Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary
Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary
Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary
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1 within 3 miles
Attractions
8 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
155 reviews
Excellent
65
Very good
64
Average
16
Poor
5
Terrible
5
Rynzel G
Dagupan, Philippines62 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
Nalusuan island is the best place for snorkeling. It really made my day. You can see lots and lots of different kinds of fishes.
There are different kinds of water sports that you can enjoy here like:
-Wave Runners
-Scuba Diving
-Water Skiing
-Snorkeling
-Kayaking or simply
-Swimming.
They also have a restaurant and bar where you can eat sea foods and more. A dive shop where you can rent a diving gear. A room for those who wanted to have their overnight here in this island. Your 1 day is not enough for you to enjoy all the activities in this island.
Nalusuan Island is the perfect place to be!
There are different kinds of water sports that you can enjoy here like:
-Wave Runners
-Scuba Diving
-Water Skiing
-Snorkeling
-Kayaking or simply
-Swimming.
They also have a restaurant and bar where you can eat sea foods and more. A dive shop where you can rent a diving gear. A room for those who wanted to have their overnight here in this island. Your 1 day is not enough for you to enjoy all the activities in this island.
Nalusuan Island is the perfect place to be!
Written November 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
balandat
Las PiñAS75 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
It's a small island w/ a variety of fishes and good for snorkeling. The view from our room was simply gorgeous, the small island is in the middle of the ocean. It's all water all around, as far as your eyes can see. Food is sooo good. Thanks to Kapitan Jacky and Michael, customer service is at its best! I have been to 5 different beaches in Cebu and I can truly say this is my favorite. Very affordable and short distance only from the City. Bacause of its proximity, the island is quite crowded during daytime. We waited for them to leave, and we had the snorkeling area all to ourselves by 5 p.m. Our thanks and appreciation goes to the Marine watchers, Val and Romy for looking after us during our snorkeling escapades. Don't miss to swim in the morning at the sandbar area. It's high tide, the water is very clear, shallow and lots of fishes too. Expect us back Nalusuan!
Written June 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
New_YLOO
Philippines7,569 contributions
Aug 2012 • Solo
Nalusuan marine sanctuary (near Nalusuan island) was among the best snorkeling I have ever done in the Philippines. Here is why...
1) An amazing variety of colourful fish - surgeons, angels, cardinals, parrots, banded sergeants, etc
2) Shallow corals - still colourful and alive
3) Unlimited snorkeling - There is a wooden bridge that extends into the sea from the island. AT the end of this lies the snorkeling. I snorkeled from 6 am right upto 6 pm!
How to get there -
While I had stayed at the resort in the island, a lot of people come in day trips from Cebu by Bangka (45 minutes - waters get rough sometimes)
Is there a charge -
Yes - there is a ticket that day trippers are given for a small fee. Since I stayed at the resort, I did not pay separately
Is there food?
Yes, the resort on the island has a restaurant- but do note, it is more expensive than eating in Cebu.
Will I go again?
Yes - definitely
1) An amazing variety of colourful fish - surgeons, angels, cardinals, parrots, banded sergeants, etc
2) Shallow corals - still colourful and alive
3) Unlimited snorkeling - There is a wooden bridge that extends into the sea from the island. AT the end of this lies the snorkeling. I snorkeled from 6 am right upto 6 pm!
How to get there -
While I had stayed at the resort in the island, a lot of people come in day trips from Cebu by Bangka (45 minutes - waters get rough sometimes)
Is there a charge -
Yes - there is a ticket that day trippers are given for a small fee. Since I stayed at the resort, I did not pay separately
Is there food?
Yes, the resort on the island has a restaurant- but do note, it is more expensive than eating in Cebu.
Will I go again?
Yes - definitely
Written July 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ocean Dreamer Olango
Lapu Lapu, Philippines5 contributions
Dec 2013
I'm a small-time banca operator and have visited Nalusuan many times especially when I'm guiding the tour on my spare time.
I salute the owners for creating such a beautiful place out of a sandbar.
