Cebu, Philippines
Explore a 24-hectare coral island known for its shifting white sandbar. It sits 15 minutes by boat from the Oslob mainland.
4.7 from 245 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Compare day passes, basic transfers, and full-day combo tours.
Most bookedThis package is unique since you will be visiting 4 famous tourist sites in the South of Cebu in just one day. To mention, these are the whale sharks interaction, the...
Best valueGet access to Bluewater Sumilon Beach Resort, a high-end resort located on the southern tip of mainland Cebu Recommended for families and friends, you can either select...
Top ratedThis is a fantastic day tour for both family and friends where you can swim with whale sharks and experience the natural beauty of the region and for those holidaying in...
Explore
Discover marine sanctuaries, historical ruins, and resort facilities.
3 spotsSandbar and BeachesWhite sand stretches and clear waters for swimming and snorkeling.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsTrails and RuinsExplore the 19th-century ruins and natural lagoons of Sumilon.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsResort FacilitiesUpscale amenities for overnight guests and day-tour visitors.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
The island's famous white sandbar changes shape and location with the tides and seasons.
Plan your boat trip around low tide for the best experience.
Plan your visit
Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours on the island. A full trip from Cebu City takes 10 to 12 hours.
Visit during the dry season from November to May. The sandbar is most visible at low tide, often after 2:00 PM.
Buses from Cebu City take up to 5 hours to reach Bancogon port. From there, take a 15-minute boat ride.
Pay a 50 PHP environmental fee. The shared boat transfer costs 1,500 PHP for up to 10 passengers.
Sumilon Island covers 24 hectares off the southeastern tip of Cebu. It became the first marine protected area in the Philippines in 1974. The island features a prominent sandbar that shifts naturally.
Visitors can snorkel in the marine sanctuary to spot blacktip reef sharks. Inland, you will find a natural lagoon and a 19th-century watchtower. Read about the Trails and Ruins to plan your walk.
The island hosts the Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort. You do not need to be a guest to visit the sandbar. However, day passes are available for resort amenities. See our guide on the Day Pass Prices.
We list exact itineraries and stops.
We highlight transport costs and municipal fees.
We explain pickup zones and vehicle types.
From Viator
245 reviews of the 4-stop south cebu adventure on Viator
It was very nice day, the only point was the way to go to Oslob the driver have to go too fast to be as early possible which was a bit scary and dangerous.
We had a wonderful time, swam with whale sharks, turtles, Sardines, went to a beautiful beach, and had our feet cleaned by fish, which was a good experience. Good philipino food. Great guides, very helpful and friendly. It was a very long and tiring day but so worth it 👌
This place was very beautiful. Service was excellent. The spa was magnificent . I would recommend this place
We had a great time! Worth visiting while in Cebu, also the food was incredible. Overall, we were very happy.
What a wonderful experience with the whale sharks. Gilbert and Farrah were very helpful, caring and lovely. I would highly recommend this tour.
This tour is the perfect blend of adrenaline, relaxation, and natural beauty. Our guide was knowledgeable, helpful and super friendly , the transport was comfortable, and the memories will last a lifetime.
I was having a great time!!! Whale watching is of course awesome, in addition, tour guide Selo is very friendly and knowledgeable!! Thank you!
Cel and Efran were amazing they were very kind and helpful. Cel walked us through each experience holding our stuff and getting us started. The whale shark snorkeling tour is a must they are 5-7 meters in length and very close to us, with the water clarity it was breathtaking. Thank you both, Efran did a great job of getting us there and back safely:)
Whale Shark swimming, snorkeling in a fish sanctuary in Sumilong Island and enjoying Tumalog Falls. Wonderful experience!
Travel tips
Day Pass PricesCost and inclusions for the Bluewater resort day pass.Read 
Commute GuideTransport details from Cebu City to Sumilon Island.Read 
Best TimeWhen to visit the sandbar for clear skies and low tide.Read 
Visiting with KidsFamily-friendly activities and tips for Sumilon Island.Read 
Combine Oslob & SumilonHow to visit the Oslob whale sharks and Sumilon Island in one day.Read 
Sumilon Packing ListA complete checklist of essentials for your Sumilon Island day trip.Read Sumilon Island is a 24-hectare island off the southeastern tip of Cebu. It is part of the municipality of Oslob in the Philippines.
Take a Ceres Bus from the Cebu South Bus Terminal to Bancogon, Oslob. The bus ride takes up to 5 hours. From Bancogon port, take a 15-minute pump boat to the island.
The local municipality collects a mandatory environmental fee of 50 PHP per person. You pay this before boarding the boat.
A local shared boat costs 1,500 PHP per boat for a round trip. This boat holds up to 10 passengers, so groups can split the cost.
No. You can visit the public sandbar and marine sanctuary as a day-tripper without entering the resort facilities.
The day pass includes boat transfers, access to the sandbar, and use of resort amenities like the infinity pool. Weekday passes include a consumable food and drink credit, while weekend passes often feature a lunch buffet. Read our guide on the Day Pass Prices for specifics.
Find the best transport option or combo tour for your schedule.
