Skip to Content

20 Best Beach Resorts In North Cebu

20 Best Beach Resorts In North Cebu

Cebu is one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines, and for good reason. Home to hundreds of hidden waterfalls, pristine beaches, and diverse marine life, Cebu attracts travelers from all corners of the world.

My personal favorites are Kandaya Resort for its beach front pool and Amihan Beach Cabanas for its island aesthetic and great location.

A GUIDE TO THE BEST BEACH RESORTS IN NORTH CEBU

Northern Cebu is an often overlooked destination, but it shouldn’t be. World-class diving, island hopping, and some of the best beaches in the Philippines are all located in this region, and I’ve rounded up the 19 best beach resorts in North Cebu in this blog post.

QUICK PICKS: 3 BEST LUXURY RESORTS IN CEBU

Don’t want to read the whole article? No worries, here are the top 3 luxury beach resorts in North Cebu, one from each main location.

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Kandaya Resort

  • Beach Front Pool
  • Fitness Room
  • Modern Luxury
a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Blanco Beach Resort

  • Beach Cabanas
  • Private Escape
  • Great Italian Food
a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Amihan Beach Cabanas

  • Secluded Beach Front
  • Great Location
  • Island Aesthetic Decor

Which Region in North Cebu is Best for You?

For the purposes of this guide, North Cebu is the Northernmost tip of Cebu Island proper, as well as its two most popular island destinations, Malapascua and Bantayan. All three locations can be visited within a week.

Mainland Cebu

Northern mainland Cebu is a popular destination for locals looking for a weekend escape, or international travelers en route to either of the islands listed below. Either way, you’ll find yourself away from the crowds and enjoying some much-needed R&R. Plus, these North Cebu beach resorts are only a few hour’s drive from the second largest international airport in the Philippines (if you can avoid Cebu City traffic)!

Malapascua Island

Malapascua is renowned for its Thresher Shark dives! If you’re a scuba diver, this island is a must-see in the Philippines. And even if you aren’t, there are plenty of dive resorts on the island hosting Discover Scuba Dives and certifications. For everyone else, there’s easily accessible snorkeling, swimming, and of course, sunbathing on the beach.

Bantayan Island

Bantayan is known for having some of the best white-sand beaches and island hopping in the Philippines. Reminiscent of Boracay before the crowds, take an island-hopping trip to Virgin or Hilantagan Island, or watch the sunset at Paradise Beach. Either way, you’ll enjoy the natural beauty of the Philippines without the tourist traffic of other postcard places.

Best Beach Resorts in North Cebu

I’ve broken up the best beach resorts in North Cebu by region below, starting with a table including all the properties. I’ve also included my top picks for luxury and affordable beach resorts in each area.

Here is the comparison table of the Top 12 Best Luxury Resorts in Cebu.

ACCOMMODATION REGION
Kandaya Resort Mainland
Golden Sands Mainland
Cebu R Resort Mainland
El Salvador Beach Resort Mainland
Hagnaya Beach Resort Mainland
Suba Beach Nipa Huts Mainland
J & C Beach Resort Mainland
Blanco Beach Resort Malapascua
Ocean Vida Resort Malapascua
Tepanee Beach Resort Malapascua
Malapascua Exotic Malapascua
Buena Vida Malapascua
Aabana Resort Malapascua
Hippocampus Resort Malapascua
Amihan Beach Cabanas Bantayan
Coral Blue Bantayan
Marlin’s Beach Resort Bantayan
Anika Island Resort Bantayan

Best Beach Resorts in Mainland North Cebu

A few hours’ drive from the hustle and bustle of Cebu City, you’ll find wide-open beaches and private getaways. Here’s a roundup of the best beach resorts in the area.

Kandaya Resort

Kandaya Resort: Featuring a stunning beachfront infinity pool, Kandaya Resort is the top pick for luxury accommodation in mainland north Cebu. Activities on offer include horseback riding, tennis, paddle boarding, and snorkeling off the resort’s white sandy beach. Island hopping activities are available, as well as a spa and fitness center. If you find yourself near Daanbantayan, this is the luxury beach resort for you.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Kandaya Resort

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Kandaya Resort

  • Beach Front Pool
  • Fitness Room
  • Modern Luxury

Golden Sands Destination Resorts

Featuring both an expansive beachfront and a private lagoon, Golden Sands is a great luxury beach resort in Northern Cebu. Guests can choose to stay in a lagoon-front villa or dine beside the water. Free biking and kayaking are also available, as well as guided hikes.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Golden Sands Destination Resorts

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Golden Sands Destination Resorts

  • Great Secluded Beach
  • Lagoon Front Villas
  • Free Activities

Cebu R Resort Tabuelan

Cebu R Resort is a well-designed, modern beach resort located in Tabuelan. Its proximity to the port makes it a great choice for travelers coming from Escalante, and it offers all the amenities you’d expect from a new beach resort. The superior villa comes equipped with your own private plunge pool and ocean views and is the perfect private getaway in North Cebu.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Cebu R Resort

