Destination: Cebu, Philippines
Introduction
Cebu City is the Queen City of the South — the Philippines' second-largest urban centre and arguably its oldest, founded by the Spanish in 1565 as the first permanent European settlement in the archipelago. Set on the central Visayas island of Cebu, the city faces the Mactan Channel and Mactan Island across a narrow strait, where the Lapu-Lapu City area has the main international airport and a cluster of resort hotels. For cruising yachts, Cebu offers the best combination of services in the central Philippines: a large commercial port, marine repair facilities, international airport connections, and superb diving in the surrounding waters. The whale shark interactions at Oslob (90 km south) and sardine run at Moalboal are world-famous marine experiences within easy reach by road.
GPS Coordinates
10° 18' 56.520"N 123° 53' 7.440"E
10 18 56.520N 123 53 7.440E
Protected Anchorages
Mactan Channel, between Cebu City and Mactan Island, has anchorage in 5–12 metres over mud in several locations — crowded with outriggers and commercial traffic but generally sheltered. The Cebu International Port area is extremely busy; yachts should contact Cebu Port Authority (VHF Ch 16) for guidance on small craft anchorage. Cordova on the southwest end of Mactan Island has a quieter anchorage in 4–7 metres. Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, 6 km southeast of Mactan, has anchorage on the western side in 3–5 metres over sand; the island is a key staging area for migratory shorebirds (September–April). Moving south along the west coast of Cebu, Moalboal and Pescador Island have anchoring off the beach in 5–8 metres — the starting point for the famous sardine run dive.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Cebu International Port) is a major designated port of entry. Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Coast Guard formalities are all conducted at the commercial port. Yachts should contact the Port Authority on VHF Ch 16 on arrival. The Philippines National Police Maritime Group also requires notification. Visa on arrival or e-visa available for most nationalities; 30-day stay typically granted, extendable. A Yacht Cruising Permit and Port Clearance are required as for all Philippine waters.
Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity
- Cebu Yacht Club, Lapu-Lapu City
Renowned Attractions
- Magellan's Cross and Basilica del Santo Niño — the two oldest landmarks in the Philippines side by side in Cebu City; the Santo Niño statue (1565) is the country's most venerated religious relic
- Whale shark snorkelling, Oslob — 90 km south by road; daily snorkelling with butanding (whale sharks) in shallow water off the beach; controversial but extraordinarily popular (arrive by 6 am)
- Sardine Run, Moalboal — massive school of tens of millions of sardines in tight formation off Panagsama Beach; snorkelling and diving year-round; sea turtles feeding in the same area
- Kawasan Falls — 3-tier turquoise waterfall in a jungle gorge near Badian; accessible by road and canyoneering adventure (6 hours)
- Fort San Pedro — 16th-century Spanish triangular fort in Cebu City waterfront; smallest and oldest Spanish fort in the Philippines
- Bantayan Island — by ferry (2 hours) from Hagnaya port; beautiful white-sand beaches, laid-back atmosphere, excellent for overnight anchorage
- Temple of Leah — 1,000-step Greco-Roman hilltop tribute built by a husband for his late wife; kitsch but with outstanding views over the city and channel
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: Philippine Peso
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Cebu is the Philippines' central Visayas hub — a major port with good marine services, superb dive sites including the famous sardine run and whale shark encounters, and rich Spanish colonial heritage. The best-serviced stop for cruising yachts in the central Philippines.