Things to Do in Cebu in March

Bantayan sits off Cebu's northern tip, about 4 hours by bus and ferry from Cebu City. The beaches on the western shore, particularly around Santa Fe, have fine white sand and water so clear you can count fish from the pier. The ferry from Hagnaya port runs on schedule far more often in March than during the monsoon months.

Booking tipBook the morning ferry from Hagnaya (first departure around 06:00) to arrive before the midday heat and the day-trip crowds.

Moalboal, about 3 hours southwest of Cebu City, hosts a year-round sardine school numbering in the millions. The sardines swirl in dense, shifting formations off Panagsama Beach, close enough to shore that even snorkelers can reach them. Green sea turtles feed on the seagrass beds nearby, often drifting within arm's reach.

Booking tipWeekday dives are significantly less crowded. Most Cebu City dive shops offer Moalboal day trips with 2 dives included.

The canyoneering route from Kanlaob River to Kawasan Falls takes about 4 hours. It involves cliff jumps from 3 to 15 meters, natural waterslides, and swimming through narrow limestone gorges. March water levels sit lower than the monsoon months, which means the current is gentler and more of the rock formations are exposed and climbable.

Booking tipStart before 07:00 to avoid the large group tours that depart Cebu City around 04:00 and arrive mid-morning.

A walking loop through downtown Cebu covers Fort San Pedro, Magellan's Cross, and the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, all within a 1.5-kilometer stretch. The route threads through the oldest blocks of the city, where Spanish-era coral-stone walls stand next to modern sari-sari stores. Museo Sugbo sits a short tricycle ride north of the main circuit. Budget about 2 hours at a comfortable pace.

Booking tipStart at Fort San Pedro when it opens at 08:00 to beat the midday heat and the tour-bus groups that arrive after 10:00.

Malapascua is one of the few places in the world where thresher sharks visit a shallow cleaning station at Monad Shoal, about 20 meters deep. Pre-dawn dives depart around 05:00 to reach the shoal as the sharks rise from deeper water. The island itself is small and walkable, with a quiet beach-town atmosphere far removed from the mainland.

Booking tipStay at least 2 nights on Malapascua. The first morning dive might not produce a sighting, but a second attempt the next day raises your odds considerably.

The Visita Iglesia tradition involves visiting seven churches in a single day during Holy Week. In metro Cebu, the route typically includes the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, San Nicolas Church in the Parian district, and several parish churches in Mandaue and Talisay. Families walk or take jeepneys between stops.

Booking tipNo booking needed. The churches are open throughout the day. Early morning visits before 08:00 offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Nalusuan is a tiny island east of Mactan, accessible by a 45-minute bangka (outrigger boat) from the Cordova or Hilton pier areas. The marine sanctuary around it has healthy coral and abundant reef fish. A long wooden boardwalk extends over the water to a small resort on the island.

Booking tipArrange a private bangka through your Mactan hotel rather than joining a group tour. Early morning departures around 07:00 get you calmer water and fewer boats at the sanctuary.