NYT Names Camiguin a 2026 Must-Visit: Excursion Logistics from Cebu

The New York Times recently designated Camiguin Island as one of its “52 Places to Go in 2026,” citing the province’s strict absence of traffic lights and preserved topography. For travelers currently docked at the Cebu International Port or staying in Mactan, this 238-square-kilometer volcanic island presents a highly accessible secondary excursion. Direct flights from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) cover the 114-nautical-mile distance in exactly 45 minutes, utilizing turboprop aircraft optimized for short runways. Alternatively, maritime routing requires a fast craft from Cebu’s Pier 1 to Tagbilaran, Bohol, followed by a secondary 60-kilometer overland transit to Jagna port, and finally a Ro-Ro ferry to Balbagon. Plan your transit carefully.

Beneath the surface, Camiguin rivals Cebu’s established marine sanctuaries with distinct volcanic benthic structures. The drop-off at Mantigue Island Nature Park descends sharply to 25 meters, characterized by dark basaltic sand that provides high contrast for macro photography. Here, divers routinely encounter Eretmochelys imbricata (hawksbill sea turtles) navigating the thermoclines, alongside dense schools of Caranx sexfasciatus (bigeye trevally) patrolling the current lines. Coral density remains intact due to strict local ordinances limiting daily diver counts to 50 individuals per site. Photographers require wide-angle lenses to capture the black coral formations at 18 meters, while macro enthusiasts should scan the crinoids for Solenostomus paradoxus (ornate ghost pipefish). Watch your no-decompression limits.

If you are organizing your regional itinerary, balancing a Camiguin detour with other things to do in Cebu, Philippines requires precise schedule management. The island’s interior features cascading water systems that rival Inambakan Falls in southern Cebu. Specifically, Katibawasan Falls drops exactly 76 meters into a cold plunge pool measuring 15 degrees Celsius. Surface intervals are best spent here. Volcanic ash in the soil supports dense Lanzones orchards, peaking in harvest yield during late October. Secure your ferry manifests at least 48 hours prior to departure to avoid displacement.