Nalusuan Island Tour: Your Complete & Honest Review

Dreaming of powdery beaches, eye-popping turquoise water, and an up-close meeting with vibrant marine life? If so, then a trip to Nalusuan Island in the Philippines may just be exactly what you need. Nalusuan, part of the Olango Island Group in Cebu, is basically a tiny speck of paradise. It is known, in particular, for its wonderfully clear waters and thriving marine sanctuary. This guide will provide an extensive review of a tour to Nalusuan Island. I’ll share what you could expect, some helpful insights and a couple of recommendations, so you could decide if it fits your travel goals. Let’s see if it could be your perfect escape.

What Makes Nalusuan Island So Special?

Alright, so, what is it that sets Nalusuan Island apart from all the other beautiful islands in the Philippines? It’s pretty small, for starters; you could probably walk around the entire island in under an hour, I think. This gives it a feeling of being somewhat cozy and intimate. What very, very makes it famous, though, is the stunning underwater scenery. Nalusuan is a protected marine sanctuary, which means that the fish and coral are super abundant and surprisingly well-preserved. Expect to be swimming with schools of colorful fish just a few feet from the shore, so too it’s almost like having your own huge aquarium.

Another appealing element of Nalusuan is the picturesque sandbar. Depending on the tide, a slender strip of white sand stretches out into the sea, and yet it’s the picture-postcard type that seems to call out to be photographed. Now, as for the history? The island has quite an interesting story, so it used to be a sandbar that eventually grew into a lush island thanks to conservation efforts. The resort on the island helps to maintain the sanctuary, I’ve noticed, so that the environment is actually being kept safe for future generations.

Planning Your Nalusuan Island Tour

Alright, so, if you’re planning a visit, a couple of things come into play. First, you’ll want to think about how to get there. Most tours to Nalusuan start from Mactan Island in Cebu. Several tour operators offer island-hopping packages that include Nalusuan, alongside other nearby spots. I would suggest booking in advance, particularly during peak season, to ensure you have a spot and perhaps to even get a better rate, in some respects.

Consider, too, the type of tour you’re after. Some tours are party-focused with loud music and drinks. Others are more laid-back and oriented around the wonders of nature, almost. If you’re searching for something tranquil, make sure to check the tour’s itinerary and ask questions before booking. Also, bear in mind that there’s an entrance fee to the island, so that’s something the tour may or may not include, just a little.

What to bring? Sunscreen is very important – the Philippine sun is intense, and arguably you’ll be spending a great amount of time in the water. A rash guard or light shirt will provide additional protection. Don’t forget a towel, swimwear, and an underwater camera if you want to capture those marine life moments. Bringing some cash is always helpful for small purchases on the island, such as drinks or souvenirs. Typically, bringing your own water bottle is smart too, so you could stay hydrated throughout the day.

What to Expect on Your Tour

So, you’ve booked your tour, now what could you expect? Typically, the day starts pretty early. Most tours leave from Mactan around 8:00 or 9:00 AM. The boat ride to Nalusuan is part of the adventure itself. You’ll get to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Cebu coastline, I find. That said, keep an eye out for flying fish!

When you reach Nalusuan, you’ll instantly be taken by the clear waters. Snorkeling is obviously the main attraction. The reef is easily accessible from the shore, and even in shallow water, there’s a lot to see. Remember not to touch the coral or disturb the marine life, of course. It’s critical that we appreciate and respect the ecosystem.

Most tours include a buffet lunch, often served on the island. Expect Filipino-style dishes like grilled seafood, rice, and some fresh fruits. Food quality could vary, so too it’s almost worth packing some snacks just in case. After lunch, you could relax on the beach, take more dips, or walk along the sandbar if the tide allows. The tours usually wrap up around 4:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to head back to your hotel and freshen up for the evening.

Activities to Enjoy in Nalusuan Island

Other than just admiring the views and relaxing, Nalusuan has some fun things you could do, really. Here’s a slightly more detailed rundown:

• Snorkeling: That’s what everyone comes for! You could either rent gear on the island or bring your own.
• Diving: Experienced divers might want to explore the deeper parts of the sanctuary, like your dive master would know all the hotspots.
• Walking the Sandbar: Should be done at low tide for the greatest experience. Very insta-worthy!
• Relaxing on the beach: Find your perfect spot and just soak up the rays, might be a good idea to bring a book!
• Photographing: From the colorful fish to the sunset, there are several picture opportunities here.

Keep an eye out, naturally, for other tour options which could include stops at neighboring islands. Hilutungan Island, for example, is another popular marine sanctuary not too far from Nalusuan.

Tips for a Great Nalusuan Island Experience

Alright, to really get the very most out of your visit, keep these handy pointers in mind, right?

• Go on a weekday: To escape the biggest crowds, schedule your tour on a weekday, which might be Monday through Thursday.
• Check the tide: The sandbar is obviously more awesome during low tide, so time your visit.
• Respect the environment: Don’t litter, and avoid touching the coral or marine life, definitely.
• Bring enough sun protection: Sunscreen, hats, and shades are essential for surviving the day out in the sun, actually.
• Stay hydrated: Bring water and keep drinking all throughout the tour.

Are There Drawbacks to Visiting Nalusuan Island?

As amazing as Nalusuan is, that said, there are a couple of things to think about, so, realistically: It could get crowded, mainly during weekends and holidays. The island is really small, so that it could feel cramped when there are a lot of visitors.

Sometimes, the water clarity isn’t perfect. Weather conditions, particularly after a storm, could affect visibility when you’re snorkeling. Finally, a lot of visitors have mentioned that the food provided on certain tours is just okay, definitely. As I mentioned previously, taking some snacks is usually a nice idea.

What About Staying Overnight at Nalusuan Island Resort?

Want to stretch out your island escape? It is possible to stay overnight at Nalusuan Island Resort! If you’re searching for an immersive experience and would love to wake up to the soothing sound of the waves, you can do that, actually. Now, as for accommodations, Nalusuan Island Resort provides a few choices, such as beachfront villas and standard rooms. They range in size, naturally, so you could find one that suits your group. The perks of staying overnight? Think about quieter evenings on the island, stunning sunrises, and the freedom to really explore the marine sanctuary without all the day-trippers.

Yet, before you reserve a room, a few details are good to know. The resort runs on island time; while charming, which means some conveniences you are comfortable with may not be easily available. Make sure you’re fine with a relaxed style before you book! It is also wise to book your stay way in advance, due to limited rooms. Last but not least, check the recent reviews of Nalusuan Island Resort so that your expectations are aligned and, like your booking is just what you need!

Final Thoughts: Is Nalusuan Island Worth Visiting?

If you are on the hunt for a somewhat quick and relatively effortless escape to paradise from Cebu, the answer is really likely yes, that is true! Nalusuan Island actually packs a lot into one little package: beautiful scenery, good snorkeling, and, well, an opportunity to simply relax and get away from it all.

Yes, it could get somewhat busy, and also tour food isn’t usually something to write home about, still, the beauty of the marine sanctuary and the general atmosphere of the island actually makes it worth it. Plan wisely, bear the above tips in mind, and, as a matter of fact, you’re quite likely to have an awesome experience, basically. Perhaps it’s time to make those tropical dreams come true!