North Cebu boasts many of the best white sand beaches in Cebu, making it an excellent place for ultimate rest and relaxation. CEBU INSIDER has created a list of the 15 Best Beaches in North Cebu to give you an idea of where to go beach-bumming on your next vacation.
Many of the most popular white sand beaches in Cebu are found in Bantayan Island, Malapascua Island, and Camotes Islands. Some worthy affordable beaches in northern Cebu can also be found in the northern part of the mainland.
Looking for travel guides and inspiration for your trip to North Cebu? Read these useful guides:
- Top 10 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in North Cebu
- 10 Most Exciting Things to Do in North Cebu
- North Cebu Travel Guide: Things to Do, Beaches, Itinerary, and More
- North Cebu Itinerary: 8D7N DIY Itinerary and Budget
What Are the Nicest Beaches in Northern Cebu?
The nicest beaches in northern Cebu for me are Paradise Beach in Bantayan Island, Virgin Island Beach, Langob Beach in Malapascua Island, Santiago Bay Beach in Camotes Islands, and Maravilla Beach in Tabuelan. All of these beaches boast crystal-clear water, fine white sand, and an expansive shore with a great view of the ocean and the sky.
Klook.comWhat Are the Islands in Northern Cebu?
There are so many islands in northern Cebu. The most popular ones are Bantayan Island, Virgin Island, Malapascua Island, and Camotes Islands. Some islands in north Cebu that you should take into account include Kinatarkan Island, Carnaza Island, Capitancillo Islet, and Tulang Diot Island.
Klook.com15 Most Beautiful Beaches in Northern Cebu
There are so many beaches in the north part of Cebu as well as remote islands that are blessed with crystal-clear blue water and fine white sand. Here are CEBU INSIDER’s 15 Best Beaches in North Cebu:
1. Sillon Island Beach
Sillon Island is one of the most beautiful islands in Cebu and has one of the most beautiful beaches in Northern Cebu. Crystal clear water, powdery white sand, and fun water activities—you can find them all here.
Also known as Virgin Island, this remote island a few kilometers off the coast east of Bantayan Island is only accessible through accredited tours or boat transfers from Santa Fe.
Visit the Santa Fe Tourism Office in Bantayan Island to arrange a tour for you. Or, ask your hotel’s front desk about island hopping tours.
How to Get to Virgin Island
Virgin Island is best visited from Santa Fe, Bantayan Island through island hopping tours. To book island hopping tours, go to Santa Fe Tourism Office. Or, you can ask your hotel’s front desk about Virgin Island tours. Boat transfer to Virgin Island costs around 1,500 PHP (~30 USD) for up to 5 people.
2. Paradise Beach (Bantayan Island)
Paradise Beach’s long stretch of white sand shore and crystal clear water make it one of the best beaches in northern Cebu. Of all beaches in Bantayan Island, this is probably the most beautiful. Tucked behind craggy cliffs, Paradise Beach is also a good spot to snorkel and camp.
Do know that Paradise Beach is accessible through a different ragged, dirt trail as well as Sandira Beach, which is part of the stretch of Paradise Beach. Sandira Beach was leased to a private entity several years ago.
Sandira Beach and Paradise Beach have an entrance fee of 60 PHP (~1 USD) and 30 PHP (~0.5 USD), respectively.
How to Get to Bantayan Island
To get to Bantayan Island from Cebu City, take a Ceres Liner bus at Cebu North Bus Terminal bound for Hagnaya Port. Some buses go directly to Santa Fe, Bantayan Island.
If you are taking a bus directly to Santa Fe, you still need to get off at Hagnaya Port to pay for your ticket to Bantayan Island yourself. Bus fare is 305 PHP (~3 USD) and ferry fare is 350 PHP (~7 USD). Travel time is about 4-5 hours. Learn How to Get to Bantayan Island from Cebu City, Cebu Airport, Malapascua Island, Bacolod, and more!
You can also charter a private vehicle to take you to Hagnaya Port from Cebu City or Mactan Airport. Book a Private Intercity Transfer here!
Klook.com Klook.comWhere to Stay in Bantayan Island
- Amihan Beach Cabanas (Check room rates!)
- Anika Island Resort (Check room rates!)
- The Coral Blue Oriental Beach Villas and Suites (Check room rates!)
- Sunrise Beach Club Resort Amanacer (Check room rates!)
- SMAK’s Hotel (Check room rates!)
