Cebu is more than a slim, tropical island in the middle of the Philippines. It is our humble home; our house is in its satellite island of Mactan. While Cebu is a highly urbanized, progressive, and ultramodern city, there is always something for those who love the outdoors. There is always something for those who love to discover the real history and culture of Cebu.
Want to visit our island? Here is a list of exciting adventures that you can do while you’re here.
1. Mountaineering
Climb Mt. Km 28, Mt. Makatol, Mt. Hambubuyog, and other peaks of Cebu. While Cebu’s mountains are nowhere near the giants in other places around the country or the world, they hold up to their own. Climbing Cebu’s mountains do not require technical skills, and reaching their summits just requires a trek or, at most, rock scrambling. Of course, all the way, you will have a visual feast of green farmlands, lush landscapes, and even glittering cities.
2. Rock climbing
Feel the adrenaline pump up in massive quantities in your arteries and veins as you scale up the pure limestone rock walls of Poog and Cantabaco. The cliffs are unmodified, so with each pull, with each step, you feel connected to Mother Nature. Rock climbing can be a sport where you can compete in, a weekend exercise, or just an avenue of fun.
3. Trekking
Cebu has some of the best hiking trails for novice and amateur trekkers. Most of these trails are well established since they are used by farmers, loggers, hunters, and villagers. However, there are also wild ones, either carved by water erosion, left behind by dried riverbeds, or jutting out of thick foliage. Additionally, the real estate giant Aboitizland recently opened Foressa Trails, a 253-hectare adventure park with established trails that are designed according to US Forest Service standards.
4. Biking
A proliferation of bike shops in the city, the regular hosting of Ironman races, and the increasing interest for outdoor adventures altogether gave rise to the rising popularity of biking. Pedal on fast roads around the city or on highways to faraway towns. Or test your biking skills in rugged trails that wind along Cebu’s scenic highlands and rural areas.
5. Scuba diving, free diving, and snorkeling
Cebu is surrounded by turquoise wasters that hide massive, vibrant, and colorful reefs. And those do not include lonely seamounts, mysterious underwater caves, and coral-encrusted walls. See the stunning kingdom beneath the waves through scuba diving, free diving, or snorkeling. Introduce yourself to fish, turtles, dolphins, and the occasional shark or whale. There are lots of outfitters in Moalboal, Malapascua, Mactan, and other popular dive spots. They will be more than happy to help you explore the blue world.
6. Beach Hopping
Postcards, travel magazines, TV ads, and other media have shown just how gorgeous the beaches of Cebu are. Whether they are made up of fine white sand, coarse brown sand, razor-sharp rocks, or smooth pebbles, they have their own unique characteristics. Cebu’s beaches are quite accessible, so don’t be surprised if you find a lot of locals enjoying the cool waters for a refreshing dip.
7. Island Hopping
Are the mainland beaches too crowded or commercialized for your taste? Well, some of the best beaches, isolated shores, and interesting destinations are located in small islands and islets off the shore of mainland Cebu. To reach them, you need to ride a traditional banca. Island hopping is an adventure in itself, and it’s more fun if you do it with friends, colleagues, and family members.
8. Aqua sports
The seas around Cebu offer a vast playground for eager aqua enthusiasts. Whether you love wake boarding, paragliding, jetskiing, riding in a speedboat, or kayaking, there is always something in Cebu for you. LGUs around the island are also finding ways of bringing aqua activities in the rivers in their own municipalities.
9. Waterfalls hopping
Cebu has many beautiful rivers. And where there are rivers, there are amazing waterfalls! Each waterfall has its own set of characteristics, from towering ones like Inambakan Falls to cascading ones like Aguinid Falls. Reaching these waterfalls can be as easy as a walk on a concrete pathway. But some may require a full-fledged adventure that include scrambling up slippery boulders, climbing up rock faces, or trekking into a thick jungle.
10. Running
(Photo credit: Apol Antenor)
Running has truly taken Cebu by storm! Cebu is a popular venue for international and national marathons as well as Ironman competitions. And often on weekends, various entities organize fun runs and trail runs. So strap your shoes, make sure your water bottles and Camelbacks are filled, and run those paths to success.
11. Caving
Cebu is not exactly known as a caving destination, but that’s just because we haven’t explored them! True, there are popular ones like the Agta Cave in Argao, White Cave in Minglanilia, and Mainit Mabugnaw Cave in Jaclupan. But Cebu being an island primarily made of limestone, we’re sure there are seldom seen, beautiful, and enchanting caverns under our island.
12. Skydiving
(Photo credit: Skydive Greater Cebu)
How does it feel to jump out of an airplane at 10,000 feet? We still don’t know, but we believe it’s going to be super awesome! Your dream of being a bird—temporarily, of course—can now come true. Skydive Greater Cebu is the sole skydiving outfitter in Cebu, and they’re located in the Santa Fe in Bantayan Island, a small tropical paradise north of Cebu.
13. Food Trips
Are you a foodie or culinary critic? Then you will love it here in Cebu, a food adventure capital. You see, each village, town, city, or municipality has its own set of delicacies. Try out the juicy lechon in Carcar, the soft torta of Argao, the chewy masi of Liloan, and more. Forget your cholesterol level; you won’t be able to resist the sumptuous and unique foodstuff here!
14. Urban and adventure park activities
Worry not if you are the non-outdoorsy type of person. There are still adrenaline-pumping activities that you can do. Adventure parks such as Papa Kit’s Marina and Fishing Lagoon has a myriad of adventures—zip line, ATV riding, wall climbing, etc.—all in a single property. The Crown Regency tower in Uptown Cebu has rooftop attractions—ziplines that cross two skyscrapers, artificial climbing walls, seats that tilt down over the edge of the building—that allow you to conquer your fear of heights.
