Gearing up for your trip to northern Cebu? We have put together the Top 10 Tourist Spots in North Cebu that we think you should add to your North Cebu itinerary.
A lot of the tourist spots in North Cebu that we have on our list are accessible by boats and/or ferries. Don’t worry. We have supporting How to Get There and Ferry Schedule guides that have all the most up-to-date information you need to get anywhere in Cebu and neighboring places.
What Is Northern Cebu Known for?
North Cebu is home to Cebu’s best islands and beaches. Along with islands and beaches, you never run out of things to do in Cebu where you can experience fun activities like skydiving, diving with thresher sharks, cliff-diving, and safari tour.
What Are the Northern Part of Cebu?
The northern part of Cebu is composed of small towns, cities, and remote islands. The most popular among tourists are Bantayan Island, Malapascua Island, and Camotes Islands where dozens of white sand beaches can be found.
10 Places to Visit in Northern Cebu
From islands to resorts to safari, here are CEBU INSIDER’S Top 10 Tourist Spots in North Cebu:
1. Bantayan Island
Bantayan Island is home to many of the white sand beaches such as Kota Beach, Paradise Beach, and Baigad Lagoon Beach. If you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping adventure things to do in North Cebu, Bantayan Island also offers several fun activities such skydiving, kitesurfing, beach camping, and cliff-diving.
Bantayan Island is one of the top Cebu tourist attractions. You don’t want to miss it!
For a complete guide to Bantayan Island, check out our Bantayan Island Travel Guide!
Top Tourist Spots in Bantayan Island
- Kota Beach
- Sugar Beach
- Paradise Beach
- Sandira Beach
- Bobel Beach
- Baigad Lagoon or Balidbid Lagoon
- Ogtong Cave
- The Ruins
- Omagieca Mangrove and Forest Eco-park
- Sts. Peter and Paul Parish
- Kota Park
For more tourist attractions, check out Bantayan Island Tourist Spots!
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.
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!
Learn How to Get to Bantayan Island from Cebu City, Cebu Airport, Malapascua Island, Bacolod, and more!
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!)
2. Malapascua Island
Malapascua Island is another top tourist destination in Cebu like Bantayan Island. It’s a paradise among scuba divers, but there are many things to do in Malapascua Island too outside of diving. You can enjoy the white sand beaches, island hopping, and some activities.
People say there’s not much you can do in Malapascua Island if you are not a diver. I beg to disagree. The island life, the local nightlife, the sunsets, and the side trips to Kalanggaman and other islands make it a worthy tourist spot in North Cebu.
For a complete guide to Malapascua Island, check out our Malapascua Island Travel Guide!
Top Tourist Spots in Malapascua Island
- Bounty Beach
- Langob Beach or North Beach
- Logon Beach
- Guimbitayan Beach
- Malapascua Island Lighthouse
- Lapus-Lapus Cliff
- Japanese shipwreck
- Monad Shoal
- Gato Island
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.
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!
Learn How to Go to Malapascua Island from Cebu City, Cebu Airport, and Bantayan Island!
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!)
3. Camotes Islands
Camotes Islands is made up of three major islands Pacijan Island, Poro Island, and Ponson Island and Tulang Diot Island. Along with Bantayan Island and Malapascua Island, Camotes Islands is also one of most popular tourist spots in North Cebu.
Camotes is known for tranquil white sand beaches. Aside from beach, Camotes Islands is also known for its caves. At least 8 known caves can be visited by tourists.
Cliff jumping is also one of the top things to do in Camotes Islands. Tulang Diot Island is worth visiting if you want to experience the crystal clear water of Camotes Islands.
For a complete guide to Camotes Islands, check out our Camotes Islands Travel Guide!
Top Tourist Spots in Camotes Islands
- Bukilat Cave
- Paraiso Cave
- Heaven Cave
- Timubo Cave
- Amazing Island Cave
- Santiago Bay Beach
- Mangodlong Rock Resort Beach
- Bakhaw Beach
- Batson Beach
- Heminsulan Beach
- Buho Rock Resort
- Canlusong Rock Resort
- Lake Danao
- Century Old Tree
- Tulang Diot Island
For more detailed planning, check out our Camotes Island Itinerary for 3 Days and 2 Nights!
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!)
