Mactan Island Guide: Beaches, Activities & Stays

This post is also available in:

Mactan Island Guide: The offshore island of Mactan, which is also home to Cebu Airport, is an ideal base for your first days on Cebu. In this article we explore the beaches and attractions that Mactan Island has to offer. We’ll also tell you all about the nicest places to stay on Mactan Island. Get ready to be enchanted by Mactan’s charm as we explore the highlights of this fascinating destination together.

Tip: Traffic on Mactan Island is usually hellish and, compared with Cebu City, significantly heavier. For any destination beyond the airport, you should allow extra travel time!

Where to stay on Mactan Island

If you want to relax for your first days on Mactan Island, the area around Maribago Beach is especially appealing. That’s also where you’ll find the nicest resorts on Mactan Island, with direct beach access. Although the hotels right on Maribago Beach aren’t the cheapest, it’s definitely worth staying here for the first few days and really unwinding. We’ll now introduce you to our three favorite hotels on Mactan Island.

Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort – our recommendation!

Bluewater Resort Maribago Beach is a stunning resort that stretches along picturesque Maribago Bay. This idyllic retreat offers a perfect mix of luxury and natural beauty.

The resort grounds are surrounded by lush gardens and palm trees. The rooms and villas at Bluewater Resort Maribago Beach are elegantly designed and offer first-class comfort with modern amenities. Guests can look forward to private balconies or terraces with a breathtaking view of the azure sea or the lush gardens.

The resort has a wide range of leisure facilities, including several pools, a wellness center, and water sports for the more adventurous. A dive center is also located right at Bluewater Resort.

The access to the sandy beach is quick and easy, right through the resort. Just offshore is Alegrado Island, a small private island that belongs to Bluewater Resort. You can relax on the island during the day; in the evening, tables are occasionally set up so you can eat on the beach.

Whether you’re longing for relaxation on the beach, looking for adventure, or simply want to enjoy the tropical surroundings – Bluewater Resort Maribago Beach is the perfect place to discover the beauty of Mactan Island and make unforgettable memories.

• Price: $$$$
• Stars: 4-star
• Location: Maribago Beach
• Swimming pool & beach access: Yes

Book: Booking / Agoda / Cebu101 price comparison*

Cebu White Sands Resort

Cebu White Sands Resort is a spacious resort with a great pool area and direct beach access to Maribago Beach. The stretch of beach isn’t quite as nice as at Bluewater Resort, but the rooms at White Sands are significantly cheaper. The small rooftop bar, which offers a great view, is also recommended. Overall, Cebu White Sands Resort is a really nice property with direct access to the sandy beach and a generous pool at a reasonable price.

• Price: $$$
• Stars: 4-star
• Location: Maribago Beach
• Swimming pool & beach access: Yes

Book: Booking / Agoda / Cebu101 price comparison*

EGI Resort (also listed under RedDoorz)

EGI Resort is especially suitable for budget-conscious travelers. Although it can’t compete with the resorts mentioned above, EGI is a good option if you’re on a budget and used to typical Southeast Asian conditions. The large and attractive pool area is the biggest plus of EGI Resort. You can go straight to the sea from there, but unfortunately you won’t find a sandy beach, only paving stones.

The rooms are solidly furnished and a little dated. But if you know the “simpler” conditions in Southeast Asia, you shouldn’t have a major problem here. Depending on the room type, there’s also a beautiful balcony with a sea view.

Overall, EGI Resort, at €40–60 per night, isn’t all that expensive either, and is therefore a solid alternative to the other two top resorts on Maribago Beach.

• Price: $
• Stars: 3-star
• Location: Maribago Beach
• Swimming pool & beach access: Large pool and direct access to the sea, but NO sandy beach!

Book: Agoda / Cebu101 price comparison*

Tip: From the airport to the accommodations you can get there in around 15–25 minutes by taxi. Grab is an option too. Here we’ve written a detailed article about airport transfers on Cebu. You’ll also find a guide here on how to continue onward from Mactan Island.

---

Attractions on Mactan Island

Although Mactan Island doesn’t offer natural wonders like Cebu, there are still a number of things to do and attractions to discover. Besides the beaches and offshore islands around Mactan, there are also quite a few places on the island itself that are well suited to a full day of sightseeing. We’ve briefly summarized the best things to do and see on Mactan Island for you here.

