There’s something about a good beach that can rejuvenate you: the calming murmur of waves, the briny scent of salt in the air, and the gentle nip of sand whipped up by the soft breeze.
Whether you’re seeking solitude or a party, shallow waters, or pounding surf, Mactan has something for every beach lover!
With a coastline length of roughly 76.23 kilometers, Mactan has no shortage of sand and surf combos.
But, which of the island’s beaches is the best? From tranquil white-sand beaches to rugged windswept shores, we’ve listed down some of the most popular Mactan beaches you can choose from!
Visit any of these beaches alone or with family and friends, enjoy the surf, have a beach party with delicious food and cold coffee, and have an awesome time.
What Is Mactan Island Known For?
The Island of Mactan is well-known for its pristine beaches, incredible diving sites, interesting marine life, world-class resorts, unique Filipino dishes, and friendly locals.
Popular Mactan Beaches | Best Beach Resort in Mactan Cebu
The Island of Mactan is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
If you’re looking to enjoy pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and incredible diving and surfing spots, here are some of the most popular Mactan beaches to check out!
Mactan Newtown Beach
(32) 316 2715, 0917 704 4893 (Globe), 0922 389 2833 (Sun) | https://themactannewtownbeach.wordpress.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/megaworldthemactannewtown/
If you want to go for a swim, you should definitely check out Mactan Newtown Beach. Located in the quiet and beautiful neighborhood of Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, this charming and spacious beach, is an amazing place for a family or couple to stay and have fun.
Stay in a beautiful and quiet cabana near the bay of Mactan. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast, good coffee and other drinks, and gorgeous views. Lounge around and enjoy the sea breeze or swim to your heart’s content.
Reviews:
“This was such a well-planned beach. Picnic huts are a bonus for eating. Food, toilets, showers drink available if wanting to purchase or take along your own food.
Entry fee to the beach but all okay it’s kept clean and an enjoyable day.” – Sharon Rogers
“Came here for the island hopping. It was fun, it was great. The boat captain, Kuya George was really nice and accommodating.
He ensured that we got what we came for. His staff was also nice too. And the staff who helped us book the island hopping, Joy was really nice too. She attended to our needs and was so friendly…
You need more staff like her 👌. Not to mention the manager I forgot his name (my bad). He was also really nice as well. He gave us tips and recommendations for our next trip around Mactan.” – Johayra C.
BE Resort Mactan
+63 32 236 8888, +63 995 510 0812 | https://beresortmactan.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/beresortmactan/ | https://www.instagram.com/beresortmactan/
Find yourself in a higher state of bliss as you experience BE Resort, Mactan’s award-winning, and contemporary interior design!
BE Resort Mactan is a beach resort with a hip and youthful vibe. This stylish resort allows you to explore the stunning seaside beauty of Mactan Island.
BE Resort Mactan is a beachfront hotel that offers an outdoor pool and free WiFi in public areas.
The guest rooms of this design-forward hotel are like a sun-bleached tropical paradise, with a casual ambiance and chiropractic beds.
Each room at Mactan BE Resorts comes with stylish modern décor and is fitted with air conditioning. The rooms also come with a flat-screen cable TV, a safety deposit box, and a refrigerator.
The private bathroom includes a hot shower facility along with free toiletries.
Wine and dine in Salt, the resort’s restaurant, or enjoy an abundant boodle feast.
You can also enjoy some delicious drinks and a good cup of coffee there. Guests can play in the games room, which provides Wii Games, board games, and billiards.
Beach activities include scuba diving, jet skiing, and kayaking. Currency exchange services and free parking are also provided.
Reviews:
“One of the best hotels in Cebu with complete amenities and a warm staff. Full activities for the day kayak, game room, and own beachfront. Night chill at The Deck and all-day dining at Salt restaurant.” – Norberto Cercado
“Highly recommended for a quiet day to yourself! Went there originally to visit someone but ended up availing of their Day Use. Price was totally worth it- Php 1,400.00.
There was salad, soup, main course, and dessert – turon was super delicious! Server (I forgot his name 😅) was very attentive, too! My glass was never empty as he was always on standby to cater to my needs.
Went there on a weekday so it was pretty quiet. The pool/resort was basically to me so it was a nice reprieve from the crowd, pandemic and all. Miss Glendy from the Front Desk was great!
