MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — The local government of Santa Fe recently launched an eco-tourism destination that tourists may want to visit during their next travel to Banyatan Island.
Located in Brgy. Balidbid, the Santa Fe Lagoon is the town’s newest eco-tourism destination.
Shortly after its launch last March 16, the local government said exciting activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming would soon be opened to the public.
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“Activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming will soon be open to the public, while the Balidbid Bridge is already available for those who wish to enjoy a scenic view of the lagoon,” the local government said in an advisory.
Located in Bantayan Island, Santa Fe town is known for its white sand beaches, making it an ideal destination for Holy Week and summer travelers.
READ: Swimming, diving prohibited in Santa Fe’s famous Ruins
Resort operators in town are looking forward to welcoming Holy Week travelers this year as they also hope to recover from the losses that they incurred from the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck towns in northern Cebu on September 30, 2025, and the typhoons that followed later in the year.
Santa Fe Lagoon
Last March 16, Mayor Ithamar Espinosa led the launch of the Santa Fe Lagoon in Barangay Balidbid, the newest addition to the town’s tourism attractions.
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With its launch, the local government was hoping to attract more tourists as it offers an experience with nature “at its finest.”
“This initiative is part of LGU Santa Fe’s commitment to boosting local tourism while actively preserving the environment,” the local government said.
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In June 2023, the national government decided to suspend tourism operations at the lagoon, which is considered one of the many marine protected areas in Santa Fe town.
Both the local government and the Santa Fe Substation of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that engine-powered, pump boats have been disallowed at the lagoon.