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Cebu R Resort

  • New Resort
  • Modern Design
  • Convenient Location

El Salvador Beach Resort

El Salvador Beach Resort: If your definition of North Cebu is just north of Cebu City, this beach resort in Danao is an affordable option. A bit more of a tropical garden than a traditional beach resort, El Salvador offers a spa, swimming pool, Wifi, and impeccable service right on the water. It’s one of the few resorts located off the main highway leading out of Cebu City, and a great pick for those in transit, or wanting a convenient getaway from the City.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for El Salvador Beach Resort

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

El Salvador Beach Resort

  • Affordable
  • Accessible
  • Great Service

Hagnaya Beach Resort and Restaurant

Hagnaya Beach Resort is a top pick for families. The pool includes kiddie water slides and a lifeguard on duty, and the grounds are home to lush palm trees and life-sized dinosaurs. Maybe not the most romantic getaway, but your kids will surely love it.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hagnaya Beach Resort

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Hagnaya Beach Resort

  • Top Family Pick
  • Waterslides
  • Dinosaur

Suba Beach Nipa Huts

Suba Beach Nipa Huts is my top pick for backpackers and adventurous travelers. These native-style cottages will make you feel like a true island local with the beach in your backyard. The ferry to Malapascua is also a short 5-minute drive away, so it’s a great layover destination. The showers and restrooms here are shared, however, but if you don’t mind that, this is a great budget beach resort in North Cebu.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Suba Beach Nipa Huts

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Suba Beach Nipa Huts

  • Native Beach Huts
  • Adventurous Travel
  • Shared Facilities

J & C Beach Resort

Facing the beachfront in San Remigio, J & C Beach Resort is another affordable beach resort in North Cebu. The resort features an outdoor swimming pool and garden and offers an à la carte or Asian-style breakfast.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for J & C Beach Resort

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

J & C Beach Resort

  • Affordable
  • Swimming Pool
  • Beachfront

That’s it for my selection of the best beach resorts in Mainland North Cebu. In the next section, I’ll cover the best hotels on Malapascua Island.

Best Beach Resorts in Malapascua

One of the world’s premier dive locations, no ocean lover’s trip to the Philippines is complete without a visit to Malapascua Island. Experience its famous Thresher Shark dives, white sandy beaches, and idyllic island vibes from one of the great beach resorts below.

Blanco Beach Resort

Blanco Beach Resort is a boutique family-owned property located 100m from Logon Beach. Surrounded by water on both sides, and a convenient walk from both the port and great Italian food, this is my number one choice for luxury beach resorts in Malapascua. There are a few flights of stairs to get around the property, however, so if you need handicap accessibility, this may not be for you.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Blanco Beach Resort

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Blanco Beach Resort

  • Beach Cabanas
  • Private Escape
  • Great Italian Food

Ocean Vida Resort

Ocean Vida Resort is a conveniently located resort right on Bounty Beach. It’s close to the ferry as well as the dive shops and has a great restaurant with bean bags right on the beach. Ocean Vida’s sister property (Buena Vida) also offers yoga classes and massages that can’t be missed. The only thing better than their location is their top-notch service.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Ocean Vida Resort

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Ocean Vida Resort

  • Great Beach Location
  • Popular Restaurant
  • Wonderful Service

Tepanee Beach Resort

Tepanee Beach Resort is a private beach getaway with colorful accommodations and rustic bamboo-frame beds. You’ll find beach beds and umbrellas on the resort’s private beach, and you can book scuba diving, snorkeling, and island hopping tours in-house.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Tepanee Beach Resort

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Tepanee Beach Resort

  • Private Beach
  • Fun Decor
  • Italian Restaurant

Malapascua Exotic Island Resort

This Dive Resort is an excellent option if you want to spend your time on Malapascua scuba diving. The divemasters and hotel staff are both professional and extremely friendly and welcoming. They were the first dive resort on the island and pioneered the Thresher Shark dives.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Malapascua Exotic Island Resort

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Malapascua Exotic Island Resort

  • Welcoming Staff
  • Beachfront Dive Resort
  • Great Restaurant

Buena Vida Resort and Spa

The sister property of Ocean Vida, Buena Vida is your wellness getaway in North Cebu. Rest and recharge with invigorating yoga classes and amazing massages. Spend an evening tucked away in the jacuzzi, or join the nightlife scene at Ocean Vida a few minute’s walk away. If you want a quiet, relaxing resort in Malapascua that’s still close to the action, this is your best bet.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Buena Vida

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Buena Vida

  • Yoga Classes
  • Great Massages
  • Bali Style

Aabana Beach & Watersport Resort

Aabana Resort sits at the secluded end of Bounty Beach and is a great affordable beach resort in North Cebu. Highlights include the complimentary breakfast, beach hammocks, and traditional-style accommodation. The staff here are very welcoming and can help arrange a private transfer back to the mainland by boat.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Aabana Beach & Watersport Resort

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Aabana Beach & Watersport Resort

  • Quiet Beachfront
  • Breakfast Included
  • Great Staff

Hippocampus Beach Resort

Hippocampus Beach Resort is great if you’re interested in water sports, this is a great base for your stay on Malapascua Island. Hippocampus Beach Resort has an in-house scuba diving school, as well as a kite-surfing school. The great service here is another reason this beachfront resort tops many “where to stay in Malapascua” lists.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hippocampus Beach Resort

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Hippocampus Beach Resort

  • Scuba Diving School
  • Kite-Surfing School
  • Beachfront

There are many great beach resorts to choose from in Malapascua, but these were my top seven. Between the budget, dive, and more luxury-style accommodations, hopefully, you found the best beach resort for you.