Nevertheless, Nalusuan is quite overrated and I stopped recommending it to my guests after the incident in December. Here are the flaws;
1) Inconvenient! Guests have to be dropped off and their boat has to dock way too far. If a guest forgets something in the boat, e.g., a camera, he/she would have to wait.
2) Rude staff! I look just like every local person (proud of it) so I always get treated very badly by staff. I've been yelled by guards and staff many times for no apparent reason or just because our boat stayed one minute longer after dropping customers off.
3) Poor security! Last December 2013, while I was attending to a 3-year old and assisting her to swim, I lost sight of our snorkeling gears in the docking area/bridge and somebody stole one. When I confronted the staff and asked for help, no one was available. The manager was sleeping at 12noon. I left my business card hoping to get a return call, forget it!
So, why would I come back to Nalusuan and recommend it to my guests?
I salute the owners for creating such a beautiful place out of a sandbar.
Nevertheless, Nalusuan is quite overrated and I stopped recommending it to my guests after the incident in December. Here are the flaws;
1) Inconvenient! Guests have to be dropped off and their boat has to dock way too far. If a guest forgets something in the boat, e.g., a camera, he/she would have to wait.
2) Rude staff! I look just like every local person (proud of it) so I always get treated very badly by staff. I've been yelled by guards and staff many times for no apparent reason or just because our boat stayed one minute longer after dropping customers off.
3) Poor security! Last December 2013, while I was attending to a 3-year old and assisting her to swim, I lost sight of our snorkeling gears in the docking area/bridge and somebody stole one. When I confronted the staff and asked for help, no one was available. The manager was sleeping at 12noon. I left my business card hoping to get a return call, forget it!
So, why would I come back to Nalusuan and recommend it to my guests?
Written January 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
Quezon City, Philippines1,822 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
We took a banca cruise to this site for snorkling. The sanctuary is very clean but deep. We saw fishes that are foot long that you can feed with bread. You need snorkling equipment and suggest a water proof camera will make trip memorable. Make sour you bring sunblock lotion to protect your skin. Came here as part of an island hopping tour.
Written June 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Islandgal
Melbourne, Australia35 contributions
Feb 2019 • Family
Not the best place to snorkel. We were disappointed as we read good reviews about this place before going.
Not a lot of fish to see there kids were definitely disappointed.
Not a lot of fish to see there kids were definitely disappointed.
Written March 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
radmr
Makati, Philippines6 contributions
Mar 2016
Here's some things you have to understand about Nalusuan Island:
1. The island is easy to go to. From Mactan Airport, its just 20 minutes to the port then 20 minutes by speed boat or 45minutes by boat so its easy to go here and back without ever setting foot in the city.
2. Its an island best enjoyed for those who are into snorkeling and diving. Its a marine sanctuary.
3. While one side where the kilometer long boardwalk (to prevent boats from using anchors and hurting the reefs) is where its best to snorkel and dive, the other side is a like one big pool with clear pristine waters when its high tide and up to a kilometer long sandbar when its low tide. Its perfect to run around with the islands resident dogs and explore shells and sand dollars with the kids. Its also a perfect place to lie down at while looking at the stars and listening to the waves.
4. Its white sand but its not fine sand. There are stones and dead corals which can hurt your feet so its best to have aqua shoes on.
5. There's a dive shop where you can rent diving equipment and while they disinfect the aqua shoes, snorkels and masks, its still best to bring your own.
6. Electricity runs from 6pm to 8am. Trust me, you won't need the electricity during the day. Your supposed to be swimming, snorkeling, diving here. Or sleeping in the couple of hammocks or in your room where the doors can be opened to the balcony facing the sea. Stop it with your gadgets, charge it at night and enjoy nature during the day. But you can use the air conditioner at night but i highly suggest sleeping al fresco.
7. Fresh water is regularly transported via a water boat so its best to conserve water an there is no hot showers here. Not a problem as this is not a luxury resort and you won't need it here.
8. Marine life is fascinating but it also has its dangers. The island has posted some reminders on what to avoid like the trigger fish, crown of thorns and fire coral. Pay close attention. No one has died yet in the decades this place has been open so don't be the first.
