North Cebu Twin Islands White Sand & Diving Route
A North Cebu route combining the slow-paced white sands of Bantayan Island with thresher shark diving in Malapascua.
Avoid the crowds of the southern route. Spend the first half relaxing on the beaches and island hopping in Bantayan, and the second half diving for thresher sharks in the early morning in Malapascua. There is no stable public boat service between the two islands, so transferring takes most of the day. The pace is leisurely, making it ideal for repeat visitors and divers. Non-divers can also enjoy just the beaches and island hopping.
Hagnaya Port suffered earthquake damage and suspends operations during high tide. Please confirm the day's schedule with the ferry company.
Day by day
Day 1 · Head North and Cross the Sea to Bantayan
Take a bus from Cebu North Terminal to Hagnaya (about 3 hours), then a ferry to Santa Fe (about 1–1.5 hours).
This is only feasible if you arrive on an early flight; otherwise, stay in Cebu for the first night.
Stay: Santa Fe
Day 2 · Kota and Paradise Beaches
Bantayan Island（Kota Beach、Paradise Beach）
Walk or take a tricycle around the Santa Fe area; travel time between beaches is about 10–20 minutes.
Stay: Santa Fe
Day 3 · Island Hopping and Half-Day in the Old Town
Bantayan Island（Virgin Island、Hilantagaan Island、Bantayan Public Market）
Charter a boat to a small island in the morning, and take a tricycle to Bantayan Town in the afternoon (about 30 minutes).
Ogtong Cave is still closed for safety inspections as of mid-2026; please verify beforehand.
Stay: Santa Fe
Day 4 · Transfer to Malapascua
Malapascua Island（Bounty Beach）
Take the ferry back to Hagnaya, take a tricycle to Bogo, transfer to Maya Port, and then take a boat (about 7 hours in total).
Boats from Maya Port only depart when full, and service may stop in the late afternoon.
Stay: Bounty Beach
Day 5 · Early Morning Thresher Shark Dive
Malapascua Island（Monad Shoal）
Take a boat from Bounty Beach before dawn to the dive site (about 40 minutes), and return in the morning.
Dive sites have changed in recent years; subject to the dive shop's seasonal arrangements.
Stay: Bounty Beach
Day 6 · Hike Around the Island for Coastal Views
Malapascua Island（Logon Village & Beach、Guimbitayan Beach、Malapascua Lighthouse、Langob Beach）
There are no cars on the island. Walk or ride a motorcycle around the island (about 3–4 hours).
Stay: Bounty Beach
Day 7 · Return to Cebu and Depart
Take an early boat back to Maya Port, then a bus or chartered car to Cebu and Mactan Airport (about 4–5 hours).
Schedule your flight for the evening or later, and allow extra time for the northern road section.