Beach life in Samboan

Other than waterfalls, the coastal municipality of Samboan in Cebu boasts numerous gorgeous beaches for eager travelers like me to cherish. Some options for you to visit include Gamallo’s Beach and Samboan Dive Site, which is known for having healthy corals and a variety of fish to see underwater.

Beach resort in Samboan, Philippines

1. Fantasy Lodge (from USD 63)

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If you’re wondering where to stay in Samboan, Cebu, for a unique experience, consider booking a room at Fantasy Lodge. You can experience the magical waves and sand in this eco-friendly property. The accommodation features air-conditioned rooms with amazing sea and pool views. There is also a private beach area where you can play beach volleyball, build sandcastles, or simply relax and soak up the sun.

The on-site restaurant serves a delicious à la carte menu. The outdoor pool is where you can unwind all day under the azure sky. Board games are also provided to keep you occupied while indoors.

However, the highlight of the property is the activities that the resort can organize for you. Adventurous travelers like me will enjoy seeing sea creatures in their natural habitat or canyoneering to the perfect picnic location. I would definitely try these if I visit the area.

• Property highlights: Apart from easy beach access, this resort offers a host of outdoor activities, including whale shark and dolphin watching, about an hour away.
  
• Nearest beach: A white-sand beach is on the edge of the property.
  
• Suggested rooms/units: The Dome Honeymoon Suite has a private terrace and bathroom overlooking the ocean.
  
• Ideal for: Adventurous travelers, as the outdoor activities offered include canyoneering and hiking to a waterfall.
  

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

• "Snorkeling on their beach, specially on the left side, is amazing. Corals are healthy. Hike from the building to the beach is a bit of challenge if you are not sporty enough, but if you are then it's not a problem, it's a good exercise. Love the hammocks in the beach wish they can add more." - Sandra 09

Nearby beach resorts

2. Sascha's Resort Oslob (from USD 13)

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For those looking for a relaxing beach resort in Oslob near Samboan, consider Sascha’s Resort Oslob. Paid shuttle services and family-friendly amenities such as baby safety gates, kids’ meals, and two outdoor swimming pools are provided. The property features a private beach area where guests can indulge in snorkeling, swimming, and diving. These sound like very exciting opportunities to me, as I would want to uncover the mysteries under the sea.

The resort provides free parking and free wireless internet connectivity. Visit the snack bar anytime you feel like having a bite. Daily housekeeping and a 24-hour front desk are also on offer.

• Property highlights: At this beachfront resort, you can pay an additional fee to try snorkeling or diving.
  
• Nearest beach: The beach is just a few steps below this resort.
  
• Beach access: Private
  
• Suggested rooms/units: The Budget Double Room is a steal that still provides air conditioning and a private bathroom.
  
• Ideal for: Families, as the pools have water slides and are accessible to guests of all ages.
  

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

• “Great location with a set of stairs going into the ocean at high tide, nice view from the top levels.” - Klaus Stiefel

• “Great location in Oslob for Whale watching and Canyoneering.” - Percie

3. MLK Bamboo Beachhouse, Alegria (from USD 26)

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Simple and cozy, this beach resort offers free internet and free parking. MLK Bamboo Beachouse comes with a private beach and a garden, making it the ideal place for a romantic getaway or a family retreat. You and your loved ones can spend time by the sea partaking in thrilling activities such as snorkeling, canoeing, and fishing. Guests can satiate their hunger pangs with delectable Asian cuisines at the on-site restaurant. There are board games to keep the family entertained.

• Property highlights: This resort offers kayak rentals, rooms with ocean views, and a location close to Kawasan Falls and whale shark watching in Oslob.
  
• Nearest beach: The sandy shore is just beyond the property.
  
• Suggested rooms/units: Book the air-conditioned waterfront bungalow for a unique stay in a hut-like structure.
  
• Ideal for: Thrill seekers, since the property offers tour packages for whale watching, waterfall excursions, and more.
  

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

• "A tiny access to the sea allows you to snorkel on the coral reef 50 meters away." - DuDu Records

4. Down South 118 Beach Resort, Oslob (from USD 50)

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This beachfront establishment is perfect for duo travelers and small families. Here, you will have access to a sun terrace and barbecue facilities. If you wish to enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets, you can choose a room with a terrace or a balcony. For convenience, each guest room has a private bathroom and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Every room also has a desk, so if you’re a writer like me and you want to start noting down your adventures in Cebu, this will be a handy feature for you.

You can hang out in the game room or indulge in fishing and canoeing during your leisure time.

• Property highlights: The waterfront resort offers a host of water sports facilities, including snorkeling, diving, canoeing, and fishing.
  
• Nearest beach: Walk off the stairs leading directly to the sea or simply hop off the dock.
  