3. Baigad Lagoon Beach (Bantayan Island)
Also known as Balidbid Lagoon Beach, this white beach in northern Cebu is of the newest attractions in Bantayan Island that have been opened to the public. Baigad Lagoon has the clearest water in the island that you can see the sea bed.
The beach is located at the end of the lagoon where it meets the sea. If you access the beach through the lagoon, you get to enjoy the thick forest of mangroves around. It is accessible by walking through the shoreline from Baigad Barangay Hall.
Baigad Lagoon has an entrance fee of 100 PHP (~2 USD) if you enter the beach part where there are facilities under construction. The surrounding area is free. Boat transfer is 100 PHP (~2 USD) per head for a two-way boat transfer.
4. Langob Beach (Malapascua Island)
Langob Beach is one of the popular public beaches in North Cebu. Also known as North Beach, it’s located in the northernmost part of Malapascua Island, hence the other name. It’s also one of the few beaches in Malapacua Island. Langob Beach is a public beach, but you can use the coconut swings here and chill by the beach for free.
Snorkeling is also an activity you can do here. A few resorts and stalls nearby sell coconuts, chips, drinks, and more. There are no huts and toilets nearby, but you can use the one from D Avila’s Horizon Dive Resort.
How to Get to Malapascua Island
Go to Cebu North Bus Terminal and take a Ceres Liner bus to Maya Port. All Maya-bound buses end at Maya Port where you will then take a ferry to Malapascua Island.
The bus fare from Cebu City to Maya Port is 300 PHP (~7 USD) and travel time is 4 hours. The boat fare from Maya Port to Malapascua Island is 200 PHP (~4 USD) and travel time is 45 minutes. Pay the 75 PHP (~1.5 USD) ecological fee at the Tourism Office at Maya Port. Learn How to Go to Malapascua Island from Cebu City, Cebu Airport, and Bantayan Island!
You can also charter a private vehicle to take you to Maya Port from Cebu City or Mactan Airport. Book a Private Intercity Transfer here!
Klook.comWhere to Stay in Malapascua Island
- Evolution Dive and Beach Resort (Check room rates!)
- Tepanee Beach Resort (Check room rates!)
- Hippocampus Beach Resort (Check room rates!)
- Angelina Beach Resort (Check room rates!)
- Crown Malapascua (Check room rates!)
5. Santiago Bay Beach (Camotes Islands)
One white sand beach in North Cebu that has a very wide open space is Santiago Bay Beach located in San Francisco, Camotes Islands. With its long stretch of white sand beach, water activities are some of the popular things to do in Camotes Islands.
Many restaurants are nearby. Santiago Bay Beach has facilities like huts, bangka (outrigger boat), kayaks, and banana boats you can rent for the day. Karaoke machines and a volleyball court are also available.
How to Get to Camotes Islands
The fastest way to get to Camotes Islands from Cebu City is to take the Oceanjet Fascraft at Cebu Pier 1 to Poro Port in Camotes Islands. Fare is 880 PHP (~16 USD). Travel time is 2 hours.
Alternatively, you can take a Ceres Liner bus at Cebu Nort Bus Terminal bound for Maya Port or Hagnaya Port. Tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at the Danao Port. Fare is 70 PHP (~1.5 USD). Travel time is 1 hour. At Danao Port, take a ferry to Consuelo Port. Fare is 220 PHP (~4 USD). Travel time is 2 hours.
For more details on the fastcraft and ferry schedule and fare, check out How to Go to Camotes Islands from Cebu City, Cebu Airport, Ormoc, and Manila!
You can also charter a private vehicle to take you to Danao Port from Cebu City or Mactan Airport. Book a Private Intercity Transfer here!
Klook.comWhere to Stay in Camotes Islands
- Homa Resort Hotel (Check room rates!)
- Villa Marquez (Check room rates!)
- Sunset Vista Seafront Guest House (Check room rates!)
- Azure Camotes Resort Hotel (Check room rates!)
- RC Hutspot Tourist Inn (Check room rates!)
6. Maravilla Beach (Tabuelan)
If you are looking for a white sand beach near the city, Maravilla Beach is one of the most affordable beaches in Northern Cebu you can visit. Admission is free.
This public beach in North Cebu is among the favorites of weekenders from the city. Maravilla Beach is also a perfect overnight beach in Cebu where you can go camping for free.