Lapu-Lapu Monument

The Lapu-Lapu Monument on Mactan Island is an impressive homage to a local hero and a compelling site of Philippine history. The monument rises majestically to honor the brave leader who, in 1521 at the Battle of Mactan, defeated the first European explorers, led by Ferdinand Magellan. The imposing bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu, the former local ruler, embodies resistance and national pride. There are two Lapu-Lapu monuments on Mactan Island in total. One is right at the Mactan Shrine, the other at the Virgen de la Regla Shrine.

Mactan Shrine / Magellan’s Marker

The Mactan Shrine on Mactan Island is a historical and cultural treasure of the Philippines. This impressive monument commemorates the decisive Battle of Mactan in 1521, in which the local leader Lapu-Lapu defeated the first European explorers under Ferdinand Magellan. The shrine includes the monument to Lapu-Lapu as well as Magellan’s Marker, which was the starting point for the first circumnavigation of the world in human history.

Virgen de la Regla Shrine

The Virgen de la Regla National Shrine is an important religious site on Mactan Island, Cebu, in the Philippines. This national shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Rule (Virgen de la Regla), a highly venerated Marian image. The history of the shrine goes back to the Spanish colonial period, when the image of the Virgen de la Regla was brought to Mactan.

The shrine is a draw for pilgrims and believers from the region and beyond. Visitors have the opportunity to take part in religious ceremonies and celebrations and, in doing so, experience the deep connection between faith and culture in the Philippines. The Virgen de la Regla National Shrine is not only a place of prayer but also a cultural jewel that embodies the rich history and spirituality of the region.

---

Beaches on Mactan Island

Mactan Island has a number of decent beaches that are especially worthwhile for a quick beach trip from Cebu City. There are also some beautiful offshore islands around Mactan Island that are great for snorkeling, swimming, and even diving. The islands can be reached quickly from the beaches on the east coast with a hired boat. You can hire a local boatman or join guided group trips, which are also offered at the resorts around Maribago.

Maribago Beach

The Maribago Beach is, together with Shangri-La Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on Mactan Island. Unfortunately, Maribago Beach is a private beach that can only be entered with a day pass at Bluewater Resort. Hotel guests, of course, get free access to Maribago Beach.

The admission fee for Bluewater Maribago Beach is 1,600 PHP per person on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. That includes access to the beach, use of the swimming pool, and 1,600 PHP credit to spend at the restaurant or participation in the buffet. Booking is currently only possible on site as a walk-in. On weekends an additional 1,000 PHP per person is charged.

Alternatively, there is a day pass via Klook*, which includes access to the beach and swimming pool plus a free lunch buffet at the Allegro Restaurant. When booking via Klook you can, depending on the exchange rate, save a little.

Overall, a visit to Maribago Beach isn’t a cheap outing, but in return you get access to one of the most beautiful beaches in the immediate vicinity of Cebu City. Compared with European beach prices, the day-pass package is, in our view, perfectly reasonable. You get a lounger, a nice beach, access to the pool, and complimentary food included.

Shangri-La Beach

Shangri-La Beach is the most beautiful and most luxurious beach on Mactan Island. If you really want to unwind, this is the right place. The luxury resort Shangri-La* is among the best addresses in the entire Philippines anyway, and also allows visitors from outside to use the beach.

The price for a day at Shangri-La Beach is a bit steep (about 2,200 PHP per person), but plenty of entertainment is included. Booking the day pass is possible via Klook*. Walk-ins directly at the hotel are not possible; a prior reservation via Klook or the hotel’s Facebook page or website is required.

Overall, Shangri-La Beach is one of the most beautiful on Mactan and, in our view, definitely worth a visit!

The following amenities are included in the Shangri-La day-use pass:

• Use of the beach and swimming pool
• 20% off beach items
• One free hour with a snorkel set and/or access to the snorkeling safari activity
• A dining voucher at Breeze or the Buko Bar for 800 PHP for adults and 500 PHP for children
• Adults receive a 400 PHP credit for a spa treatment or water sports
• Children receive a 300 PHP credit for water sports (ages 7 to 17)

Mactan Newtown Beach

Newtown Beach is in the northeast of Mactan Island and is a nice, popular beach among locals who want to escape the bustle of the city on weekends. Admission here isn’t free either, but it’s cheaper than at the two resort beaches above.