She was very professional, courteous, and warm. Made me feel at home right away even though it was just me that day. All in all, will definitely come back and bring my family and friends the next time.” – Janine Creer
Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort
+6332 263 4410, +6332 263 4422, +63998 843 7688 | https://www.bluewatermaribago.com.ph/ | https://www.facebook.com/bluewater.maribago/ | https://www.instagram.com/bluewater.maribago/
Established in 1989, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort boasts more than three decades of signature Filipino warmth and hospitality.
Designed in a chic, Filipino style, this Mactan beach resort sits in a cove with its own private beach.
The Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort has three attractive lagoon-shaped pools and five eateries that serve good food and great coffee. Sleep in comfort in one of four room types, from the Deluxe Room to the Royal Bungalow.
Allegro, the resort’s main restaurant, serves breakfast from international favorites to Filipino classics, and even pizza and cocktails.
Spa facilities, leisure activities, aqua sports, and a kid’s club keep everyone in the family entertained.
Reviews:
“Thank you for a wonderful service during our stay. We enjoyed the lavish buffet, and the accommodating staff especially Sir Lars who provided us with delightful service thank you so much. Looking forward to going back with my family again.” – Mari Tes
“Their rooms are great. Awed by how they designed their bathroom, which is a great idea to lessen messing the restroom with water.
Foods were okay and so were the personnel in the restaurant. But the receptionist did not advise us ahead that we need to return the plastic card for the 2 towels. during checkout.
It seems they were suspicious of local tourist tucking in their towels in our bags.
They could have done the extra mile for customer service, by offering that they will check the towels in our room, but instead instructed my husband to go back and get those towels, and return them to the personnel in the pool, for us to get the card and give it back to the checkout counter.
such a hassle on our end. Rating customer service for the front desk people to 5/10.
while those gardeners, and caretakers were very respectful. 10/10, and so does the personnel in the restaurant.” – Cherry Lariego Papas Villaver
Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan
+63 32 4019999 | https://crimsonhotel.com/mactan | https://www.facebook.com/MactanCrimson/ | https://www.instagram.com/crimson_mactan/?hl=en
Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan is a posh hideaway with a private beach, an infinity pool, and a spa facility. Nestled in one of the country’s most prestigious tourist destinations, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan are a sprawling 6-hectare beach resort and spa located in Mactan, Cebu with 40 luxurious private pool villas featuring individual plunge pools and 250 guestrooms that combine both comfort and style with its contemporary Asian style.
Offering views of the infinity pool and lush gardens, Saffron Café offers a buffet featuring a range of Western and Asian dishes during lunch and dinner.
Score Sports Bar features light snacks and refreshments. Located by the beach, Azure Beach Club features an Asian Grill restaurant with day and night menus, a beach lounge area, and a rock bar by the cliff for sundown cocktails.
Enye specializes in Spanish Cuisine while providing a modern and family-friendly ambiance. Their restaurants and cafes have a good variety of drinks and coffee, too.
A luxury beach resort on the island of Mactan Cebu, Crimson is just a 20-minute drive away from the Mactan International Airport.
Reviews:
“Crimson’s amenities are stunning, the staff is friendly and accommodating. It’s our new favorite resort in Mactan will definitely be back. Thank you so much Crimson for the wonderful experience.❤️” – Neo Kathy Gonesto
“Superbly amazing! The crimson resort never fails. Love how they value their clients and offer services beyond par. Really appreciate all the help in rebooking and accommodating us. Very proactive too, which is great.
The resort is extremely clean and beautiful. You have everything in there! Beautiful views, great amenities and facilities, and oh boy the kids just love crimson!
Highly recommended either for couples getaways or family affairs. The food is yummy and the staff is super friendly and helpful. Love, love it to bits!” – Ivy Nina Aldridge
Beaches Near Mactan Airport
Whether you’re arriving early, departing late, or have a few hours between flights, you can squeeze in some bonus beach time by going to beaches near Mactan airport.
So, pack lightly, check your luggage early, or find a friendly bellhop at an airport hotel and get your extra vacation time by checking out these beaches:
Costabella Resort
+63 32 238 2700 | https://costabellaresort.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064654122655 | https://www.instagram.com/costabellabeachhotel/
Located along the eastern shores of popular Mactan Island in Cebu, Costabella Resort is a tropical haven.
With its proximity to the Mactan Cebu International Airport and Cebu City, it is ideal for family beach adventures, get-away with friends, romantic escapes, beachfront weddings, and special events.
Costabella is a 156-room contemporary Filipino-Spanish beachfront resort with a private white sand beach, refreshing outdoor pools, landscaped tropical gardens, restaurants and bars, and extensive leisure facilities and spas where guests may choose to do as much or as little as they wish.
