Gilutongan Island

Gilutongan sits in the channel between Mactan and Olango, and its marine sanctuary was established by the Cordova municipal government back in the 1990s, among the earlier locally managed marine protected areas in Cebu waters. Fish stocks in the surrounding reef flats recovered enough over the following years that fishing communities around the channel now run much of their income through snorkeling and dive-boat trips alongside the catch itself.

• Shallow reef flats keep the marine life close to the surface, workable for snorkelers who aren’t confident divers.
• Giant clams, sea turtles, and dense schools of reef fish are common sightings in the protected water just off the boat landing.
• Gear rental through boat operators is generally reliable, though bringing your own mask cuts down on wait time.

Explore More in Lapu-Lapu City

• Bantayan sa Hari
• Nalusuan Marine Sanctuary
• San Vicente Marine Sanctuary