9. Do your part and throw trash in the bins, touch and take photos but do not take home sand, coral, star fish and other stuff.
10. The island has WiFi in the resto but its terribly slow. If you need to go online, rely on on your mobile data. There's 3G and LTE here.
So there, while its not the best island resort, it has its charms enough to keep me from going every year. Its not crowded and its small so it can only accommodate a few dozen people, which I really like. Its peaceful at night. Employees are courteous and accommodating. It has a bar so you can get your alcohol fix while reading a good book or watching movies in your gadget or just really spend time and connect with the people you are with. And oh, I got married in this island. :D
One more thing, Nalusuan is old Visayan for "penis". Back in the 80s, from an aerial view, it looked liked a giant phallic symbol but changes in the island's landscape has changed that. It also looks like an eagle's head when its low-tide.
1. The island is easy to go to. From Mactan Airport, its just 20 minutes to the port then 20 minutes by speed boat or 45minutes by boat so its easy to go here and back without ever setting foot in the city.
2. Its an island best enjoyed for those who are into snorkeling and diving. Its a marine sanctuary.
3. While one side where the kilometer long boardwalk (to prevent boats from using anchors and hurting the reefs) is where its best to snorkel and dive, the other side is a like one big pool with clear pristine waters when its high tide and up to a kilometer long sandbar when its low tide. Its perfect to run around with the islands resident dogs and explore shells and sand dollars with the kids. Its also a perfect place to lie down at while looking at the stars and listening to the waves.
4. Its white sand but its not fine sand. There are stones and dead corals which can hurt your feet so its best to have aqua shoes on.
5. There's a dive shop where you can rent diving equipment and while they disinfect the aqua shoes, snorkels and masks, its still best to bring your own.
6. Electricity runs from 6pm to 8am. Trust me, you won't need the electricity during the day. Your supposed to be swimming, snorkeling, diving here. Or sleeping in the couple of hammocks or in your room where the doors can be opened to the balcony facing the sea. Stop it with your gadgets, charge it at night and enjoy nature during the day. But you can use the air conditioner at night but i highly suggest sleeping al fresco.
7. Fresh water is regularly transported via a water boat so its best to conserve water an there is no hot showers here. Not a problem as this is not a luxury resort and you won't need it here.
8. Marine life is fascinating but it also has its dangers. The island has posted some reminders on what to avoid like the trigger fish, crown of thorns and fire coral. Pay close attention. No one has died yet in the decades this place has been open so don't be the first.
9. Do your part and throw trash in the bins, touch and take photos but do not take home sand, coral, star fish and other stuff.
10. The island has WiFi in the resto but its terribly slow. If you need to go online, rely on on your mobile data. There's 3G and LTE here.
So there, while its not the best island resort, it has its charms enough to keep me from going every year. Its not crowded and its small so it can only accommodate a few dozen people, which I really like. Its peaceful at night. Employees are courteous and accommodating. It has a bar so you can get your alcohol fix while reading a good book or watching movies in your gadget or just really spend time and connect with the people you are with. And oh, I got married in this island. :D
One more thing, Nalusuan is old Visayan for "penis". Back in the 80s, from an aerial view, it looked liked a giant phallic symbol but changes in the island's landscape has changed that. It also looks like an eagle's head when its low-tide.
Written April 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sean O
Berkeley, CA24 contributions
Feb 2015 • Solo
I was intrigued by the idea of escaping the noise and congestion of Cebu by visiting this island, as reported in the "Rough Guide to the Phils.". Unfortunately, this destination turned out to be a major disappointment.
I don't know what there exact 'claim to fame' is in terms of be a preservation site, but as a resort/hotel it leaves much to be desired. The rooms are barely adequate. The hotel is institutional and set up to accommodate the hordes of foreign tourists who visit from 11am to 3pm. The food is only passable. I enjoyed spending more time in the bar, where the staff was friendly.
There's virtually nothing to do here except snorkel, which previous reviewers have described. There is a small area on the pier which is marked off, and when the tourist boats arrive in late morning, it gets quite crowded.
