One of the best activities for any free-spirited traveler in Cebu is diving. After all, there are so many good diving areas around the island! Usually, though, diving in Cebu is limited to the so-called tourist hotspots like the waters of Moalboal for those who want to see the world-renowned sardine run or that of Malapascua and their thresher sharks.

Today let me introduce you to 5 lesser-known areas that are just awesome as those travelogue recommendations:

1. Tingo, Olango



Word of caution: this dive isn’t for beginners since it can easily get pretty deep. But once you learn the advance tricks, then you can bet Tingo Point is going to give you a memorable diving experience. Not only is it only less than an hour away from the bustling island of Mactan, but you can explore a boat wreck and a cavern. If you can go way deeper at around 40 meters from the ledge, you may already see some sharks.

2. Nalusuan Island, Olango



Within the Olango group of islands is a reclaimed islet known as Nalusuan. Formerly a sand bar, it now features a luxury resort that occupies the entire area. Due to its transparent waters, it’s well-loved for snorkeling, but guests can dive too around the island, or they can book a package to cover other diving spots around Olango.

3. Capitancillo Island, Bogo



Fancy a dive somewhere in the north? Consider Bogo as your pit stop. Around 20 minutes away on a boat is the uninhabited islet called Capitancillo. Divers love it due to its incredible visibility. Even at 30 meters deep, the waters are still almost crystal clear. Underneath is a festive treat composed of vibrantly colored colors, a wide variety of fish species, and some gray reef sharks.

It’s a good diving Cebu day trip for anyone who’s looking for some privacy. The lone lighthouse further adds to the island’s charm.

4. Mambaje Reef

Head down south this time in Alcoy so you can take a trip to the Mambaje Reef, which is only 10 minutes by boat. Depending on the dive center, you may enjoy unlimited diving and see varied corals.

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While Cebu is already a diving gem, it can also be an excellent jump-off point for diving spots found in nearby big islands. From Alcoy, for example, you can go to Cabilao Island.

Cabilao is a premium diving spot. It has more than five possible diving areas, giving you plenty of room to explore. In fact, the island can accommodate all types of divers, from beginners to pros. A massive and versatile playground, the island offers barracudas, turtles, jackfish, and pygmy seahorses almost the entire year.

Cabilao is gaining so much popularity this might be taken off this list very soon. But then again, now is the most ideal time to take a dive when it’s not too touristy yet.

Excited? You should be! So what are you waiting for? Come here to Cebu and experience all of them.