Mactan Island , close to Mactan International airport, has many dive sites suitable for beginner and advanced divers. As well as providing suitable locations for dive courses, Mactan also has it's own mighty resident school of Sardines at Kontiki Marina and a host of marine sanctuaries with protected corals and marine life.
A short boat ride away, huge Jackfish and a school of Batfish live at Gilutongan Island, Snapper, Batfish, Sweetlips And Groupers all make residence at Olango Island.
Moalboal ,in the south of Cebu , is famous for seeing mighty schools of Sardines which can be seen all year round.
Also in the South of Cebu you can snorkel or dive with the gentle Whalesharks , which are an everyday attraction in Tanawan, in Oslob municipality.
Malapascua , an island to the north of Cebu, is another popular diving destination in Cebu. The highlight is the Thresher Shark dive at 5AM at Kimud Shoal. More recently Tiger Sharks have begun to visit Monad Shoal which is suitable for Advanced divers. Besides that, head to Gato Island which features a 100 ft ( 30M) tunnel and Blacktip reef Sharks.
Bantayan Island, also off the North tip of Cebu , although most well known for its beaches, has healthy corals to explore.
Visitors come to Cebu all year round with the busiest times at Christmas and Easter.
The climate does not change too much and there is no monsoon season like in some Asian countries.
Visibility is fairly good and 50-66ft (15-20m) can be expected while the water temperature is typically warm, averaging at 84°F(29°C)
Fly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport from destinations in Asia like Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong on airlines like Cebu Pacific, AirAsia and Silk Air.
Alternatively, fly in on local airlines like Cebu Pacific from other cities in the Philippines.
From Cebu International Airport the Diveshops In Mactan Island Are Only 25 Minutes Away By Taxi Or Grab Taxi.
To Get To Moalboal Or Oslob It will Take 3-4 Hours By Taxi Or Van Or You Can Get A Taxi To The South Bus Terminal And Get An Air Conditioned Ceres Bus.
For Malapascua , go to The North North Bus Terminal for buses to Maya Port with 4 hours travel, then ride a motorboat to Malapascua Port for 45 minutes. Travel Time approx 5 Hours.
For Bantayan Island , go to the North Bus Terminal for buses for Hagnaya Port with 4 Hours travel, then ride a ferry boat to Bantayan Port for 90 minutes. Travel time 5-6 hours.
This page wouldn't be possible without contributions from the following PADI members: Andrew Jenkins (PADI pro), P. C. Divers, Avila's Horizon Dive Resort, Devocean Divers Malapascua, Sidive Diving Center. Disclaimer