Ginatilan Marine Sanctuary
A 12.5-hectare protected reef along the Tañon Strait coast between Barangays Poblacion and Guiwanon, established in 2005.
The overview
About Ginatilan Marine Sanctuary
Ginatilan Marine Sanctuary is a protected reef area established in 2005, stretching along the coast from Barangay Poblacion to Barangay Guiwanon and covering roughly 12.5 hectares of Tañon Strait waters. Local tourism officials describe it as one of the more coral-covered protected areas in Cebu province, with healthy reef structure supporting a wide range of fish and invertebrate life. The sanctuary is a no-take zone intended to let fish stocks and coral recover, and it functions as both a conservation area and a modest dive and snorkel site for visitors passing through the deep south of Cebu. Compared to established dive destinations like Moalboal or Malapascua, it sees very light visitor traffic, so the reef tends to be undisturbed but infrastructure for divers (boats, gear rental, dive shops) is limited to informal, community-run arrangements. Most visits are arranged through the barangay or municipal tourism office, which can point visitors to boatmen and basic snorkel gear rental. It works best as an add-on for travelers already exploring Ginatilan's coastal attractions rather than a standalone dive trip.
What makes it worth it
Highlights
- 12.5-hectare protected reef
- Established 2005
- Healthy coral cover
- Faces Tañon Strait
- Low visitor traffic
- Community-managed access
- 1 Arrange a boat and snorkel gear through the Ginatilan tourism office or local fishermen in Poblacion, since there are no dive shops on site. Bring your own mask, fins, and reef-safe sunscreen. Best on calm days with good visibility.
Wayfinder route
How to get there
From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, take a bus toward Ginatilan/Samboan (~4-5 hours) and alight at Ginatilan town proper. Boats to the sanctuary can be arranged from the coastal barangays of Poblacion or Guiwanon.
Before you go
Frequently asked
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Where to stay & eat nearby
Where to stay near Ginatilan
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Entrance Fee
PHP 20-50 environmental fee; boat and gear rental arranged separately (confirm locally)
Opening Hours
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Duration
1-2 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (November-May) for calmer seas and clearer water
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