This half-day boat tour leaves from the Alona or Momo area of Panglao, the beach island at the southwest tip of Bohol, and combines three marine highlights in one trip. The boat first heads out to open water to look for dolphins, about 11 kilometres from the coast. Dolphin sightings are seasonal and never guaranteed, so treat them as a bonus. It then continues to Balicasag Island, where a turtle snorkelling area gives you the chance to swim with sea turtles, and a reef area with colourful reef fish. Snorkel gear and life vests are provided, along with refreshments on board and a freshly grilled lunch served on the boat. The tour is shared, so you will be with other travellers, and hotel pick-up is arranged within Panglao. It is a good fit for visitors who add Bohol to a Cebu trip and want a sea day rather than only the Chocolate Hills and the tarsiers. Because the stops depend on wind and local rules, the exact snorkelling sites can change from day to day.
How it works
You book the shared tour, share a guest phone number with the operator and arrange the hotel pick-up in Panglao municipality. Hotels in Dauis and Tagbilaran are generally outside the pick-up area, so check before you book if you are staying there. The boat departs in the morning, since the sea is calmer and dolphins are usually easier to find early. Confirm your start time directly with the operator.
What to expect
You will spend about half an hour at each snorkelling area, with time on the boat between stops. Dolphin watching comes first, and the boat follows the animals at a respectful distance. At Balicasag, a paddleboat with a local guide takes you to the turtle area, where the turtles graze and surface for air. Do not touch or chase the turtles, because the sanctuary depends on respectful visitors. Wind and local rules decide which extra snorkelling stops are used, so the itinerary can differ from day to day.
Making the most of it
Bring a swimsuit, a rash guard or a light cover-up, reef-safe sun cream, a towel and a dry bag for your phone. If you are a nervous swimmer, wear the life vest and tell the crew, because the water at the turtle area is deep enough for the boat to stay close by.
This tour suits couples, families with older children and anyone who wants a gentle introduction to snorkelling. If you have limited days on Bohol, it pairs well with a countryside day on land, and it gives a very different feel from the Cebu side of the trip.
Practical notes
Keep your plans flexible if the sea is rough, because boats may not run, and ask your accommodation for the current conditions. A grilled lunch is included, but bring cash for tips and any extras. Follow the crew's instructions on how to enter the water and where to snorkel, and take only photographs.
What to expect
The experience
A shared half-day boat tour from Panglao with dolphin watching, turtle snorkelling at Balicasag Island, a reef snorkel and a grilled lunch on board.
Best time
Morning departures have calmer seas, and dolphin sightings are seasonal and never guaranteed.
How long
A half day, with about 30 minutes at each snorkelling area.
Tips
Do not touch the turtles, wear the life vest if you are unsure, and bring reef-safe sun cream and a dry bag.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers adding a sea day on Bohol to a Cebu trip.
- Families
- Gentle for older children who can swim with a life vest.
- Couples
- A relaxed morning on the water with a lunch on board.
- Pair with
- A land-based countryside day with the Chocolate Hills and the Loboc River.
- Time needed
- A half day.
Good questions
Where does the tour start?+
It departs from the Alona or Momo area of Panglao, with hotel pick-up arranged within Panglao municipality.
Will I see dolphins?+
Dolphins are seasonal and never guaranteed, so treat any sighting as a bonus.
Can I swim with sea turtles?+
The tour includes a turtle snorkelling area near Balicasag Island, but keep your distance and do not touch the animals.
Is lunch included?+
Yes, a grilled lunch is served on the boat, along with refreshments.
Is the equipment provided?+
Snorkel gear and life vests are provided, and you only need to bring a swimsuit and sun protection.