How to Get to Tabuelan
Take a Ceres Liner bus at Cebu North Bus Terminal bound for Bacolod via Tabuelan. Tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at Tabuelan Public Market. Fare is 250 PHP (~5 USD). Travel time is 3 hours. At Tabuelan Public Market, take a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to Maravilla Beach. Fare is 50 PHP (~1 USD). Travel time is 10 minutes.
You can also charter a private vehicle to take you to Maravilla Beach from Cebu City or Mactan Airport. Book a Private Intercity Transfer here!
Where to Stay in Tabuelan
- Cebu R Resort Tabuelan (Check room rates!)
- Durhan White Beach Resort (Check room rates!)
7. Kota Beach (Bantayan Island)
Kota Beach is arguably the most popular beach in Bantayan Island for its accessibility located right in front of Kota Beach Resort. If you’re staying around Santa Fe’s commercial center, you can walk to this public beach through multiple entry points.
Accessibility aside, its popularity isn’t unwarranted as Kota Beach is one of the best white sand beaches in Cebu and has a sandbar and clear water that you will enjoy at any time of the day. But twilight at Kota Beach hits different. I recommend bringing your beach mat, a bottle of beer, and some chips while watching a glorious sunrise or sunset by the beach.
8. Tulang Diot Island
Tulang Diot has one of the nicest beaches in Cebu. It’s an islet so you need to take two boat rides from Cebu City to get there, but the trip is going to be worth it. Tulang Diot may be secluded but it’s only popular among locals nearby.
To get to Tulang Diot Island, take a ferry from Cebu City to Poro Port in Camotes Islands. Then take a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to Tulang Daku where you would then get on a boat to Tulang Diot.
Tulang Diot is the only islet in the Camotes Islands group accessible via Tulang Dako Beach in Pacijan Island. This islet has one of the best beaches in Cebu popular among town locals and is very accessible to tourists.
How to Get to Tulang Diot Islet
Go to Tulang Dako Beach in San Francisco, Camotes, and take a boat to Tulang Diot. Fare is 40 PHP (~1 USD) one way. Travel time is 10 minutes.
READ: Camotes Travel Guide: Things to Do, Beaches, Caves, Getting There, Budget, Itinerary
9. Bakhaw Beach (Camotes Islands)
If you’re looking for secluded beaches in Cebu, visit Bakhaw Beach in San Francisco town in Pacijan Island (one of the four islands that make up the Camotes Islands). Bakhaw Beach is a public beach popular among locals in town.
Getting there means passing through dirt trails, massive coconut plantations, and thick wild bushes. Since it’s undeveloped, there are no restaurants nearby, only trees lining the coast and the crystal-clear water and white sand beach.
READ: 6 Best Hotels in Camotes Islands, Cebu (Local and Real Guest Recommendations)
10. Mangodlong Beach (Camotes Islands)
In North Cebu, beaches with a pool are not hard to come by. One we highly recommend is Mangodlong Beach, a private resort of the same name located in the Camotes Islands. You can access the beach for a fee.
But there’s a way for you to access the fine white sand beach and crystal clear blue water through a neighbor’s resort. Just ask the locals. If you are in Camotes Islands, Mangodlong Beach should be on your list.
READ: Camotes Island Itinerary: 3 Days and 2 Nights Itinerary and Budget
11. Bounty Beach (Malapascua Island)
As soon as you dock at the wharf in Malapascua Island, Bounty Beach welcomes you with its stretch of soft white sand and clear water. But that’s not really the part you’ll want to swim and chill at.
Bounty Beach extends farther on the right side where you may lounge and enjoy the unobstructed view of the azure sky meeting the ocean. Lined with bars, restaurants, and hotels, it’s definitely one of the best public beaches in Cebu.
If you go even farther on the right where Evolution Beach and Dive Resort and Malapascua Exotic Island Dive Resort are located, you get to enjoy the beach on your own!
READ: Malapascua Travel Guide: Requirements, Getting There, Fares, Budget, Internet, and Itinerary
12. Batson Beach (Camotes Islands)
Also known as Hidden Beach, Batson Beach lives up to its other name as it’s tucked away in towering coconut trees and bushes accessible only by a dirt trail from the highway. As you enter the beach, crystal clear blue water and fine white sand greet enveloped in a small cove will greet you.
Batson Beach is only popular among locals as of now. But it has become slowly known among savvy tourists who are hunting for something new. Admission is free.