• Beach access: Private
  
• Suggested rooms/units: The Triple Room with Sea View has a balcony and private bathroom.
  
• Ideal for: Families, since the property offers kid-friendly meals and a game room.
  

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

• "During high tide the beach is just perfect, during low tide it's a nice place to explore, their beach spot has spring water gushing out, so during your dip in the sea you can feel the flow and the cold fresh water mixing with the seawater." - Tenshi Mitsuki

5. Emoha Dive Resort, Santander (from USD 126)

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Wake up to the sound of sea waves and a mouth-watering breakfast when you stay at Emoha Dive Resort. Water sports enthusiasts can indulge in diving and snorkeling at the private beach. To ensure you don’t stay on an empty stomach, the resort has a restaurant and a coffee house where you can hop in any time for a bite or a drink. You can go for a night out with friends at the on-site bar.

The accommodations here also include balconies overlooking the ocean, which I think would be the perfect place to settle down at night and listen to some music.

• Property highlights: This resort has a thriving house reef and an on-site dive shop with instructors and equipment.
  
• Nearest beach: You can walk off the property directly to the shore.
  
• Suggested rooms/units: The Family Room here has a shaded sea-facing balcony with a couch.
  
• Ideal for: Experienced divers, as the house reef has plenty of sea creatures for you to observe and is a great place for macro underwater photography.
  

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

• "Great dives so far, with healthy coral hosting gorgeous, robust, and colorful critters. On my first day saw a big turtle, a banded sea snake, innumerable nudibranchs, and varieties of reef fauna I’ve not encountered before." - Jeremy Dashe

6. Santander Pebble Beach Resort (from USD 43)

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Perfect for family escapades, Santander Pebble Beach Resort is a delightful property that offers a kids’ playground, two seasonal outdoor pools, a shared lounge, and a garden. There is a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping to ensure you have a stress-free stay. Babysitting services are offered on-site for an additional charge.

You can prepare your favorite family recipe in the shared kitchen. Kids will be provided with outdoor play equipment to keep them occupied. Barbecue facilities are available for an additional cost.

• Property highlights: This property offers easy access to a pebble beach and a host of water activities, including diving, canoeing, and fishing.
  
• Nearest beach: The sandy beach is just outside the resort's walls.
  
• Beach access: Private
  
• Suggested rooms/units: The Superior Family Room has a balcony with sea views.
  
• Ideal for: Active guests, as this resort offers diving, snorkeling, canoeing, and more.
  

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

• "1 kiddy pool with fountain and 1 adult pool with waterfalls, and a pebble beach. Lots of fish to see while snorkelling." - V Fernandez

7. Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort, Oslob (from USD 310)

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This property is a charming beachfront resort with a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for couples and solo wanderers. Its guest rooms and villas can comfortably accommodate up to two adults and a maximum of two kids.

You can enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the hammock hanging under the trees by the sea. Relaxing massages are offered on the beach amidst the fresh sea breeze. The property has a private beach area and two outdoor swimming pools with sweeping sea views. While I’m more of a fan of thrilling vacations, I think this property would also be a great place for fellow travel writers to settle for a bit and write about their experiences in Oslob.

• Property highlights: The resort offers day tours around Sumilon Island for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming in lagoons.
  
• Nearest beach: The property is right off the beach, so you can easily walk to the sand.
  
• Suggested rooms/units: The One-Bedroom Villa has sea views and a private pool.
  
• Ideal for: Families whose kids will enjoy the playground and children's pool.
  

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

• "The resort offers various activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. I took advantage of these opportunities and was rewarded with stunning underwater coral gardens and picturesque trails through the island's lush forests." - Reymark Alferez

8. Watersport Beach Resort, Santander (from USD 43)

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If you’re looking for a perfect place to relax and unwind by the beach in Santander, Watersport Beach Resort is a good bet. This 3-star property offers a private beach area and features cozy family rooms and a spa. It also has water sports facilities on the premises and provides guests with board games for entertainment. Feeling hungry after a fun day on the beach? Visit the on-site snack bar and grab something to soothe your hunger pangs.

• Property highlights: This resort offers both motorized and nonmotorized sports, such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and kayaking.
  
• Nearest beach: The resort has stair access leading right to the water.
  
• Beach access: Private
  
• Suggested rooms/units: Reserve the Family Room with Sea View to enjoy a private balcony.
  
• Ideal for: Watersports enthusiasts, as they will appreciate the diving instructors, equipment, and excursions available here.
  

Enjoy the fresh sea breeze in Samboan

Known for being one of the best spots in the Philippines for water sports activities, Samboan is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Book one of the above best beach resorts for an opportunity to enjoy a thrilling getaway in Samboan.

If you’re open to exploring accommodations in other seaside towns, check out these amazing Airbnbs with a pool, or these budget hotels and hostels in Cebu, Philippines.