort and diving. Great for couples and solo travelers alike.

• Blue Corals Beach Resort
  Budget-friendly with dive shop partnerships and sea view rooms.

The Ultimate Guide to Malapascua: Cebu’s Best-Kept Secret for Thresher Shark Diving and Island Escapes

3. Mactan Island – Best for Convenient City Access + Diving

Mactan Island is only a few minutes from Cebu City and the international airport, making it the most accessible place for diving. While coral reefs here aren’t as pristine as in Moalboal or Malapascua, Mactan offers a good mix of wrecks, marine sanctuaries, and dive schools.

Best Diving and Snorkeling Sites in Mactan:

• Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary

• Nalusuan Island

• Kontiki Reef

• Tambuli Point wrecks

Top Places to Stay in Mactan for Divers:

• Kontiki Dive Resort
  Affordable dive hotel with a well-known house reef. Great for training dives and shore entries.

• Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort
  Offers its own dive shop and marine sanctuary access.

• Shangri-La Mactan
  Luxury option with snorkel access from its beach. Dive center available.

• Pacific Cebu Resort
  Large beachfront property with dive facilities, pools, and boat access.

The Ultimate Guide to Mactan Beach Resorts

4. Oslob – Best for Snorkeling with Whale Sharks

Oslob in Southern Cebu is famous for close-up encounters with whale sharks—an unforgettable experience for snorkelers. Though controversial, the site is heavily regulated. Sumilon Island nearby also offers fantastic snorkeling.

Key Snorkel Spots:

• Whale shark interaction area (snorkeling only)

• Sumilon Island sandbar and marine sanctuary

Top Accommodations in Oslob:

• Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort
  Stay directly on the island with exclusive access to its coral gardens.

• Seafari Resort Oslob
  Offers snorkeling tours, whale shark trips, and sea-view rooms.

• Down South 118 Beach Resort
  Quiet and affordable, perfect for early morning whale shark activities.

Ultimate Guide to Oslob, Cebu [2025 Edition]

5. Camotes Islands – Best Hidden Gem for Snorkeling

Located northeast of Cebu, the Camotes Islands are not as popular as Moalboal or Mactan, but they offer beautiful, unspoiled reefs with calm waters ideal for beginner snorkeling.

Why Choose Camotes:

• Clear waters and fish-filled reefs

• Great for families and casual snorkelers

• Less crowded than other Cebu destinations

Recommended Resorts:

• Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort
  Clean beach, protected coral area, and kayak/snorkel rentals.

• Santiago Bay Garden Resort
  Large property with sea access, great for DIY snorkeling.

The Ultimate Guide to Camotes Islands:Cebu’s Untouched Tropical Escape for Nature Lovers and Adventurers

Dive Schools and Certifications in Cebu

Many resorts in Cebu are PADI or SSI-certified dive centers, offering beginner to advanced dive training. If you’re new to diving, consider starting with:

• PADI Discover Scuba Diving: One-day intro program

• Open Water Diver Course: Full certification (3–4 days)

• Advanced Open Water: Deep diving, navigation, and specialties

Dive schools in Moalboal, Malapascua, and Mactan are highly rated for safety, multilingual instruction, and marine conservation practices.

Best Time to Visit for Diving and Snorkeling

• Dry Season (December to May): Best visibility and calm seas

• Wet Season (June to November): Fewer tourists but more rainfall; some dive spots still operate year-round

Visibility varies per site but is often 10–30 meters, especially in Malapascua and Moalboal.

What to Bring for Your Dive/Snorkel Trip

• Certification card (for certified divers)

• Dive logbook (optional but helpful)

• Rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen

• GoPro or underwater camera

• Dry bag for valuables

• Reusable water bottle

Most dive resorts provide full gear rental, but bringing your own mask and snorkel improves comfort.

Sample Itinerary: 5-Day Dive & Snorkel Adventure in Cebu

Day 1 – Arrival in Cebu / Transfer to Moalboal

• Check-in and orientation dive

• Sunset snorkeling at Panagsama Beach

Day 2 – Full-Day Dive in Moalboal

• Pescador Island wall dives

• Afternoon Sardine Run and turtle spotting

• Overnight in Moalboal

Day 3 – Transfer to Oslob

• Morning whale shark snorkel

• Afternoon rest or Sumilon Island snorkel

• Overnight in Oslob

Day 4 – Transfer to Malapascua

• Rest day or sunset beach walk

• Prep for early dive

Day 5 – Thresher Shark Dive + Departure

• Early morning dive at Monad Shoal

• Optional fun dive before heading back

Responsible Diving and Snorkeling Tips

• Avoid touching coral and marine life

• Use reef-safe sunscreen

• Do not feed fish or marine animals

• Practice good buoyancy to protect the reef

• Support eco-conscious operators

Marine conservation is essential to protect Cebu’s fragile ecosystems. Many local groups engage in reef clean-ups, coral planting, and awareness programs—ask your dive shop how you can get involved.

Final Thoughts

Cebu offers a truly diverse diving and snorkeling experience—from world-famous shark encounters in Malapascua to colorful reefs in Moalboal and easy-access sanctuaries in Mactan. Whether you’re a beginner looking to snorkel from the beach or an experienced diver seeking underwater thrills, Cebu has a destination that fits your style.

Choose your base depending on what you want to see—sardines and turtles in Moalboal, sharks in Malapascua, corals in Mactan, or whale sharks in Oslob. Wherever you stay, expect warm waters, vibrant life, and unforgettable marine moments.