ABOUT SUMILON ISLAND
Sumilon Island is a small, privately-owned island located off the southeastern coast of Cebu in the Philippines. The island is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkelling enthusiasts. Its marine sanctuary also make it an excellent destination for eco-tourists and those interested in marine conservation. You can reach it by bus or private car from Cebu City, which will take about 4 hours each way, or visit from a closer city like Moalboal (~2 hours) or Oslob (~30 minutes). It is great as a day trip, but there are some things you should know before snorkelling Sumilon Island.
GETTING THERE
Getting to the island from the port will cost you 1500 PHP ($27 USD) per boat. Meaning if you have a larger group, it will cost you less. They try very hard to dissuade you from pooling together with other people, but it is possible! You will also need to pay a 100 PHP ($1.80 USD)/per person environmental fee.
SUMILON ISLAND MARINE LIFE
Sumilon Island is the first marine protected area in the Philippines, starting in 1974. It is an amazing example of the tremendous impact humans have on the health and biodiversity of an area through well-enforced environmental regulations. Super Typhoon Odette in December 2021 did significant damage to the coral and marine life throughout the Philippines, and Sumilon Island was not spared. However, it bounced back remarkably well. Not only did it maintain its fish population, but its coral reefs have also grown back impressively compared to other damaged reefs in the area. This is thanks to the large size of the marine protected area and the strict limits on fishing and other human activity which are strongly enforced. (You can read more about it here, and here)!
We had never seen anything like it! Considering we went less than 2 years after the devastating typhoon, we were not expecting to see some of the most spectacular, vibrant, healthy corals we’ve ever seen in our lives! I truly didn’t know coral came in so many colors!
As incredible as the snorkelling is, there are a few things to note about Sumilon Island, especially if you’re planning a full day there:
The sandbar is not always as pictured!
The sandbar shifts seasonally. It changes shape and even location. It can also be above or underwater depending on the tides. When we went it was almost entirely underwater, leaving no room to relax on the beach. We also made the mistake of going during a holiday in the Philippines (Holy Week), so it was exceptionally busy.
If you want to go anywhere besides the small sandbar area and some rickety benches on the rocks above, you will need to pay a steep fee.
The island is owned by the Bluewater Island Resort, and entering the resort area will cost you! We were quoted 2500 PHP ($45 USD) per person as we went on a holiday/weekend. If you go mid-week (and not on a holiday) it will cost you 2000 PHP ($36 USD) per person. This price includes lunch at the resort, and activities like kayaking, boating, island trekking, and access to the lagoon, swimming pool, and private beach. We did not go with this option, but please note: there is very little to do in the unpaid area, especially if the sandbar is submerged. If it’s within your budget, you might find it more worthwhile to get the full Sumilon Island experience at the resort.
Snorkelling costs extra and must be done with a guide.
It cost us 350 PHP ($6.30 USD) total for our group to go with a guide for 30-45 minutes (I’m not sure if this was inflated because we were there on a holiday and a weekend). We were initially very letdown that we would have to pay an extra fee to access the one thing we came for, but when we saw the snorkelling area we immediately understood the need to keep the area more exclusive and protected! We definitely wish we could have stayed out for longer, though. 30-45 minutes is not enough time to see the incredible, diverse marine life in the area. If we went again, I would definitely pay for a guided tour twice so I didn’t feel as rushed.
There is no food on the island except within the resort.
You can also order food at the port where you depart from and have it delivered to the island. We went with that option, but in our experience, the food was not that enjoyable. If possible, I would suggest bringing your own food/snacks over for the day.
You have to pay to use the bathroom.
The bathroom is a small shack, costing 30 PHP ($0.50 USD) per use. We decided to use nature’s toilet which was free!
No drones allowed!
We took the route of asking for forgiveness, not permission, so we did get a few quick shots before they politely came and told us the rules. To be fair, there were no posted signs warning us that it would be an issue!
Overall, Sumilon Island is a beautiful destination for anyone who loves snorkelling and exploring the underwater world. Its crystal clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and diverse marine life make it a true paradise for nature lovers. Just be prepared for the extra fees of the day, and be sure to follow the rules and regulations to help preserve this beautiful island for future generations.