Water activity

Embark on a shared boat trip from Panglao to Balicasag Island. Watch dolphins leap into the air, discover a vibrant coral reef by snorkeling, visit a turtle sanctuary, and have lunch on board.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 6 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Driver: English
Pickup included: customers MUST contact and confirm one day prior for the pick-up service wechat ID - reelfortune LINE app ID - lolifel kakaotalk ID - reelfortune pick-up coverage is panglao municipality ONLY. The map has limited functionality so please message if you need to verify Dauis, Tagbilaran, Baclayon and beyond are NOT covered as beyond coverage. please contact for meeting instructions note: within Panglao ISLAND there is Panglao Municipality and Dauis Municipality (confusing i know)

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Thomas – United Kingdom

Picked up from near my hotel on time. Arrived at the boat where we met the friendly boat crew. The weather did take a turn for the worse half way through the trip however, the crew where enthusiastic and continued all of the activities. Lunch was superb! All i would say is that if you are attending this tour then bring some wet weather gear as there is limited rain protection.

JUSTYNA – Poland

We had a great day out on the water with Mark and the crew. They have been very attentive, taken time to observe dolphins and provided all necessary care throughout the tour. After about 30min of snorkling in a very crowded spot they have taken the inviative to take us out to another location to make sure that we see the sea turtles and this was the best decision. We have seen huge, beautiful turtles - a day to remember! Highly recommend this tour.

Itinerary

Pickup location:
Panglao
Balicasag Island
Boat cruise (1 hour)
Balicasag Island
Dolphin watching, Wildlife viewing (15 minutes)
Balicasag Island
Snorkeling, Marine life viewing, Wildlife viewing (1.5 hours)
Optional
Ferry
(30 minutes)
Hidden gem
Snorkeling (30 minutes)
Alona Beach
Boat cruise (30 minutes)
Arrive back at:
Panglao

Main sites passed

Other sites passed

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

Discover the Balicasag and Virgin Islands on a boat tour from Panglao
Experience the thrill of seeing dolphins leap into the air alongside the boat
Visit a turtle sanctuary and see the majestic turtles glide through the water
Discover the colorful fish and marine creatures of a coral reef

Full description

Meet new friends on Shared Boat tour. Discover the beauty of Balicasag Island on a boat tour from Panglao. Watch dolphins play in the water, snorkel with turtles, and be amazed by colorful marine creatures.

Boat boarding location is at Alona or Momo beach depending on wind and tide. We contact guests one day prior for final arrangements. Hotel pick-up and return is included free, the coverage is within Panglao Municipality only. Dauis, Tagbilaran, Baclayon and beyond not included, please message us for arrangements.

Board the boat with amenities and refreshments and head to the dolphin-watching area at Balicasag Island.

Watch as the playful dolphins leap into the air alongside the boat. Dolphins are wild animals, and boatman will attempt to find their feeding ground which changes day by day. We cannot guarantee 100% dolphin sightings.

Then, continue to Balicasag Island for a snorkeling adventure. Local islander guides are assigned to all tourists. Use a paddle boat and snorkel gear to explore the coral reef and discover a variety of colorful fish species and marine creatures. Visit the turtle sanctuary and see the majestic turtles float gracefully through the water. The guides in Balicasag Island are local islanders (not our own staff due to Government Policy). Balicasag Island is very popular and there may be a waiting period for the guides.

Optionally, weather and time permitting, visit a hidden gem coral reef, with fewer tourists. Lunch is cooked while guests are snorkelling, and served on board the boat. Typical Lunch is grilled pork, chicken, shrimp, rice and fruit.

Virgin Island Sandbar is still under tourist ban.
The extra snorkeling spot varies depending on wind conditions. The boat crew will choose the least windy spot for lower waves and clearer visibility. This may be at Gak-ang, Doljo, or Napaling.

The tour generally ends by 1:00 PM

Includes

Hotel pick-up and drop-off within Panglao Municipality (must contact one day before to confirm arrangements)
Boat trip
Snorkeling tube and mask
Boatman and crew
Life vest
Entry to Balicasag Island
Tour of Balicasag Turtle Sanctuary with local islander guide (30 minutes)
Tour of Balicasag Coral Reef with local islander guide (30 minutes)
Extra snorkeling stop at Doljo or Gak-ang (depending on wind and wave conditions)
Drinks
Lunch (rice, fruit, and grilled pork, chicken, shrimp)

Balicasag Island meals (approximately 100 PHP for sandwiches and 300 PHP for meals)
Fins rental (200 PHP)
Balicasag underwater camera rental (approximately 1200-1500 PHP) - this rental is from another company so make sure you copy your files, and get the company contact details
Towel (100 PHP)
Beyond coverage hotel pick-up and drop-off (coverage is Panglao Municipality only. Dauis, Tagbilaran, Baclayon and beyond not included. MUST contact one day prior for final meeting point)
Tips to Balicasag local islander guide (it is government policy that all tourists must have local islander guides, not our own boatmen. Balicasag Island is a popular spot and there may be some waiting time for available guides)

Not suitable for

People with mobility impairments
Wheelchair users
People prone to seasickness

Important information

What to bring

Sunglasses
Hat
Swimwear
Towel
Camera
Sunscreen
Water

Not allowed

Intoxication

Know before you go

-- Due to recent coral vandalism, Virgin Island has been declared closed to tourists by the Governor of Bohol

Nearby destinations

Nearby sights

Bohol: Turtle Sanctuary Snorkeling Boat Tour with Lunch