What’s special about Mactan Newtown Beach is the longer opening hours, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. On weekends the admission prices are slightly higher, but we recommend coming on a weekday anyway, because it’s much more relaxed then.

Note: The admission prices are not final. The operators have come up with a large number of extra fees. We’ve put together a price list based on our latest knowledge here:

Admission:

• ₱150 per person on weekdays (Monday to Friday)
• ₱200 per person on weekends (Saturday & Sunday)

Rental prices:

• Large tent (25 people) – ₱3,000
• Small tent (15 people) – ₱1,500
• Cabana (15 people) – ₱1,500
• Umbrella – ₱800
• Tables with chairs – ₱500

Water sports:

• Jet ski (1 hour) – ₱3,500
• Jet boat (15 minutes) – ₱2,600
• Stand-up paddleboard (1 hour) – ₱600/person
• Wakeboarding (15 minutes) – ₱3,000
• Banana boat (15 minutes) – ₱3,000
• Parasailing (15 minutes) – ₱2,000

Corkage fee:

• Food: ₱50 per person who brings food.
• Lechon (roast suckling pig): ₱150 per lechon
• Imported alcohol: ₱100 per bottle
• Local bottle: ₱50 per bottle
• Local small bottle: ₱20 per bottle

Overall, Newtown Beach is a very nice and authentic place and a real recommendation for anyone who wants to visit a beach on Mactan Island. Update 2023: The beach has lost a good deal of its charm since the new Newtown complex was built. Newtown Beach (formerly Portofino) is now a sterile and boring beach.

Banban Beach (also Marigondon Beach)

The Banban Beach is a genuine local beach and sits right next to Vano Public Beach. The narrow strip of sand isn’t really clean and is often overcrowded. The water isn’t exactly inviting either. At least Banban Beach has no admission fee, but if you want to sit in any kind of comfort, you have to rent a table / cottage for 200 or 500 PHP.

Banban Beach is a good starting point for the offshore islands and for snorkeling trips, because countless boats are moored around Marigondon Port. Boats with a driver can be hired spontaneously on site, depending on your bargaining skills.

Overall, Banban or Marigondon Beach is fine if you simply want free access to the sea or are planning a boat trip, but all the beaches mentioned above are clearly nicer. To be honest, though, we wouldn’t really go swimming at Marigondon Beach.

Vano Public Beach

The Vano Public Beach is definitely not the most beautiful beach on Mactan Island, but it’s clearly better than the neighboring Banban / Marigondon Beach. Vano Beach is a typical Filipino local beach that’s popular for barbecues and relaxing. From here you can also easily book boat tours for snorkeling and the offshore islands. Admission, to our latest knowledge, costs 100 PHP per person. Extras such as a cabana have to be paid for separately. Vano Beach is right next to Banban Beach and is, for us, the better choice. The water appears clear and clean, and the stretch of beach is cleaned regularly.

Katano Hidden Beach

A small, hidden beach that can only be reached on foot via a bridge through the lagoon. Crossing the “bridge” costs 10 PHP; if you want to swim, you have to pay another 20 PHP. Tables and chairs can be rented on site for 100 PHP. The Hidden Beach is one of the most natural and quietest beaches on Mactan Island and a bit of a hidden gem. The water is clear and the beach is reasonably clean. In general, it’s a small recommendation for anyone adventurous who wants to visit a beach that isn’t all that well known yet.

We’ve marked the location where the path to the beach starts on the map. Parking a scooter costs 30 PHP per vehicle; arriving by car is not recommended because of extremely narrow and poor roads.

---

Things to do & activities on Mactan Island

Besides the attractions and beaches, there are a few more tips on Mactan Island that are definitely worthwhile. Below we’ve summarized some of our favorite activities on Mactan Island.

Boat trips & snorkeling

Around Mactan Island there are plenty of options for island and snorkeling trips. The local boatmen know the area well and head for the nicest spots. Some of those are the Marine Sanctuary, Sulpa Beach, Caohagan Beach, and Bakhawan Paradise. A good starting point for snorkeling and boat tours is Vano Beach, where you can hire local boatmen very spontaneously. The price for a boat trip is between 1,500 and 2,500 PHP per boat and depends on the number of stops.

