10.3157° N · 123.8854° E — Cebu, Philippines
Cebu Destinations
Diving & Snorkeling Featured

Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary

One of the Philippines' oldest marine sanctuaries with pristine coral reefs, abundant tropical fish, and excellent snorkeling for all skill levels.

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Category
Diving & Snorkeling
Town
Lapu-Lapu City
Opening Hours
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM (boat tours typically depart 8-9 AM)
Duration
2-3 hours (as part of island hopping tour)
Difficulty
Easy

The overview

About Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary

Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary, established in 1987, is one of the oldest and most successful community-managed marine protected areas in the Philippines. Located on Hilutungan Island, off the coast of Lapu-Lapu City, this sanctuary spans approximately 12 hectares of pristine coral reef ecosystem. The sanctuary's strict protection over decades has resulted in remarkable marine biodiversity. Snorkelers and divers can expect to see an abundance of colorful tropical fish, including parrotfish, sergeant majors, clownfish, moorish idols, and butterflyfish. The healthy coral gardens feature both hard and soft corals in various formations. Sea turtles are also occasional visitors to the area. Hilutungan is particularly popular for snorkeling due to its shallow reef areas (3-10 meters) with excellent visibility, making it accessible to beginners and non-swimmers who can simply float and observe. For divers, the walls drop to 30+ meters, offering encounters with larger pelagic fish. Island hopping tours from Mactan typically include Hilutungan as a primary snorkeling stop.

What makes it worth it

Highlights

  • Established 1987 marine sanctuary
  • 12 hectares of protected reef
  • Abundant colorful tropical fish
  • Healthy hard and soft corals
  • Excellent for beginners
  • Popular island hopping stop
Tips for visitors
  1. 1 Book an island hopping tour from Mactan resorts or Hilton Port. Bring underwater camera. Sanctuary fees support local conservation. Best visibility in morning. Life jackets provided for snorkelers. Don't touch or stand on corals.

Wayfinder route

How to get there

Join an island hopping tour from Mactan (typically PHP 2,500-4,000 per boat for 5-6 people including Hilutungan, Nalusuan, and other islands). Tours depart from various points including Hilton Port, resort beaches, and Movenpick area.

Before you go

Frequently asked

How much is the entrance fee at Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary?
Expect to pay PHP 100-150 sanctuary entrance fee (included in most tour packages) at Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary.
What are the opening hours at Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary?
Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary is open 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM (boat tours typically depart 8-9 AM).
When is the best time to visit Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary?
The best time to visit Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary is year-round. March to May has calmest seas and best visibility. Morning visits for fewer crowds.
How long should you spend at Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary?
Allow 2-3 hours (as part of island hopping tour) for a visit to Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary.

Book tours & tickets for Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary

Skip-the-line tickets and guided tours with real-time prices and free cancellation on most options. Link opens in a new tab.

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Nearby on the chart

Where to stay & eat nearby

Hotels & Resorts ₱₱₱₱

Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

Lapu-Lapu City

6-hectare luxury resort with infinity pool, beach club, and extensive water activities.

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Hotels & Resorts ₱₱₱₱

Shangri-La Mactan Cebu

Lapu-Lapu City

Luxury 5-star resort with 350m private beach, marine sanctuary, and world-class amenities.

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Hotels & Resorts ₱₱₱₱

Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu

Lapu-Lapu City

5-star Thai hospitality resort with 100m infinity pool and boardwalk promenade.

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Hotels & Resorts ₱₱₱₱

JPark Island Resort & Waterpark

Lapu-Lapu City

Large beachfront resort in Maribago with an extensive waterpark, multiple pools and several restaurants.

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Where to stay near Lapu-Lapu City

Search live rates for hotels and rentals near Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary on Agoda — filter by your dates, price, and guest score.

Search Lapu-Lapu City stays on Agoda →

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Quick facts◆

Entrance Fee

PHP 100-150 sanctuary entrance fee (included in most tour packages)

Opening Hours

6:00 AM - 5:00 PM (boat tours typically depart 8-9 AM)

Duration

2-3 hours (as part of island hopping tour)

Difficulty

Easy

Best Time to Visit

Year-round. March to May has calmest seas and best visibility. Morning visits for fewer crowds.

On the map10.23° N

Hilutungan Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

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