Nalusuan Island + Banana Boat Ride + Mactan | Lapu-Lapu City Tour

Nalusuan Island 
It has been a well-established destination on the local island circuit for years. The swimming area is well protected so it’s excellent for kids. Upon arrival on the island you pass by a large man-made salt water pool that contains a variety of local marine life, Sea Turtles, Lapu-Lapu (a local species of grouper) and other species can be observed. Explore the underwater world of the Marine Sanctuary at Nalusuan Island. This tropical reef sits at a depth of about 2 meters and can be viewed easily from the surface by a snorkeler.

Nalusuan is a natural island resort in the Cebu Strait, the Philippines, and one of the islands comprising the Olango Island Group. The island, which measures close to a hectare, is situated between Mactan Island and the Province of Bohol.  Originally a sand bar, it was reclaimed to allow the construction of the Nalusuan Island Resort, which occupies the entire island.  The island was originally and locally known as “kalusuan” meaning “a place of penises” in Cebuano. The local fishermen named it as such because the waters surrounding the island is teeming with sea cucumbers, which looked like the male genitalia. The island is administratively within the jurisdiction of the town of Cordova and specifically in the barangay of Gilutongan.

Banana boat (or water sled), is an unpowered, inflatable recreational boat meant to be towed. Different models usually accommodate three to ten riders sitting on a larger, main tube and resting their feet on two laterally flanking tubes which stabilize the boat. The main tube is often yellow and banana-shaped. Some models have two main tubes.  Banana boating is a fun beach vacation activity that you can try with your friends and family.

It is an activity where everyone straddles a canoe – like float that is literally shaped like a banana and pulls it with a motorboat.
If the water surface is flat, it will meander, and if the surface is rough, it will feel like a rodeo. If you’re not familiar with banana boating, it involves being towed behind a motorized boat on a banana-shaped, yellow-colored inflatable water sled that usually seats about six to ten people. IT is very popular water activity here in Cebu.

Let’s fly over the sea surface with a speedy banana boat.  The more people there are together, the more fun and the more  interesting it will be. Let’s all invite each other and ride.

• This is a daily  tour activity. Subject to weather condition. Booking reservation must be 2 days before the tour. Price indicated does not include hotel pick up and drop off for the island tour. We will give you direction on how to locate this tour location upon your booking confirmation. Also, it does not include lunch. Most of our guest prefer to bring their own island picnic food. In case you want to have the food included, it would be a set of mixed Seafood BBQ with tropical fruits and 1 round of soft drink/bottled water. Island entrance fees is not included as well, you may prepare about Php 400 to 550 pesos each and you can pay directly to the island collector.  Additional services options can be added at the ‘Package’ + button. Important notice: The food/lunch order should match the number of persons going on this tour.  Important notice: The food/lunch order should match the number of persons going on this tour.

Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan is a small island right off the coast of Cebu City. Mactan Island is also where the Cebu International Airport is, so almost all travellers going to Cebu City will go through Mactan. The island itself is worth a visit, as it is less hectic than Cebu City, and has numerous beach resorts and beautiful diving sites.

Lapu Lapu was the ruler of Mactan in the Philippine archipelago. He is revered to be the first Filipino hero and known to be the first Filipino to resist Spanish colonization. He refused to give tribute to Ferdinand Magellan when he arrived in his island and Lapu-Lapu and his soldiers waged battle with Magellan’s crew in a skirmish known as the Battle of Mactan. Ferdinand Magellan was killed in the battle.

Mactan is the improbable site of one of the defining moments in the Philippines’ history. It was here on 27 April 1521 that Ferdinand Magellan was fatally wounded at the hands of Chief Lapu-Lapu. The event is commemorated at the Mactan Shrine on a stone plinth bearing the date that Magellan was felled.

Mactan island has some of the best scuba diving sites in the Philippines. It also has a number of inexpensive dive shops where you can get SCUBA certified and go on a number of dives. Most sites use the PADI course, although some teach RAID, SSI, or NAUI courses.

Important Notice:

Please read carefully what is included. You can choose to have add-on service by clicking the “Package” + button.  Entrance fees are not included, this will help you save if you choose to just take photos from outside. And even if you  go inside, the entrance fees are at minimal cost that can only be paid directly upon entry. Some stops do not require entrance fees. Also, lunch is not included, our driver can give recommendations where to eat if you will ask for assistance.  Mostly, lunch can be done at the shopping mall food court where you can find many variations and choices of food. You can stop by at SM City or Ayala mall for an hour to have your lunch and it will be counted on your time duration as always. Shopping malls in Cebu are very tempting. You need to decide between malling or touring the City :).

Mactan Airport pick up is okay. Subject to extra charge for delayed flight. Extra hour will be charge accordingly at Php 350 pesos per hour. 30 minutes excess is considered 1 hour extra charge to be paid directly to the driver.

Private Air-conditioned Transportation Type:  
Sedan:  Max 4 Passengers  |  Minivan:  Max 7 Passengers   |  Passenger Van:  Max 12 Passengers

Price indicated is based on minimum of 5 persons. If your group is below 5,  please make your booking from ” Island Hopping ” tour page and kindly click ‘package’ + button to add on the water sports of your choice. If your group is more than 5, it will be discounted with 10% automatically upon check out. Banana Boat Ride activity is not recommended for children under 6 years old.