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If you are looking for a beautiful island adventure from Cebu City, then why not take a Pescador Island hopping trip? This island hopping trip only takes one day and is the perfect way to enjoy a splash of paradise from Cebu City.
As a family, we spent a few days in Cebu City. Although there are some fun things to do in the city, at the end of the day, it is just a big, grubby city (please accept our apologies if you are a city lover). So, if you are staying in Cebu City, we highly recommend that you make the most of any opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Cebu.
As a single-day experience, you do not need a lot of time in your itinerary to fit this island hopping trip in. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Pescador Island hopping trip from Cebu City.
Why Do We Recommend the Pescador Island Hopping Trip?
The Pescador Island hopping trip allows you to jump into some of the most beautiful, biodiverse tropical waters you have ever experienced (it is certainly some of the most beautiful water we have experienced, and we have traveled Southeast Asia extensively). If you do the Pescador Island hopping trip, there is a high probability that you’ll be able to swim with wild sea turtles, see the magnificent sardine run, and swim amongst giant swirls, arches, and tornadoes of sardines.
There are also a lot of other beautiful tropical species in the area, including seahorses, clownfish, batfish, pufferfish, and wrasse. The coral reef in this area is particularly vibrant, healthy, and colorful, so you are also likely to see a wide variety of coral species. If you love snorkeling, swimming, or freediving, we think you will love the Pescador Island hopping trip. However, this trip is not the best choice for everyone. Keep reading to find out more.
Option 1: Pescador Island Hopping from Cebu City
If you do not have a lot of time in your itinerary or you need to stay in Cebu City (rather than staying in Moalboal), we recommend that you book a one-day island hopping trip from Cebu City.
GET ORANISED – Book the Pescador Island Hopping trip on Klook
The trip normally departs quite early and does not return until the evening. The typical hours are normally 5 am – 7 pm. Surprise! The trip does not include any food or meals. We recommend that you pack your bag the night before, including a breakfast that you can eat on the go.
If you book your island hopping trip on Klook, the price applies to the whole group and generally ranges from £110 or $130 for 1 – 3 people to £145 or $180 for 10 – 12 people. With a larger group, you can share the cost across your group so that it is cheaper per person.
The Pescador Island Hopping Trip on Klook Includes:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Round trip transportation
- Boat ride
If you do not have your own snorkeling equipment (snorkel, mask, and fins), you will need to speak to your guide on the day. They may have equipment available on the boat that you can borrow free of charge. Alternatively, you may need to rent your kit from the beach in Moalboal (your guide should be able to help you do this). A snorkel and mask cost 100 pesos, and swimming fins also cost 100 pesos.
What Is Not Included in the Price of the Trip
Meals are not included. Make sure you bring money to buy food and drinks along the way. The price also excludes the environmental fee, which is 100 pesos per person (this is around £1.50 or $2).
Is the Pescador Island Hopping Trip Family-Friendly?
Yes, the Pescador Island hopping trip is a great option for families. There are, however, a few things you need to be aware of. When you book your trip, make sure that all children are included in the booking. After you have booked the trip, we recommend that you contact them to request child life jackets. The boats should be equipped with a plastic life ring. This is very useful if you are looking after kids in the open water. Kids can hold on to the life ring so you can pull them along. Infants from 0 to 3 years old are free of charge. Kids four years and older are charged as adults on this trip.
And finally, it is worth considering photography and filming (after all, if you don’t have the photos, have you really done it?). We recommend using a good waterproof action camera, ideally with a dive case, and if possible, use a buoyant selfie stick. The boat crew can help get photos (they are surprisingly good at this).
Option 2: A Better Alternative (If You Have Time)
The Pescador Island hopping trip is not the best choice for everyone. For example, if you are a budget backpacker in Cebu, this will probably be too big for your budget. Although the island hopping trip is amazing, it is also quite expensive, especially if you are solo or a couple. With a larger group, you can share the cost across your group. If you have a longer itinerary in Cebu, there is also a better way to experience the amazing water.
If you have the time, we recommend staying in Moalboal. It is very affordable and easy to take a bus from Cebu City to Moalboal.
There is plenty of accommodation in the Panagsama Beach area. You can also rent a kit like a snorkel, mask, and fins (100 pesos each), and you can find affordable guided snorkeling trips (starting for as little as 350 pesos per hour).
From Panagsama Beach, you can paddle straight out into the ocean and see the remarkable biodiversity. Panagsama Beach is a fantastic place to see the sardine run, swim with wild sea turtles, try scuba diving, or learn freediving. You can even do spearfishing in this area. It is not necessarily any cheaper to arrange your Pescador Island hopping trip in Moalboal. Moalboal is also the best place to book a Canyoneering trip to Kawasan Falls.
When we asked around, we were quoted the extortionate price of 2,500 pesos per boat (private boat) + 100 environmental fee per person. To be fair, this boat can fit up to 24 people. However, at this price, it is likely to be a lot cheaper to book your Pescador Island Hopping trip from Cebu City on Klook.