15. Photo walks
(Photo credit: Glen Jubs Photography)
Photographers feel the rush of excitement when they are able to go around places and shoot interesting (or ordinary) things in new perspectives. Join the squads of local photographers as they walk around towns, cities, and villages taking lovely photos of locals, heritage sites, and historical and cultural aspects.
Since Cebu is a major religious, tourist, industrial, and commercial hub in the Philippines, it is quite easy to get here. Our international airport serves both domestic and national flights. We have a major sea port where passenger vessels and cargo vessels from all over the nation and the world dock. Buses, jeepneys, rental vehicles, and even motorcycles for hire allow you to get further inland.
What are you waiting for? Visit Cebu now!
Adrenaline Romance 
Well said!! I love Cebu 😍
Hehe! Thank you for loving our humble island, Sofeebella! 🙂
I’ve visited Cebu very often but not even once I find time to visit the top overlooking the city. Hoping pohon maka abot na jud ko diha.
Hi Budget Traveler,
Hehehe! Makaabot ra ka. 🙂 This is in Sirao Peak/Mt. Kan Irag, which overlooks Mandaue, Consolacion, Cebu, and Lapu Lapu. Coming from the first Mactan-Mandaue Bridge, you can see Sirao Peak/Mt. Kan-Irag as a tall volcano-like mountain that looms over the city.
I’ve been around the city and spent some time in the south chasing waterfalls but a week was definitely not enough to explore such an adventure-filled place like Cebu. I shall return! 🙂
Hi When in My Journeys,
Cebu has a whole lot of avenues for adventure. We believe that there are many more undiscovered places in less popular towns.
[…] via 15 Adrenaline-Pumping Adventures You Can Do in Cebu […]
I didn’t know pwede mag-skydive sa Cebu! ❤
Hi Amielle,
Yup, there’s a skydiving outfitter in Bantayan Island! Check out Skydive Greater Cebu (link in the blog post). 🙂
The juicy lechon looks yummy! Will love to visit Cebu one day too!
Hi Don,
Definitely! Chicken or pork prepared in lechon style is definitely popular here. 🙂
Well, I have a question: are island hopping tours reaadily available there or do we book beforehand? If so, how expensive will a day trip be? And do you recommend that over staying overnight at some of the islands?
Hi Panushwari,
For the island hopping tours, you can actually do both. So it’s a great convenience for you.
Most of the island hopping tours cost around 2,000 to 3,000 Philippine pesos, depending on the outfitter. That’s why we placed in the article that this is best enjoyed with friends, colleagues, and groups since you can share the expenses.
Yes, there are overnight options. 🙂
I’m organizing a scuba trip to the Philippines and definitely want to go waterfall hopping and cave exploring as well. I can’t think of anything better of swimming in tropical waters or lounging on the beach!
Hi Quirky Globetrotter,
That’s great! Let us know when you’re coming, especially if you plan to include Cebu in your itinerary. We would love to go scuba diving with you.
That would be amazing! Let’s get connected on social media 🙂
Definitely! Our social media pages are at the sidebar of our blog. 🙂
We visited Cebu earlier this year and did a couple of these things. Ended up spending most of our time south where we also went Canyoneering – which was awesome. Looks like I have more to do next time I make it to Cebu.
Hi Dom on the Go,
That’s great! Let us know when you’ll be back. Let’s go scuba diving and rock climbing. 🙂
Cebu’s definitely on my bucket list and this just made me want to visit even more badly. I’m not a big adrenaline junkie however, although I’d totally be down to try some of the activities you suggested here – especially climing Mt. Kim and going on some hikes. Oh and definitely beach and island hopping too! Can’t wait to visit someday!!
Hi Jas,
That’s okay. You can still go sightseeing, island hopping, enjoying the beach, and more. 🙂 Cebu has everything for everyone.
nice article to read
Thank you.
Just makes me miss Cebu more!
Hi Thaddaeu,
Where are you stationed now? We thought you’re living in Cebu.
Cebu looks so much adventurous! Thanks for the guide 🙂
Hi Pooja,
You’re welcome! Do try these adventures if you have the chance to visit Cebu. 🙂
And I’m thinking of boarding, paragliding, jetskiing, riding in a speedboat, kayaking…all of those. Plus caving and photography tours. Beach bumming, not so much. Cebu is a really pretty place.
Try scuba diving too! Cebu has amazing dive spots where you can see whale sharks, manta rays, thresher sharks, and more! 🙂
Serves as tourist sites
Hi Prime Optimum,
Well, these are activities that you can do while in Cebu. 🙂
Yeah, good to hear
Wow!! That rock climbing photo is insane. I’ve always wanted to go to Cebu to check out the beaches and do some snorkeling but I think I’ll have to add in a couple more high-octane activities too 🙂 Thanks for the tips!
Hi Jaleh!
Thank you! Please do visit Cebu; you’ll have a wonderful mix of adventures. 🙂
I’d love to visit Cebu! Waterfall hopping would be so much fun, I’d also love to try skydiving! Cool pictures
Hi David,
We have awesome waterfalls here in Cebu. We have yet to try skydiving—the weak power of our peso makes the cost prohibitive for us. But that is definitely in our bucket list.
If only i have all the energy!
You have! 🙂
Cebu has so much adventure to offer, I am sure there can never be a dull moment there. Though all of these activities are thrilling, my favourite ones would be mountaineering, trekking and caving. These would give an ample opportunity to enjoy the beautiful nature of the region too.
Hi Sandy,
Indeed! Let us know if you visit here; we’ll take you to these adventures. 🙂