Colase Marine Sanctuary
A protected fringing reef and community-run snorkeling sanctuary along Samboan's Tañon Strait coastline.
The overview
About Colase Marine Sanctuary
Colase Marine Sanctuary protects a stretch of fringing reef off Barangay Colase, on Samboan's Tañon Strait coastline. Declared a protected zone roughly two decades ago and jointly managed by the municipal government and a local fisherfolk organization, the sanctuary bans fishing and has allowed coral cover and fish populations to recover along a shoreline of pebbles, rock, and washed-up coral. The reef starts close to shore, with visibility good enough to see coral formations and reef fish from knee-to-waist-deep water before it slopes into deeper water further out. Snorkelers and divers occasionally spot larger pelagic life passing through the strait, including reports of sharks and dolphins offshore, though these are not guaranteed sightings. A visitor's center beside the coastal road handles entrance and gear rentals, and a glass-bottom boat option is available for non-swimmers. Because Tañon Strait is a known migratory corridor for whales and dolphins, the sanctuary is sometimes visited in combination with whale-watching trips from nearby towns, though sightings from Colase itself are incidental rather than the main draw.
What makes it worth it
Highlights
- Protected fringing reef, no-fishing zone
- Shallow shore access to coral
- Community and municipal co-management
- Glass-bottom boat tours available
- Life vest and snorkeling gear rentals
- Beside the coastal road, easy access
- 1 Wear a life vest instead of fins to avoid accidental coral contact, and skip sunscreen before entering the water. Visit between 7 and 9 AM on a clear day for the best visibility, and avoid low tide. Bring aqua shoes, drinking water, and small bills for entrance and rental fees.
Wayfinder route
How to get there
From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, take a southbound bus toward Samboan or Bato (around 4 hours). Ask the conductor to drop you at the Samboan Marine Sanctuary visitor's center in Barangay Colase, right beside the highway. From Samboan town proper, a habal-habal costs around PHP 15-20.
Keep exploring
You might also like
Mabad-on (Mambahi) Reef
Alcoy
A tidal reef and sandbar off Tingko Beach that surfaces at low tide and vanishes under a lagoon at high tide.
Thresher Shark Diving
Daanbantayan
One of the world's only reliable locations to dive with pelagic thresher sharks at the famous Monad Shoal cleaning station.
Ginatilan Marine Sanctuary
Ginatilan
A 12.5-hectare protected reef along the Tañon Strait coast between Barangays Poblacion and Guiwanon, established in 2005.
Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary
Lapu-Lapu City
One of the Philippines' oldest marine sanctuaries with pristine coral reefs, abundant tropical fish, and excellent snorkeling for all skill levels.
Entrance Fee
PHP 100 snorkeling, PHP 150-350 diving, PHP 20 gear/vest rental, PHP 1,000 glass-bottom boat (up to 10 people)
Opening Hours
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Duration
1-2 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time to Visit
Morning (7-9 AM), clear sunny days, avoid low tide
Share this destination
Planning your Cebu trip?
Our free guides cover what to do, how to get there, and where to stay across Cebu.
Explore travel guides →