Best Beach Resorts in Bantayan

Bantayan Island is one of the most underrated spots in the Philippines. Located off the North coast of Cebu, this budding eco-tourism island offers snorkeling, island-hopping, cliff diving, and even skydiving. Bantayan’s gorgeous white beaches are also home to some of the best beach resorts in North Cebu.

Amihan Beach Cabanas

One of my quick picks for the best beach resorts in North Cebu, Amihan Beach Cabanas has it all. Stunning turquoise waters, cocktails on the beach, beautiful decor, and a convenient location without sacrificing privacy. If you’re looking for the most idyllic resort in Bantayan, look no further.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Amihan Beach Cabanas

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Amihan Beach Cabanas

  • Secluded Beach Front
  • Great Location
  • Island Aesthetic Decor

Coral Blue Oriental Villas and Suites

Coral Blue is one of the few luxury beach resorts in Bantayan. With only 18 bamboo cottages, it offers an intimate experience for its lucky guests. The entire property is done in a rustic island style and is located on a private stretch of sand. The result? You’ll be feeling castaway in the best way possible.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Coral Blue Oriental

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Coral Blue Oriental

  • Luxury Resort
  • Bamboo Cottages
  • Private Beach

Marlin’s Beach Resort

Marlin’s Beach Resort combines a great location, welcoming staff, and good food. Located on the white sands of Santa Fe Beach, MJ square and its restaurants and bars are a short walk away. The staff here will be more than happy to arrange your island-hopping excursions and help you make the most of your time in Bantayan.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Marlin’s Beach Resort

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Marlin’s Beach Resort

  • White Sandy Beach
  • Convenient Location
  • Good Food

Anika Island Resort

Anika Island Resort sits on one of the best white sandy beaches in North Cebu and has a unique eco-conscious setup. Each of its 40 units is built from a recycled container van. The resort also has a great pool, welcoming staff, and affordable food options.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Anika Island Resort

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Anika Island Resort

  • Amazing Beach
  • Container Van Rooms
  • Family Friendly

Pearl of Santa Fe

If you prefer staying at a serviced apartment versus a proper beach resort, the Pearl of Santa Fe is a great option. These three-bedroom units come with a fully equipped kitchen, and look out over turquoise blue waters. This property sits on a cliff with beach stairs though, so if you need accessible beach access, you might want something else.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Pearl of Santa Fe

a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a picture of a

Pearl of Santa Fe

  • Fully Equipped Kitchen
  • Cliffside
  • Great Views

That’s my round-up of the best Beach Resorts in North Cebu. Whether you’re planning a luxury getaway or an affordable island-hopping adventure, I hope this guide helped pick the best beach resort in North Cebu for you!

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT NORTH CEBU BEACHES

  1. Variety of Beaches: North Cebu’s coast offers a range of beach experiences, from white sandy beaches to rocky shores and secluded coves. Popular beaches include Bantayan Island with its powdery white sands and clear waters, and Malapascua Island, renowned for its diving spots.
  2. Diving and Snorkeling: North Cebu is a diver’s paradise, particularly Malapascua Island, which is known for its thresher shark sightings. Other sites feature beautiful coral gardens, underwater caves, and a diverse array of marine life.
  3. Fishing Villages and Local Culture: Many beaches in North Cebu are close to local fishing villages, where visitors can get a glimpse of the traditional way of life. Seafood is a staple in these areas, with many eateries offering fresh catch of the day.
  4. Festivals and Events: North Cebu hosts several beach-related festivals and events. The Kadaugan sa Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City is one such event, which is a historical reenactment of the Battle of Mactan that takes place annually in April.
  5. Travel and Accommodation: Accessibility to North Cebu’s beaches varies, with more remote beaches requiring a combination of land and sea travel. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to upscale resorts.
  6. Responsible Tourism: Visitors are encouraged to practice responsible tourism. This includes respecting local customs, not littering, and preserving marine life by not touching corals or other marine creatures while diving or snorkeling.

North Cebu’s beaches are a must-visit for anyone looking for a tropical getaway that combines natural beauty, adventure, and cultural immersion.

a sandy beach with palm trees and thatched umbrellas

MORE CEBU TRAVEL GUIDES

a person sitting on a rock in front of a waterfall.

MORE OF MY PHILIPPINES GUIDES

Coron, Coron tours, Things to do in coron, what to do in coron, coron island tour, kayangan lake, kayangan lake coron, coron beach, coron island hopping, coron map, malcapuya island coron, skeleton wreck coron, coron twin lagoon, coron city, coron what to do, island hopping coron,

MY ACCOMMODATION GUIDES FOR THE PHILIPPINES

an aerial view of a resort in the middle of the ocean.