Easy Cruising at Hilutungan Channel in Cebu

It wasn’t my first time cruise in the sea between Cebu and Bohol. Back in 2006, we had a wonderful yet thrilling ride with the waves of Hilutungan Channel, with habagat winds raging on. This time, we enjoyed the calm sea and the beautiful tropical weather, hopping in the coral islands. This is island hopping, sun, sea, and sand without driving far away from Metro Cebu…well in fact, the islands are within and at the fringes of Metropolitan Cebu (technically speaking)!

Island cruising between Mactan and the outlying islands of Cebu and Bohol such as Olango (famous as a bird sanctuary), Nalusuan, Pandanon, Hilutungan, and others is not new. At first, it was more for those who transit between the big city and the barangay islands which fishing is their main source of income. Today, the people of the islands rake in additional income from flocks of tourists enjoying the laidback cruise in the sun.

Hilutungan Channel boasts of several islands and islets that attract locals and visitors alike. White sand beaches, clear yet azure waters, corals, and even birds…all of these are in one area.

Aside from laying your back on the banca while enjoying the sun and the sea, you can opt to drop anchor off coast of one of the islands. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and simply swimming are a must whenever here. However, be wary that Hilutungan Channel’s current is very strong. Swimming against it is already a challenge, even at the calmest of the conditions—talk about cardio work out!

There is an armada of bancas or outrigger boats that offer cruising for the barkada, team outings, and families located in Mactan Island’s eastern coast, especially near Movenpick Hotel (in Punta Engano) and Parola Cordova. These offer island hopping, depending on what islands would you like to visit. Some islands have an “entrance fee” such as Pandanon (white sand beach) and Nalusuan (a marine sanctuary). However, if you just like to avoid these additional fees, ask the banca operator to stop at islands wherein it is “free.”

There are a lot of gimmicks coming from banca operators nowadays, from the once simple banca cruise ride. Today, you’ll find videokes in boats; you can grill, or even watch a movie or TV. Some even have WiFi! But of course, it is still better when you get to enjoy the beauty of the sea and the islands in between. It’s time for us to unplug from the increasingly bustling lifestyle (even for Cebuanos in the city).

Banca rental may range from PhP3,000 to P8,000 (or more), depending on the size, the number of people, and the amenities. The more people, the less you pay. One such operator that offers these is the Island Banca Cruise (www.islandsbanca.com‎).

Hilutungan Channel offers a great respite for southern urbanites and visitors alike.

Hilutungan Channel Cruise is accessible from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the gateway of Cebu. Tips on how to get out of Mactan Airport on public transportation, click here.

Location map of Hilutungan Channel:

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