Top Things to Do on Olango Island for First Time Visitors

Olango Island is a captivating eco-tourism destination just a short boat ride away from Mactan Island Cebu. Known for its vast marine sanctuary and rich biodiversity it is a peaceful escape for travelers who love nature birdwatching and marine life. The island is home to the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary a crucial resting and feeding ground for thousands of migratory birds from as far as Siberia China and Japan.

The calm coastal environment and protected marine areas also make Olango a favorite spot for snorkeling and diving. Its crystal-clear waters vibrant coral gardens and thriving fish population offer a serene and breathtaking underwater experience. Local communities have also embraced eco-tourism allowing guests to enjoy guided tours cultural experiences and delicious local seafood dishes while helping preserve the island’s natural resources.

With its slow-paced charm and abundant ecological treasures Olango Island is perfect for day trips and nature getaways. Whether you’re a birding enthusiast a marine life lover or simply in need of a quiet day by the sea Olango offers an unforgettable travel experience off the beaten path in Cebu.

Cebu Car Rental – Easiest Way to Get to Olango Island

Traveling should be about comfort, convenience, and creating unforgettable memories—not the stress of public transportation. Whether you’re starting your journey anywhere in Cebu City, our reliable car rental service ensures a seamless trip to any destination in Central Visayas (Region VII), with effortless pick-ups and drop-offs tailored to your schedule.

Choose from our diverse fleet of well-maintained vehicles, ranging from sleek sedans to spacious vans, designed to provide the perfect ride for your travel needs. For an even more relaxing experience, opt for our professional chauffeur service, allowing you to sit back, unwind, and make the most of your time—saving both money and valuable travel hours.

With our affordable rental options, you can explore Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor at your own pace, embracing the freedom of having private transportation. From scenic landscapes to vibrant attractions, let us enhance your journey by making every mile a part of your adventure. Experience comfort, reliability, and convenience—because your trip to Cebu deserves nothing less.

Contact us for all your transportation needs:
Globe: +63 936 812 9010
Smart: +63 981 632 5289
Whatsapp: +63 936 812 9010
Facebook: facebook.com/ahroundcebu
Website: cebu.ahroundph.com
Email: info@ahroundph.com

Public Transport to Olango Island

FROM CEBU CITY

Step 1: Go to Cebu City Pier or South Bus Terminal (depending on starting point)
If you’re staying in the city proper:
Take a taxi or Grab to SM City Cebu or Pier Area, depending on your location

Step 2: Ride a Jeepney or Taxi to Mactan Island – Angasil Port (via Lapu-Lapu City)
Two options to reach Mactan Island (Lapu-Lapu City):

Option A – Public Jeepney route (Cheapest)
From SM City Cebu or E-Mall, ride a PUJ to Parkmall
From Parkmall, transfer to a jeepney going to MEPZ or Punta Engaño
Ask to be dropped off at Angasil Port (near Mactan Shrine)
Total travel time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Option B – Taxi or Grab from Cebu City to Angasil Port (Fastest)
Direct taxi from Cebu to Angasil Port in Lapu-Lapu
Travel time: 45 mins to 1 hour

Step 3: Ride a Pump Boat from Angasil Port to Olango Island
Operator: Local boatmen
Boats leave every 30 minutes (starting 5:30 AM until 5:00 PM)
Travel time: 15–20 minutes
Destination Port: Sta. Rosa Port, Olango Island

Step 4: Take Habal-Habal or Tricycle to Bird Sanctuary or Resort
Tricycles or habal-habal are waiting at the port
Tell them your resort or destination (e.g., San Vicente Marine Sanctuary or Bird Sanctuary)
Travel Time: 5–15 minutes

FROM BOHOL (TAGBILARAN CITY OR TUBIGON)

Step 1: Ferry to Cebu City (Pier 1)
From Tagbilaran or Tubigon to Cebu Pier 1
Operators: OceanJet, SuperCat, FastCat
Tagbilaran → Cebu: 2 hours
Tubigon → Cebu: 1.5 hours

Step 2: Follow Cebu City Route
From Pier 1, take a taxi or jeepney to Angasil Port in Lapu-Lapu
Follow Steps 2 to 4 above to reach Olango Island

FROM DUMAGUETE CITY (NEGROS ORIENTAL)

Step 1: Dumaguete to Sibulan Port
Ride tricycle or jeepney to Sibulan Port
Travel time: 15–20 mins

Step 2: Ferry from Sibulan to Liloan Port (Cebu)
Operator: Maayo Shipping / Montenegro
Travel time: 30–45 mins

Step 3: Bus from Liloan Port to Cebu City South Bus Terminal
Ride a Ceres bus to Cebu City
Travel time: 3.5–4 hours

Step 4: Follow Cebu City Route
From the bus terminal, ride a jeepney or taxi to Angasil Port, then pump boat to Olango Island

FROM SIQUIJOR

Step 1: Ferry from Siquijor to Dumaguete Port
Operator: OceanJet, Montenegro
Travel time: 1–1.5 hours

Step 2: Follow Dumaguete to Cebu Route
Dumaguete → Sibulan → Ferry to Liloan Port (Cebu)
Liloan → Bus to Cebu City → Angasil Port → Pump Boat to Olango

Visit the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the island’s most iconic attractions is the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, a Ramsar-recognized wetland site internationally known for being a stopover for migratory birds from China, Siberia, and Japan. Between September and April, thousands of birds visit—making this a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers. Walk the mangrove boardwalk and watch these winged travelers in their natural habitat.

Explore the Olango Marine Sanctuary
For underwater enthusiasts, the Olango Marine Sanctuary is a must-visit. Located off Barangay San Vicente, this protected area offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Snorkelers and divers will love exploring its pristine underwater world, teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and healthy coral ecosystems.

