South Cebu does not have as many white sand beaches as North Cebu, but it sure does have some you will enjoy. CEBU INSIDER has created a list of the 8 Best Beaches in South Cebu to give you an idea of where to go if you want to get that beautiful tan.
In South Cebu, you will find the best adventure activities in Cebu like canyoneering, sardine run, and swimming with giant whale sharks. While you are at it, you don’t really want to miss the most beautiful beaches in South Cebu.
Searching for travel guides and inspiration for your trip to South Cebu? Check out these practical guides:
- Top 10 Tourist Spots in South Cebu
- 10 Fun Things to Do in South Cebu
- South Cebu Travel Guide: Tourist Spots, Things to Do, Beaches, Itinerary, and Budget
- South Cebu Itinerary for 2 Days: Moalboal and Badian Itinerary and Budget
- South Cebu Itinerary: 6D5N DIY Itinerary and Budget (Moalboal, Kawasan Falls, Badian Canyoneering, Oslob Whale Shark, Sumilon Island)
8 Best Beaches in South Cebu
You can find many beaches in the south of Cebu as well as remote islands that are blessed with a rich marine ecosystem. Here are CEBU INSIDER’s 8 Best Beaches in North Cebu:
1. Sumilon Island
Sumilon Island has one of the best beaches in South Cebu. Located a few minutes away from mainland Oslob, Sumilon Island is the first marine protected area in the Philippines.
The island is known for its crystal clear white sand beach and shifting sandbar. Aside from these, a couple of attractions in Sumilon Island include dive sites, a lagoon, caves, hiking trails, a 19th-century watchtower, and a modern lighthouse.
Sumilon Island is also popular among newlyweds, honeymooners, or someone celebrating special milestones. Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort is a 4-star hotel and the sole commercial facility in the island.
Tourists can access the island through the resort’s day pass. Walk-in visitors are also allowed subject to availability. Booked guests are the priority. If you want to ensure your visit to Sumilon Island, get the Bluewater Sumilon Day Pass!
READ: Top 18 Fun Outdoor Activities in Cebu
2. Lambug Beach (Badian)
Another popular white sand beach in South Cebu on our list is Lambug Beach in Badian. Lambug Beach is not as popular as the public beaches in Bantayan Island, but it’s definitely one of the best in the south.
Local sari-sari (mom-and-pop) shops, karenderya (eateries), and hut-style beach resorts line the shore of Lambug Beach. When swimming, wear your water shoes to avoid the stings from sea urchins. If you are looking for an overnight beach in Cebu, many local resorts are nearby.
READ: 9 Badian Tourist Spots to Visit (#6 You’ve Never Heard Before!)
3. Basdaku or White Beach (Moalboal)
Basdaku, also known as White Beach, is one of the most famous beaches in South Cebu stretching 1 kilometer of white sand and blue water. Its coast is lined with sari-sari stores, karenderya, souvenir shops, and beach resorts.
It’s one of the most popular beaches among weekenders from the city since it’s very accessible. As a public beach, you can use the beach for free. Many locals also bring their tents to camp by the beach overnight.
READ: 6 Best Moalboal Resorts You Can Book (Local and Real Guest Recommendations)
4. Hermit’s Cove (Aloguinsan)
Hermit’s Cove is one of the known cheap beaches in South Cebu. Hermit’s Cove has fine white sand and blue waters, yet it’s not as popular as other public beaches in Cebu. Hermit’s Cove might be secluded, but it’s easy to access from Cebu City.
READ: Cebu Itinerary for 7 Days and 6 Nights: Schedule of Activities and Budget
5. Tingko Beach (Alcoy)
Tingko Beach is well-known among locals on the southeastern side of Cebu Island. This white beach in South Cebu has one of the longest stretches of white sand. Although it’s a public beach, it has a minimal entrance fee.
Some people might have complained about the “dirt” the beach has. I’d like to put out a friendly reminder that yes, trash from the sea could be there any time, but we really can’t dictate to nature when to sweep ocean thrash to the shores. But on a good day, Tingko Beach is worth checking out if you are nearby.
READ: Top 25 Best Places to Visit in Cebu
6. Mahayahay Beach (Argao)
Some of the most affordable beaches in South Cebu are found in non-touristy areas. In Argao, you will one of the best public beaches in South Cebu that you can enter for free. Mahayahay Beach is popular only among Argao locals, so you can expect no other tourists around most of the time.
READ: 35 Best Things to Do in Cebu: The Most Comprehensive Travel Guide to Cebu
7. Panagsama Beach (Moalboal)
Panagsama Beach is one of the top beaches in South Cebu. However, it’s not popular because of its white sand, rather its beauty lies underwater.
A few meters from its shore is a reef full of marine life. Whether you are scuba diving, freediving, or snorkeling, this shore entry dive spot drops up to 40 meters ready to wow you with its wonders.
Located in Basdiot, Panagsama Beach is the center of tourist activities where a strip of bars, restaurants, resorts, and souvenir shops are located.
READ: How to Get to Moalboal From Cebu City
8. Badian Island (Badian)
Badian Island is a small island in the Tañon Strait about a 10-minute boat ride off the coast of Badian town. Also known as Zaragosa Island, Badian Island features some snorkeling spots and a nice beach in South Cebu.
Badian Island Wellness Resort is the only commercial facility in the island with a mini golf course. Around the island are a sunken island and a pinnacle 20 meters down. While you can dive the pinnacle, the sunken island can only be done by advanced divers. A lot of island hopping tours in Moalboal offer a side trip to Badian Island.
If you would like to stay at the resort, book directly at Badian Island Wellness Resort.
READ: 10 Best Islands in Cebu
More of the Best Beaches in South Cebu
That’s all for our list of the 8 Best Beaches in South Cebu! There are so many more beautiful beaches in the southern part of Cebu for you to discover. A trip along the coastal areas will leave you in awe of all the blue water you see.
Got questions about traveling to South Cebu? Drop them in the comments. We will get back to you ASAP!
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