For over 37 years, this beachfront resort has kept its Filipino family tradition of genuine caring service that is appreciated and loved by guests from around the world.
Reviews:
“My family and I spent 4 days at the Costabella, then went to other resorts. We all agreed that we should have just spent our entire vacation at the Costabella as it clearly was our favorite.
The staff was friendly, it was relaxing and even the little extras like the towel animals on the bed made the stay even more fun. The beach was the best!” – Nicki Opine
“The staff is amazingly hardworking, friendly, and, accommodating. The place looks and feels brand new thanks to the efforts of the crew. The food is excellent. Five stars!” – Jaime Alfonso Gamboa Besa
Movenpick Hotel Mactan
+63322527777 | https://www.movenpick.com/en/asia/philippines/cebu/hotel-mactan-island-cebu.html | https://www.facebook.com/MovenpickHotels | https://www.instagram.com/movenpickhotels/
Nestled in Punta Engaño, Movenpick Hotel is one of the premium Mactan beach resorts near the airport. This private beach property is only about 6 kilometers away from Mactan Cebu International Airport.
Featuring a Mediterranean look and feel, Movenpick is ideal for travel groups and families as it maintains a Family Programme and kid-friendly facilities called the Little Birds Club.
It is also great for those who would like to have a more active holiday as it offers various outdoor activities and water sports.
Aside from having a white sand beach, the property is also equipped with gardens, a spa, a swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for social events and functions.
Movenpick Ibiza Beach Club is a widely popular dining and nightlife spot.
Surrounded by expansive marine life, and a location that is only 6 kilometers from the Mactan International Airport, the hotel is the ideal choice to jumpstart your Cebu journey.
Reviews:
“The resort exceeded my expectations, which were already high! The room was spacious and had a welcoming feel, and the bed allowed for some of the most restful sleep I have ever had.
The food was excellent! All staff members were incredibly friendly and helpful. And the views and facilities on the property were beyond compare!
This was the best hotel stay I have ever had and I look forward to returning one day!” – Anna W.
“I stayed in Movenpick Hotel Mactan for 3 nights during a bonding trip with my colleagues in Jan 2020.
I must say that the hotel facility and service are of a good standard.
The room is clean and well-equipped. The bed is really comfortable. The breakfast is the best I had in Cebu.
There is a private beach for bonding activities. Excellent!” – Tony Deng
Other FAQs
Got other questions about Mactan beach resorts? Check out these FAQs!
Is Cebu and Mactan the same?
No. Mactan is part of Cebu province and is located a few kilometers from the main island of Cebu.
It is separated from Cebu by the Mactan Channel and connected to the province mainland by the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge.
The island is divided into Lapu-Lapu City and the Municipality of Cordova.
Is it better to stay in Cebu City or Mactan?
The answer to this depends entirely on your preferences. If you’re someone who prefers the hustle and bustle of the city, Cebu City might be ideal for you.
However, if you’re someone who prefers a more laid-back atmosphere, Mactan is the better option.
Is Mactan Beach clean?
Yes. However, it can’t be avoided that some trash is found on the waters and shorelines due to pollution.
Fortunately, Mactan beach owners put effort into putting their resorts clean, and members of the public are contributing to this effort, too.
Are Mactan beach resorts affordable?
Depending on the type of resort you stay at, then the answer is: Yes, some Mactan beach resorts are affordable.
There are a lot of beautiful, budget-friendly beaches in Mactan that you can choose from.
Can you stay at Mactan beach resorts overnight? How about Mactan beach day use?
Yes! Many of the Mactan beach resorts mentioned on this are a type of beach hotel, so you can definitely book a room overnight.
On the other hand, if you’d prefer a day-use stay, you can do so as well, at a different rate.
Are Mactan beaches ideal for foodies and coffee lovers?
Yes! If you’d like to enjoy some good food and coffee during your beach day, you can definitely do so.
The resorts listed in this guide come with top-notch restaurants and cafés that serve a wide variety of dishes and drinks you can choose from.
Final Thoughts
Whether this is your first time in Mactan, if you’re a frequent visitor, or even if you’re a local, these Mactan beach resorts are definitely a must-visit.
At these resorts, there is a lot to see and do, and there’s definitely something for everyone.
Whether you’d just like to enjoy a good swim, taste some delicious local cuisine and coffee, or surf on some good waves, we hope you find the best beach resort in Mactan Cebu to fit your needs!