4. Cebu Safari and Adventure Park
Cebu Safari and Adventure Park is one of the best adventure parks in Cebu. This unique tourist attraction in Cebu is home to over 1,000 animals from 120 different species all coliving in a 170-hectare land. Some animal species you will see there include Bengal tigers, white lions, hyenas, zebras, African antelopes, giraffes, sea eagles, and hawks.
Guests also can do activities like feeding and petting domesticated animals, watching bird shows, spending a night at safari cabins or camps or glamping tents, spelunking, and an African safari ride. The safari ride is one of the most popular things to do at the park.
Besides safari and camping, other activities at Cebu Safari and Adventure Park include ATV ride, zip line, sky bike, giant swing, obstacle course, aerial walk, and zip coaster. Its ATV ride is the best in Cebu, allowing you to explore four different trails for each beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Get your ticket to Cebu Safari and Adventure Park here!
How to Get to Cebu Safari and Adventure Park
Take a Ceres Liner bus at Cebu North Bus Terminal. Tell the driver/conductor you are getting off at Carmen Town Plaza. Fare is 100 PHP (~2 USD) per person. Travel time is 1 hour and 20 minutes.
At Carmen Town Plaza, take a passenger van to Cebu Safari. Fare is 100 PHP (~2 USD) per person. Travel time is 20 minutes.
If you are looking for a private vehicle, check out this Private Transfer Between Cebu Safari and Cebu City/Mactan!
Klook.comMore Tourist Spots in Carmen, Cebu
- Mount Kapayas
- Durano Eco Farm
- Mount Uragay Spring Resort
- Mt. Mago
- Middle Earth Mountain Resort
- Mangitngit Falls
- Balwarte ni Vossing
Where to Stay in Carmen, Cebu
- Marick Beach Resort (Check room rates!)
- RedDoorz at PWL Exclusive Resort Cebu (Check room rates!)
- Cebu Safari and Adventure Park (Check room rates!)
- Durano Eco Farm (Check room rates!)
5. Gold Sands Destination Resort
Before heading to Malapascua Island, you might want to explore Daanbantayan first. If this is in your plans, Gold Sands Destination Resort is an exceptional beach tourist spot in Cebu that has become well-known for its long stretch of coastal paradise.
Gold Sands Destination Resort also offers activities like paddle boarding, scuba diving, kayaking, water biking, cycling, and island hopping. Check out room rates here!
How to Get to Gold Sands Destination Resort
Take a Ceres Liner bus at Cebu North Bus Terminal bound for Maya Port via Kawi, Medellin. Tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at the junction going to Gold Sands. Faer is about 300 PHP (~6 USD). Travel time is 4 hours. Then take a tricycle to Gold Sands. Fare is 30 PHP (~0.5 USD). Travel time is 10 minutes.
You can also charter a private vehicle to take you to Gold Sands Destination Resort from Cebu City or Mactan Airport. Book a Private Intercity Transfer here!
Klook.com6. Virgin Island
If Bantayan Island is in your North Cebu itinerary, so should Virgin Island. Also known as Sillon Island, this island is under the local government unit of Santa Fe and is best accessible via Poblacion Santa Fe, Bantayan Island.
Virgin Island is the main highlight of any Bantayan island hopping tour alongside Hilantagaan Island and Baigad Lagoon. With its crystal-clear blue water and fine white sand, Virgin Island is one of the must-visit tourist spots in North Cebu.
You can spend an entire day here playing beach volleyball, chilling on the hammocks, jumping off cliffs, snorkeling, standup paddleboarding, or kayaking.
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 6 people.
7. Capitancillo Islet
Located off the coast of Bogo City, Capitancillo Islet is a protected marine sanctuary surrounded by three dive sites. The islet was named after American Navy Captain Cillo who reached the islet during WWII.
On the islet is a lighthouse built in the 1900s and structural ruins. You will also find some concrete benches and huts, ragged karst cliffs, and a bunch of trees.
Snorkeling, kayaking, diving, and overnight camping are some activities you can do on the island. It might be expensive to get here if you are alone, but it’s certainly one of the must-visit North Cebu tourist spots.
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!
Klook.comMore Tourist Spots in Bogo City
- Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Shrine
- Our Lady Of Remedios Church (Odlot Church)
- Arapal Nature Retreat
- Marz Valley Nature Park
- Odlot Hideaway Beach Resort
- Nailo Beach Resort
- Bogo BBQ Plaza
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!)