There are also guided snorkeling and boat trips at Maribago Beach through Bluewater Resort.

Diving

Diving on Mactan Island is a fascinating experience that attracts diving enthusiasts from all over the world. The waters around the island offer an impressive variety of marine life and form a backdrop of breathtaking underwater landscapes. Mactan is especially known for its well-preserved coral, colorful reef fish, and the chance to see majestic marine animals such as turtles and barracudas.

With a wide range of dive sites, including popular spots such as Hilutungan Island, Nalusuan Island, and Talima Marine Sanctuary, Mactan offers unforgettable adventures for beginners and experienced divers alike. The dive shops and resorts on the island are staffed with experienced instructors to ensure a safe and educational experience.

There are dive shops all along the east coast of Mactan. Some are right at Vano Beach or at Maribago Beach.

Water sports

There are so many exciting water sports on Mactan Island that you’ll be spoiled for choice. If you’re looking for action, banana boating is a great option. If you want a bit more speed and adrenaline, jet skis are the way to go! And if you want to experience Mactan from a bird’s-eye view, be sure to try parasailing. Newtown Beach is the ideal starting point for all these activities. On site there are a large number of operators for the various water sports.

Prices vary depending on the activity. For example, 1 hour on a jet ski costs around 3,500 PHP, a banana boat 3,000 PHP for 15 minutes, and parasailing 2,000 PHP for 15 minutes.

You can also rent a paddleboard for stand-up paddling, which costs around 600 PHP per hour.

Scape Skydeck / Bar

Scape Skydeck is a really great option if you want to admire the Cebu City skyline from the other side of the Mactan Channel. A visit is especially worthwhile at sunset on the roof of Azon Residences, which houses Scape Skydeck. The rooftop bar is open daily from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. and offers tasty drinks and food at reasonable prices. Definitely stop by!

Room 801 Rooftop Bar

Room 801 Rooftop Bar is on the roof of Cebu White Sands Resort and can also be visited if you’re not a hotel guest. The bar offers cocktails, drinks, and food and is open Friday–Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.. The view of the sea and Mactan Island is beautiful, and special grill parties are often held, with tasty Filipino BBQ. A visit is definitely worthwhile here too!

Lantaw Native Restaurant

Lantaw Native Restaurant is a culinary gem on Mactan Island, Cebu, that offers the perfect mix of exquisite cuisine and breathtaking views. In a relaxed atmosphere and traditional local architecture, guests can enjoy a wide selection of Filipino dishes prepared with fresh, regional ingredients. The restaurant, whose name “Lantaw” translates as “view,” is strategically located with a panoramic outlook over the sea, which adds to an unforgettable dining experience.

With its welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and authentic flavors, Lantaw Native Restaurant embodies the charm of Filipino hospitality and offers guests a culinary treat complemented by a scenic setting. Lantaw is open every day until 10:00 p.m.. The atmosphere is especially enchanting in the evening hours.

Cebu Happy World Museum

The Cebu Happy World Museum is a unique and colorful experience on the island of Cebu that delights visitors of all ages. This interactive museum stands out for its creative 3D illusions, colorful artworks, and imaginative backdrops. Here, reality is transformed into a playful, magical world where visitors can step into the paintings to create fun and impressive photos.

A visit to the Happy World Museum is especially suitable with children or on rainy days, and is therefore a good alternative to the beach. Admission costs a moderate 250–350 PHP (depending on age); children up to 3 years old get in free.

---

Mactan Island attractions & beaches: the bottom line

Many Cebu visitors don’t really have Mactan Island on their radar. Still, there are some great activities here, so there’s absolutely no chance of getting bored for at least 2–3 days. If, after a tiring journey, you want to get from the airport into a good hotel quickly, you’re in good hands on Mactan and at the resorts on Maribago Beach*. Here you can spend the first days at a relaxed pace, and there’s also plenty to discover in the surrounding area. If you’re spending time in Cebu City, it’s also always worth escaping the bustle of the city and exploring Mactan Island.

We hope this Mactan Island guide can help you plan your exploration of the island. We wish you a great time on Mactan and all over Cebu!

Still have questions, anything to add, or current tips? Feel free to leave a comment!