Ongoing and Regular Attractions in Cordova, Cebu: Marine Sanctuaries, Mangroves, Museum and Roses

Cordova's best-known attractions are its marine sanctuaries. Gilutongan Island and Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary are the two main stops, and both are reached by boat from the Cordova port. Gilutongan has a protected reef good for snorkeling, while Nalusuan combines a marine sanctuary with a small island resort and a mangrove area.

The Cordova municipal tourism page asks visitors to follow marine sanctuary rules, dispose of waste properly, support local barangay vendors and protect the marine environment.

About fees and booking

Figures vary widely depending on the source. In 2020, community-based tours were offered as all-inclusive packages with pre-booking required through the province's Discover Cebu portal, priced at about ₱1,250 per person for Gilutongan and ₱940 for Nalusuan, according to a Kapwa Travel report. Other recent listings mention separate entrance fees of around ₱100 to ₱300 per person, with boat rental on top. Because these figures differ, please confirm current rates and booking steps with the Cordova Municipal Tourism Office, located in the Cordova Municipal Hall in Poblacion, or with your tour operator.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching or standing on corals and check weather and sea conditions with your boatman before heading out.

In Barangay Day-as, the Mangrove Propagation and Information Center is a learning and eco-tourism site. SunStar reported in December 2023 that the center was set to reopen with a boardwalk through about nine hectares of mangroves, and that it was meant to be free to the public, though the local government was considering an environmental maintenance fee. A SunStar report in July 2025 said a ₱4.5 million rehabilitation, led by the Metro Pacific Investments Foundation with the local government, had revitalized the center, with guided tours and orientations led by trained eco-guides.

It is a calm, shaded stop that is easy to pair with an afternoon in Day-as. Opening hours were not stated in either report, so call the Municipal Tourism Office or check the town's official social media page before you visit.

Also in Day-as, this cafe is known for its field of lighted roses that glow after dark. Entrance was listed at ₱20 per person on recent travel pages. Opening hours differ between sources: the cafe's Facebook page lists 2 PM to 10 PM daily, while Tripadvisor shows 10:30 AM to 11 PM. Going in the late afternoon covers both, and it is best seen after the lights come on in the evening.

In Barangay Gabi, this museum is a 3D art and optical-illusion museum where visitors pose inside the artwork. It is open daily, with hours listed as 9 AM to 8 PM on the museum's Facebook page, though an older post gives 9 AM to 7 PM. Listed rates are about ₱350 for adults and ₱250 for children (4 to 18), seniors and PWDs, with free entry for toddlers aged three and below, and group discounts offered. Rates may have changed, so check the museum's page or call (032) 236-3261.

1. Start with island hopping in the morning, when the sea is usually calmer.
2. Have lunch in town or at a seaside restaurant.
3. Spend the afternoon at the museum or mangrove center.
4. End at Day-as for the roses as the lights come on.

Bring cash, since small attractions and boat operators often do not accept cards. Local plans for a boat camping site, souvenir shops and a mangrove park were announced in 2022; we did not find confirmation that these have opened, so ask locally before relying on them.