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The places locals actually send visitors to.

Long wooden boardwalk leading across clear shallow turquoise water toward Nalusuan Island under a bright blue sunny sky.

Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary

A marine sanctuary with clear water, snorkeling and a low-tide sandbar.

Cordova

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Expansive turquoise saltwater lagoon with palm island and multi-story resort rooms along the shore.

Plantation Bay Resort & Spa

A Mactan resort built around private saltwater lagoons and a big spa.

Lapu-Lapu

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Olango Island

Explore a peaceful wetland sanctuary with birdwatching and marine trails near Mactan.

Lapu-Lapu

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Woman with arms raised in a blue pool in front of the Jpark Island Resort hotel building.

Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark

A Mactan waterpark resort with six pools, a lazy river, and a private beach.

Lapu-Lapu

attraction

Outrigger boats anchored near a white sand beach under a bright blue sky on Caohagan Island, Cebu.

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Caohagan Island

About Caohagan Island

Caohagan Island is a small, idyllic coral island situated off the coast of Mactan within the Olango Island Group. Renowned for its sweeping white sandbar, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine ecosystem, it serves as a staple stop for island-hopping excursions in Cebu. Visitors flock to its shores to relax under coconut palms, swim in tranquil shallows, and indulge in freshly grilled seafood offered by local vendors, making it an essential tropical escape close to the metropolitan center.

What to expect

Visiting Caohagan Island revolves around enjoying its pristine coastal surroundings and laid-back community atmosphere. The main highlight is the expansive sandbar that emerges during lower tides, offering an ideal setting for wading, sunbathing, and taking striking photographs against the surrounding azure seascape. Beyond the beach, visitors can wander through the small fishing village situated on the island, where friendly local residents sell handcrafted coconut shell souvenirs, quilts, and freshly caught seafood such as live groupers, sea urchins, and abalone prepared directly on open grills. Snorkeling around the island's marine sanctuary reveals thriving coral formations and varied tropical fish. A typical visit lasts around one to two hours as part of an island-hopping itinerary, making it suitable for families, groups, and day-trippers.

Know before you go

An entrance fee of around ₱200 per person is generally collected upon arrival, though day-trippers should verify current rates on the official Caohagan Island Beach Facebook page before travelling. Boats typically visit between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Access requires wading through shallow waters to reach land, so wearing sturdy water shoes is recommended. There are limited shaded areas, so bring eco-friendly sunscreen, hats, and drinking water. Cash in small denominations is essential for entrance fees, boat rentals, and seafood purchases, as card payments are not accepted on the island.

Caohagan Island, Barangay Caohagan, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

Lapu-Lapu 17 km from Cebu City (straight-line)

Last checked September 29, 2026

⚠️ Travel & safety

Conditions, access, hours, and prices can change, and some places involve remote travel or activities with inherent risks. Verify important details locally and use your own judgment when visiting. See our Terms for important safety and liability information.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Caohagan Island?

Take a motorized outrigger boat (pumpboat) from Marigondon Beach or Angasil Port in Mactan, reaching the island in roughly 30 to 45 minutes.

When is the best time to visit Caohagan Island?

Low to mid-tide in the late morning for optimal sandbar visibility and calm sea conditions

Where is Caohagan Island located?

Caohagan Island is at Caohagan Island, Barangay Caohagan, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. That puts it in Mactan. It is roughly 17 km from Cebu City.

Can I stay overnight on Caohagan Island?

Overnight stays are generally limited as the island mostly caters to day-trippers and island-hopping tours. Accommodation options are extremely basic, so most visitors prefer returning to resorts on Mactan Island after their day tour.

What else is there to see near Caohagan Island?

Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary, Plantation Bay Resort & Spa, and Olango Island are the closest places on the Cebuzone map to Caohagan Island, and are all linked below.