Go Biking Around the Island
Bring a bike or rent one locally and explore Olango’s charming coastal roads. It’s one of the best ways to experience the island’s laid-back rural vibe, interact with locals, and discover quiet beaches, fishing villages, and coconut groves. Early morning or late afternoon rides offer cooler temps and scenic golden hour views.

Chill at Talima Beach or Sabang Beach
Take time to relax at one of Olango’s serene beaches, such as Talima Beach or Sabang Beach. Unlike crowded resorts, these areas offer peaceful shorelines, crystal waters, and a genuine island vibe. Enjoy sunbathing, reading under a tree, or a simple picnic with family and friends.

Try Kayaking or Paddleboarding Through Mangroves
Explore Olango’s lush mangrove forests on a kayak or paddleboard, available in several eco-resorts and tour providers. Paddle through calm waters while appreciating the mangroves’ role in protecting the coastline and supporting local biodiversity. It’s a peaceful, eco-friendly activity that brings you close to nature.

Catch a Sunrise or Sunset by the Sea
Whether you’re a morning riser or a sunset chaser, Olango Island offers both with unobstructed views of the horizon. Watch the sun rise over Bohol or set behind Mactan and Cebu with stunning color displays that reflect off the sea. It’s a perfect moment for meditation, photography, or just quiet awe.

Dive into Island-Hopping Adventures
Use Olango as a launchpad for island-hopping tours to nearby islets such as Caohagan, Nalusuan, and Hilutungan. Each spot offers unique snorkeling, clear waters, and white-sand beaches. These day trips are perfect for families, couples, or groups looking to make the most of the Visayan seas.

Enjoy Fresh Seafood and Local Delicacies
Feast on freshly caught seafood like grilled fish, squid, or shrimp served with rice and coconut-based sauces. Local eateries and home-style restaurants on the island offer authentic Cebuano dishes at affordable prices. Don’t miss out on the buko (coconut) juice and halo-halo to beat the heat!

Experience Island Tranquility and Digital Detox
Unlike commercialized beaches, Olango Island offers blissful disconnection from constant notifications and traffic noise. With minimal development and fewer tourists, it’s the ideal place for meditation, journaling, yoga, or simply doing nothing. Let the sea breeze and sound of waves reset your mind.

Join a Local Fishing Experience or Seaweed Farm Tour
Get a glimpse of Olango’s coastal livelihood by joining a local fisherman for a traditional paddleboat fishing trip or visiting a seaweed farm. It’s a great way to support the community while learning how locals sustain their island life. Some tours even let you catch your own fish and cook it after!

Bike Rental – ₱ 10 per hour

SAN VICENTE MARINE SANCTUARY
Entrance Fee – ₱ 80 per person
Environmental Fee – ₱ 100 for maximum 5 people
Goggle Rental – ₱ 100

Olango Island Hopping Tour – ₱ 1300 starting price for 8 people and 2 island stops.

ECO-TOURISM CAMP
Boat Ride Fee – ₱ 20 per person
Entrance Fee – ₱ 20 per person

PAG UTLAN CAMP
Day Entrance Fee – ₱ 10 per person
Overnight Entrance Fee – ₱ 100 per person
Tent Rental – ₱ 200

CASA BLANCA BY THE SEA
Family Room 1 – ₱ 6000 for 4 guests
Family Room 2 – ₱ 5500 for 4 guests
Deluxe Room – ₱ 4500 for 3 guests
Timber House – ₱ 3500 for 2 guests
Extra Bed Adult – ₱ 500
Extra Bed Kid’s – ₱ 250

Overnight Use Package Tent
Adult – ₱ 500
Kid – ₱ 400
*good for 3 guests with light breakfast, cottage use, table, chairs, beach, shower, and swimming pool

Night Use Package
Adult – ₱ 250
Kid – ₱ 150
*inclusions are cottage, table, chair, beach, shower, and swimming pool

Day Use Package
Adult – ₱ 250
Kid – ₱ 150
inclusions are cottage, table, chair, beach, shower, and swimming pool

Olango Wildlife Sanctuary
Contact No.: 0915 386 2314, 0928 713 0117
Office Address: DENR, Region 7, Banilad, Mandaue City, Cebu
Website: www.olangowildlifesanctuary.org

San Vicente Marine Sanctuary
Contact No.: 0995 021 4633
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/San%20Vicente%20Marine%20Sanctuary/225249254316830

Pag Utlan Camp
Contact No.: 0956 039 4867
Email: taneojoy22@gmail.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PagUtlanCamp

You can contact Casa Blanca by the Sea through the following:
Telephone No.: (032) 406 7738
Contact No.: 0995 922 9908
Email: casablancabythesea2018@gmail.com
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/casablancabythesea

🔹 Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated
🔹 Binoculars for birdwatching
🔹 Snorkeling gear or underwater camera
🔹 Quick-dry towel and swimwear
🔹 Eco-friendly sunscreen and insect repellent
🔹 Waterproof bag for gadgets and valuables
🔹 Light snacks or lunch pack for day trips
🔹 Cash for boat fees and local souvenirs
🔹 ID or government-issued card for boat registration
🔹 Comfortable sandals or water shoes

🔹 Boats to Olango usually leave from Angasil Port in Mactan
🔹 Bring exact change for entrance and boat fees
🔹 Follow sanctuary rules especially around bird zones
🔹 Snorkeling and diving are regulated to protect the reefs
🔹 Respect local communities and their traditions
🔹 Avoid bringing single-use plastics
🔹 Do not feed or disturb the birds and marine life
🔹 Best to visit during low tide for birdwatching
🔹 Dress modestly when walking around the village areas
🔹 Ask permission before taking photos of locals