READ: 10 Fun Things to Do in Camotes Islands, Cebu
13. Rañola Beach Resort (Catmon)
In North Cebu, affordable beaches are not hard to come by. But there are still a few cheap beaches in North Cebu that you can find in the mainland and Rañola Beach Resort is one of them.
Open since 1957, Rañola Beach Resort in Catmon is popular among locals in neighboring towns and weekenders from the city. Although it does not have fine white sand, the beach is still worth visiting for its clear blue water when you are around the area.
How to Get to Catmon
Take a Ceres Line bus at Cebu North Bus Terminal. Tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at Rañola Beach Resort. Fare is 85 PHP (~1.5 USD). Travel time is 1 hour.
You can also charter a private vehicle to take you to Catmon from Cebu City or Mactan Airport. Book a Private Intercity Transfer here!
Where to Stay in Catmon
- Sky Beach Hotel (Check room rates!)
- Cebu Beach House (Check room rates!)
- Philippine Sunrise North Cebu Mountain Earthship (Check room rates!)
- Las Flores Beachside Hotel (Check room rates!)
- High Steps Pension (Check room rates!)
- Exclusive Beachfront House w/ Pool & Saltwater Tub (Check room rates!)
READ: Top 18 Fun Outdoor Activities in Cebu
14. Capitancillo Islet
Capitancillo Island is a marine protected area situated 6.1 kilometers from the shores of Bogo City. This 6-hectare uninhabited coral islet features three dive sites: the Ormoc Shoal, the Nuñez Shoal, and the southwest wall of Capitancillo.
Capitancillo was named after American Navy Captain Cillo who reached the islet during WWII. On the island is a lighthouse built in the 1900s and some concrete benches, the remains of some structures, limestone cliffs, and some coconut trees. Snorkeling, kayaking, diving, and overnight camping are some activities you can do on the island.
How to Get to Capitancillion Islet
Take any Ceres Liner bus at Cebu North Bus Terminal. Tell the driver or bus conductor to drop you off at the New Bogo City Hall. At the Mayor’s Office, find Jocelyn Tan, the City Tourism Officer, to arrange a tour for you. For inquiries, call 260-5183-211 or 260-5183-421 (head).
You can also charter a private vehicle to take you to Bogo City from Cebu City or Mactan Airport. Book a Private Intercity Transfer here!
Where to Stay Bogo City
- Arapal Nature Retreat (Check room rates!)
- Verzoni Suites (Check room rates!)
- RedDoorz Pension House Bogo City (Check room rates!)
- Marz Valley Nature Park (Check room rates!)
READ: 10 Best Islands in Cebu
15. Pasil Beach (Kinatarkan Island)
A beach that’s not on the radar of many tourists is Pasil Beach in Kinartakan Island. Yes, it’s located farther up north that’s why it’s not as popular as other public beaches in Cebu.
Pasil Beach, however, is worth checking out if you are in Kinatarkan Island. You can snorkel, go camping, watch the sunset, and rub elbows with the locals while having a peaceful time away from crowds.
How to Get to Carnaza Island
Take a Ceres Liner bus at Cebu North Bus Terminal bound for Maya Port. Tell the driver or bus conductor to drop you off at Tapilon Port. Fare is 300 PHP (~6 USD). Travel time is 4 hours. At Tapilon Port, take an outrigger boat to Carnaza Island. Fare is 100 PHP (~2 USD). Travel time is 3 hours.
You can also charter a private vehicle to take you to Tapilon Port from Cebu City or Mactan Airport. Book a Private Intercity Transfer here!
Where to Stay in Carnaza Island
- Carnaza Eco-Park (Check room rates!)
READ: 35 Best Things To Do In Cebu: The Most Comprehensive Travel Guide To Cebu
More Beaches in North Cebu
And that’s a wrap for our list of the 15 Best Beaches in North Cebu! There are so many more beautiful beaches to discover up north, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
If you are still planning for your trip to North Cebu, be sure to check out our North Cebu Travel Guide for more detailed information on what to do and what to see, including the top things to do, the best beaches, and how to get there. If you are ready to go, you can check out our North Cebu Itinerary for 8 Days and 7 Nights for inspiration. Heading South Cebu too? Check out our Top 10 Tourist Spots in South Cebu!
Still have questions about traveling to North Cebu? Leave them in the comments. We will get back to you ASAP!
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