Dry season — Dec to May
Calm seas, clear skies, and the easiest sailing. March to May is hottest; February is the sweet spot for weather but Holy Week (late March / early April) gets busy. Book ahead for those weeks.
Travel guide
Planning your
island trip
Everything we wish every guest knew before arriving — when to come, how to get here, and the small things that make a Philippine island trip easier.
When to visit
The best time to come
The Philippines has two seasons — both are good for island time, in different ways.
Wet season — Jun to Nov
Greener, quieter, and often cheaper. Rain comes in short bursts more than all-day downpours, and most tour days still run. We watch the forecast closely and reschedule freely if a typhoon is forming.
Getting here
From the airport
to the sand
Most guests reach us through Cebu City and Bantayan — the rest of the trip flows from there.
Fly into Cebu
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is the closest hub, with direct flights from Manila, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, and others. From the airport, transfer by taxi or van to Cebu North Bus Terminal.
Bus + ferry to Bantayan
A Ceres bus from Cebu North Terminal to Hagnaya Port (≈ 3.5 hours), then a 1-hour roll-on/roll-off ferry to Santa Fe, Bantayan. Combined ticket options are available. We can arrange a private transfer end-to-end on request.
On the ground
What to bring & know
Practical bits that make the difference between a fine trip and a great one.
What to pack
Reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, water shoes for rocky landings, a quick-dry towel, and a dry bag for phones and cameras. We provide snorkeling gear and life vests on every trip.
Cash & payments
Bring Philippine pesos for island entrance fees, tips, and beachside vendors. ATMs in Santa Fe work most days but occasionally run dry on weekends — withdraw what you need in Cebu City to be safe.
Local etiquette
A friendly "kumusta" (hello) and "salamat" (thank you) go a long way. Tipping is appreciated but never expected. On the islands, take everything you brought back with you — even fruit peels.
Common questions
Still wondering?
The questions guests ask us most often, answered honestly.
How far in advance should I book?
For high season (December to May, plus Holy Week and Chinese New Year), aim for 4–6 weeks ahead. In low season, a week is usually enough. The smaller paraw and Kalanggaman trips fill up first.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
Safety always comes first. If the coast guard suspends sailing or conditions look unsafe, we reschedule to another day in your trip or offer a full refund of any deposit. We never run a trip we wouldn't put our own family on.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. Life vests are provided on every trip and our guides stay close in the water. Tell us in advance if anyone in your group is a non-swimmer and we'll plan stops with calmer water and shallower entries.
Are children welcome?
Yes, on every tour. Children under 4 generally join free; ages 4–11 get a discounted rate. Let us know ages when you book and we'll adjust the boat, snacks, and schedule.
Can you customise a tour?
Often, yes. Sunrise photography stops, private island lunches, multi-day island-hopping across Cebu and Leyte — message us with what you have in mind and we'll see what we can put together.
How do payments work?
A small deposit secures your boat (sent by bank transfer, GCash, or Wise). The balance is settled on the day of the tour, in cash or by transfer — whichever is easier for you.
Ready to start planning?
Ask us
anything
Got a question we didn't answer here? Message us — Dulce replies personally, usually within a few hours.