Is Dog-Friendly Island Hopping Possible in Cebu?

Can I bring my dog on a Cebu Island Hopping Tour?

Yes! With MyCebuTrip’s Private Island Hopping Tours, you can absolutely bring your beloved dog along. You and your furry friend can board a Bangka (traditional Filipino boat) together and enjoy the beautiful seas of Cebu.

It is actually not uncommon to see locals or Korean residents in Cebu taking their dogs on island hopping trips. So, bringing a dog on board is definitely permitted.

However, bringing a pet on a boat requires preparation. Here are some essential guidelines and safety precautions for a safe trip with your dog.

1. Dog Life Jackets are Mandatory

Please note that MyCebuTrip does not provide life jackets for dogs. Owners must bring their own. Regardless of whether your dog is a good swimmer, wearing a life jacket is mandatory for safety while on the Bangka.

• Requirements: The life jacket must have sufficient buoyancy.
• Safety Features: It must have a ring to attach a leash and a handle on the back so that a person can easily lift the dog out of the water if necessary.

2. Pet Etiquette (Manner Dog)

We trust that responsible owners already know this, but your dog must be well-behaved.

• There should be no biting or marking behavior.
• Ideally, the dog should not suffer from severe separation anxiety.
• Note: Most dogs tend to stay and relax on the boat rather than jumping into the deep sea.

3. Owner Responsibilities

Once the boat departs, the owner is fully responsible for caring for their dog. Since there are no pet supplies on the boat, please ensure you bring:

• Water and a bowl for your dog
• Snacks/Treats
• Waste bags and cleaning supplies

Important Note on Island Access: While dogs are allowed on the boat, they likely cannot enter the islands (such as Caohagan or Nalusuan). Many of these islands have their own local dogs living there, which can cause conflicts. Please plan to stay on the boat or in the water with your dog near the islands.

Dog-Friendly Travel in Cebu

Travel trends in Cebu are changing. Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu allows pets, and Jpark Island Resort has recently started allowing pet companions again.

Since the Philippines is an archipelago, bringing a pet into the country requires more complex preparation (quarantine/paperwork) compared to continental countries. However, we hope to see more travelers visiting Cebu with their pets in the future.

Inquiries

If you want to go on an island hopping tour with your dog, please contact us in advance.

• This is only available for Private Tours.
• If you have a water-loving dog (like a Retriever) that plans to swim extensively, please let us know during the consultation so we can prepare accordingly.

Let’s make special memories in Cebu with your best friend!