There's not much more to say about this place. When the foreign tourists arrive late morning, you want to retreat to your room until they leave after lunch. Is this your idea of a peaceful getaway?
I don't know what there exact 'claim to fame' is in terms of be a preservation site, but as a resort/hotel it leaves much to be desired. The rooms are barely adequate. The hotel is institutional and set up to accommodate the hordes of foreign tourists who visit from 11am to 3pm. The food is only passable. I enjoyed spending more time in the bar, where the staff was friendly.
There's virtually nothing to do here except snorkel, which previous reviewers have described. There is a small area on the pier which is marked off, and when the tourist boats arrive in late morning, it gets quite crowded.
There's not much more to say about this place. When the foreign tourists arrive late morning, you want to retreat to your room until they leave after lunch. Is this your idea of a peaceful getaway?
Written March 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victorianlad
Melbourne, Australia17,470 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
The end of the pier offers excellent snorkelling with Indo Pacific sturgeons the most common species although I saw parrotfish and wrasses among about 20 species.
The roped off area has trampled corals but beyond is much better.
On the two days that I visited, about 150 Japanese and South Korean day trippers came between 1100 and 1500 with a smattering of Westerners. Some of the Koreans lacked manners and some even smoked on the pier and dropped cigarettes into the sea, clearly not understanding or caring how long such items take to breAk down, akin to forcing open a neighbour's front door and dumping food waste rubbish on the carpet.
Even at low tide the fish soon appear. Temperatures in January are largely pleasant but the water comfortable for swimming even at 0630 as I did one morning.
The roped off area has trampled corals but beyond is much better.
On the two days that I visited, about 150 Japanese and South Korean day trippers came between 1100 and 1500 with a smattering of Westerners. Some of the Koreans lacked manners and some even smoked on the pier and dropped cigarettes into the sea, clearly not understanding or caring how long such items take to breAk down, akin to forcing open a neighbour's front door and dumping food waste rubbish on the carpet.
Even at low tide the fish soon appear. Temperatures in January are largely pleasant but the water comfortable for swimming even at 0630 as I did one morning.
Written January 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Salty Traveller
Tokyo, Japan86 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
There were lots of fish 10 years ago, so many snorkelers more than fish now !? If you enjoy snorkeling, choose a nice shop. The shop which organizes only this point has a program to serve a meal in the Korean restaurant on the island.
マクタンの沖数キロです。とにかく多数のボートと人で、海に入る気にならない。
この辺り禁漁になっているので、イワシの群れを見ることがあるが、10～20年前に見た、大きな魚やカメはもう見れないと思う。綺麗な海で泳ぎたい人は、マクタンのダイビング・ショップに問い合わせることを勧めます。
マクタンの沖数キロです。とにかく多数のボートと人で、海に入る気にならない。
この辺り禁漁になっているので、イワシの群れを見ることがあるが、10～20年前に見た、大きな魚やカメはもう見れないと思う。綺麗な海で泳ぎたい人は、マクタンのダイビング・ショップに問い合わせることを勧めます。
Written March 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
how much is it to hire a speedboat to take you to the island? Can we just hire someone at the dock or do we have to book in advance?
Written December 28, 2018
Usually is possible book banca boat at the Cebu/Mactan hotel concierge service. My wife is Philippina, that's why I call a family boat owner.
Written December 29, 2018
Thanks for your review. How did you get transport to Nalusuan Island? I plan to stay near Hilton Port. And I have a flight to catch around 2pm. So I hope to be able to catch a boat as early as possible and stay till around 10.30 - 11am. Is this possible? I really want to visit the island because I hear its great for snorkelling.
Written November 21, 2015
(0917) 632 4005 Call this cell number, its for pumpboat rentals based on olango island, usually when you go to nalasuan island you got the pumpboat for the whole day, so you can also go island hopping if you want. Just tell the boatman what time you need to be at hilton wharf and they will get you there. Hope this helps. PS, its better to contact the pumpvoat direct coz you can get them for less than have a agency do it for you.
Written November 23, 2015
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