Cebu dive sites

As of current information, there are no established dive centres operating on the Camotes Islands. Divers need to bring their own equipment or arrange diving through operators based in Cebu City or Mactan who can coordinate trips. A few resorts on Poro and Pacijan islands offer basic snorkelling equipment but not scuba facilities. This lack of infrastructure is precisely what keeps the reefs pristine, but it also means advance planning is essential. Technical cave divers visiting Bukilat Cave should be fully self-sufficient with equipment.

Fast ferries operate daily from Cebu City's Pier 1 to the town of Consuelo on Camotes, with crossing times of approximately 2 hours. Slower roll-on roll-off ferries also serve the route and allow you to bring a vehicle. From Danao City on Cebu's eastern coast, the crossing is shorter at about 1.5 hours. The islands have a road network connecting the main towns, and motorcycle and tricycle transport is available locally. Accommodation ranges from basic guesthouses to a handful of mid-range resorts, mostly concentrated on Poro and Pacijan islands.

Bukilat Cave is a partially submerged limestone cave system on Poro Island with a natural skylight that allows sunlight to enter the main chamber, illuminating crystal-clear turquoise water in a dramatic natural pool. The cave pool is relatively shallow at 3 to 8 metres and can be explored by competent swimmers and snorkellers. Proper cave diving beyond the main chamber requires cave diving certification and appropriate equipment, as passages extend into dark zones without natural light. The cave is a popular tourist attraction and entry fees apply.

Travel north from Cebu City by bus or private vehicle to Hagnaya Port, approximately four hours by road. From Hagnaya, ferries depart regularly for Santa Fe on Bantayan Island, with the crossing taking about one hour. Fast craft services also operate on this route. Alternatively, small aircraft occasionally fly from Cebu Mactan International Airport to Bantayan's airstrip, though schedules are irregular. Most visitors combine the journey with a night at Santa Fe beach before or after diving.

Bantayan has a small number of dive operators, primarily based around Santa Fe on the island's southeastern coast. These are typically small-scale operations with experienced local guides who know the reef systems intimately. Equipment availability can be limited for specialised gear, so bringing your own regulator, computer, and mask is advisable. The operators offer PADI and SSI courses alongside guided fun dives. Advance booking is recommended during high season as boat and guide availability can be constrained.