Hilutungan Channel

A protected marine sanctuary in the narrow strait between Mactan and Hilutungan islands, where gentle tidal flow over a sloping reef from 5 to 25 m creates reliable turtle encounters year-round. Green and hawksbill turtles feed on algae and rest on coral bommies here with little concern for divers, habituated by years of sanctuary protection. The reef also rewards macro hunters with nudibranchs, robust ghost pipefish, and ornate ghost pipefish tucked among feather stars, making it one of Cebu's most rewarding dual-purpose dives.