8. Carnaza Island
On the northernmost part of Cebu in the town of Daanbantayan is a 429-acre turtle-shaped island surrounded by white sand beaches, thick mangrove forests, and verdant greeneries. Because it’s quite secluded from mainland Cebu, Carnaza Island remains one of the most idyllic islands in Cebu.
Carnaza Island is one of the best places to visit in Cebu if you want to avoid the usual touristy areas. Some of the most notable tourist attractions in Carnaza Island are Skull Cove, Ka Elena Beach, and Carnaza Eco-Park.
Tourist Spots in Carnaza Island
- Skull Cove
- Ka Elena Beach
- Twin Beach
- Carnaza Eco-Park
- La Manok Island (part of Esperanza, Masbate)
- Dakit-Dakit Island or Maria Island
How to Get to Carnaza Island
Take a Ceres Liner bus at Cebu North Bus Terminal bound 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!
Klook.comWhere to Stay in Carnaza Island
- Carnaza Eco-Park (Check room rates!)
9. Kinatarkan Island
Also known as Guintacan Island, this island located northeast of Bantayan Island is part of Daanbantayan. It’s accessible via Santa Fe, Bantayan Island or Maayahay Port in Daanbantayan.
Some tourist attractions in Kinatarkan Island are Laaw Lagoon, Bitoon, Langub, and Pasil beaches, Biaring Cliff, and the Kinatarkan Lighthouse. The island has several coves, caves, and cliffs you explore for yourself.
Tourist Spots in Kinatarkan Island
- Laaw Lagoon
- Laaw Cove
- 100+ Steps (Hagdanan)
- Tamboan ni Leon
- Forest Beach
- Bitoon Beach
- Langub Beach
- Pasil Beach
- Biaring Cliff
- Kinatarkan Lighthouse
- D’Clam Cave
How to Get to Kinatarkan 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 Daabantayan Public Market. Fare is 300 PHP (~6 USD). Travel time is 4 hours.
At Daanbantayan Public Market, take a tricycle to Mahayahay Port (Daanbantayan to Kinatarkan Port on Google Maps). Fare is 30 PHP (~0.5 USD). Travel time is 5 minutes. At Maayahay Port, take a boat to Kinatarkan Island. Fare is 100 PHP (~2 USD). Travel time is 1 hour.
You can also charter a private vehicle to take you to Mahayahay Port from Cebu City or Mactan Airport. Book a Private Intercity Transfer here!
Klook.comWhere to Stay in Kinatarkan Island
- AMFM Homestay (Check room rates!)
- Forest Beach/Mantao Guesthouse (Check room rates!)
10. Funtastic Beach Resort
Funtastic Island or Funtastic Beach Resort is a famous resort in Gitbingil Island in Medellin. It’s famous for its vibrant cottages sitting on top of rocks surrounded by a clear white sand beach.
Apart from the natural white sand and clear blue water, the resort has multiple boards for diving/jumping and a zipline. Visitors may also enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, fish feeding, or standup paddleboard, ultimately some of the best things to do in Medellin.
How to Get to Funtastic Beach Resort
Take a Ceres Liner bus at Cebu North Bus Terminal bound for Maya Port via Kawit, Medellin. Tell the driver or bus conductor to drop you off in Kawit, Medellin. Fare is around 300 PHP (~6 USD). Travel time is 3 hours and 30 minutes.
In Kawit, take a tricycle to the port going to Gitbingil Island. Fare is 30 PHP (~0.5 USD). Travel time is 10 minutes. Then take a boat to Gitbingil Island or directly to Funtastic Island Beach Resort. Fare is 50 PHP (~1 USD). Travel time is 20 minutes.
You can also charter a private vehicle to take you to Kawit, Medellin from Cebu City or Mactan Airport. Book a Private Intercity Transfer here!
Klook.comMore Tourist Spots in Medellin
- Aisle of Medellin
- Villa Edar Beach Resort
- Bamboo Forest
- Medellin Town Museum
- Paypay Beach
Where to Stay in Medellin
- Elena Guest House & Resort (Check room rates!)
- Medellin Seaview Inn (Check room rates!)
North Cebu Travel Guide
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!
That’s it for now. I hope this list inspired you to explore North Cebu soon. Got questions? Leave them in the comments! We will get back to you soon.
