Made up of multiple islands, Bohol, a province in Visayas, Philippines, is a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists, what with its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and a wide variety of outdoor and underwater activities that promise an unforgettable adventure. If you’re visiting PH for the summer months or anytime during the year, you can’t go wrong with including a trip to Bohol in your itinerary, whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo.
Among the many exhilarating adventures to be had in this island destination are close encounters with its treasure trove of aquatic wonders. We list some of the best ones in this article—from the playful dolphins of Panglao Island to colorful fish swimming in the coral gardens of Pamalican Island and rich marine biodiversity surrounding Balicasag Island.
Island Hopping
One of the best ways to explore Bohol’s natural wonders is to go on an island-hopping tour, where you’ll take a boat to some of the destination’s most popular islets, reefs, and sandbars that are open to the public.
One of the most well-known stops is Balicasag Island, a widely recognized marine sanctuary, where colorful coral gardens and diverse marine life await you. You can also visit Bohol’s nearby islets, such as Virgin Island and Gak-ang Island, with beaches, coral formations, and hidden coves waiting to be discovered. Virgin Island is particularly known for its long sandbar, with powdery white sand that emerges during low tide, allowing visitors to explore it on foot and take breathtaking photos with the sea as their backdrop.
The average cost of an island-hopping tour ranges from USD20 to USD30 per person without equipment rental, and $30 to $40 USD with snorkeling gear included, depending on the duration of the tour and how many islands you’ll visit. We recommend booking your island-hopping excursion through your hotel or resort, as most already have partnerships with local tour operators who offer packages that include transportation, snorkeling gear, and guided tours to the best island destinations.
DO: Follow safety instructions provided by boat captains and tour guides. Wear and bring essential items such as swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and your own reusable water bottle. Lightweight clothing and sunglasses are also recommended. If you can, bring your own snorkeling gear.
DON’T touch or disturb marine life, take shells or corals from the beach, or engage in any behavior that could harm the delicate ecosystems of the islands.
Dolphin Watching
The seas around Panglao Island, particularly in the vicinity of Pamilacan Island, are known for hosting pods of dolphins, that’s why one of the activities you can include in your island-hopping tour is an early morning dolphin-watching experience. This is when the sea is calm and the chances of spotting dolphins are higher. Imagine the thrill of witnessing these graceful creatures hanging out in their natural habitat!
The average pricing for a dolphin-watching tour ranges from USD20 to USD30 per person, depending on the tour operator and package inclusions. It can either be added to your island-hopping tour or booked separately, but still through your hotel or resort’s partner tour operators, or even through reputable travel agencies or online platforms prior to your arrival. Choose tours operated by knowledgeable guides who prioritize marine conservation and adhere to responsible wildlife viewing practices.
DO: Maintain a respectful distance from the dolphins, refraining from feeding or attempting to touch them, and following the instructions of the tour guides. Bring binoculars and cameras with zoom capabilities to enhance the experience and let you observe and take close-up photos of the dolphins from a distance.
DON’T make any excessive noise that may disturb the dolphins, no matter how excited you get when you first see them.
Snorkeling
Another popular water activity in Bohol that’s often included in island-hopping tours is snorkeling, particularly in snorkeling sites with clear visibility and diverse marine ecosystems, such as the fish sanctuary of Balicasag Island and Pamilacan Island. Because of the vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life that you can already see just a few inches below the surface of the water, Balicasag Island is a haven for snorkeling enthusiasts. Swimming among schools of colorful tropical fish is one experience you won’t forget.
The average cost of a snorkeling tour ranges from USD15 to USD25 per person without equipment rental and USD25 to USD35 with snorkeling gear included, depending on the duration of the tour and which snorkeling sites you’ll visit. Almost every hotel or resort in Bohol has partner tour operators, who offer packages that include transportation to snorkeling sites, snorkeling gear, and guides to the best snorkeling spots.
DO: Use reef-safe sunscreen to minimize environmental impact, and follow the instructions of your experienced guides. To make the most of the snorkeling experience, practice proper snorkeling techniques, such as breathing calmly through the snorkel tube and using fins for efficient propulsion.
DON’T touch and disturb marine life and coral reefs. Don’t stand on coral reefs, feed marine life, or litter in the water.
Swimming with Whale Sharks
You can experience swimming with whale sharks (locally referred to as butanding) in Taug, in the municipality of Lila, also in Bohol, and just an hour’s drive from Panglao or even Tagbilaran, the capital of Bohol. This location is closer to the reef where whale sharks swim freely. The chance to encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity balikbayans should have.
Rates for this experience are at USD13 for local tourists and USD27 for foreign tourists. This package already includes everything you will need for the adventure: briefing, boat ride to the reef, tour guide, life vest, snorkeling masks, 30-minute swim time with whale sharks, and a spacious shower and dressing area for after your experience. We recommend reaching out to Taug Whaleshark Watching And Snorkeling to book your tour package.
Scuba Diving
Bohol’s underwater landscape is a diver’s paradise, offering a variety of dive sites suitable for all diving levels, from first-timers to seasoned ones. From colorful coral reefs to unique underwater rock formations, the island’s waters hold a wealth of marine wonders to be explored. Balicasag Island and Pamilacan Island are likewise among the most famous dive sites, where you can have encounters with vibrant coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, and most remarkably, Philippine sea turtles (locally referred to as pawikans). You’ll encounter different marine life depending on the season, so you’ll likely see something new each time you dive.
The average pricing for a scuba diving experience in Bohol ranges from USD30 to USD50 per dive without equipment rental and USD50 to USD80 with equipment included, depending on factors such as dive site accessibility and equipment quality. You may book a scuba diving excursion via local dive shops or dive resorts in Bohol (we recommend reaching out to Bohol Fun Divers), many of which offer comprehensive packages that include transportation, equipment rental, and guided dives led by certified instructors. They often cater to both new and experienced divers, even offering lessons and gear for a seamless diving experience.
DO: Conduct proper pre-dive safety checks, follow dive briefings and instructions from dive guides, and respect marine life and coral reefs by avoiding contact and maintaining buoyancy control. Bring essential items such as a dive logbook, certification card, and personal dive equipment if available (e.g. mask, snorkel, fins, and dive computer). Appropriate dive wear typically includes a wetsuit or rash guard for thermal protection, as well as a dive hood and gloves for diving in cooler waters. Adhere to proper diving procedures and communication techniques, and conserve air consumption to prolong dive time and maximize your underwater exploration.
DON’T dive beyond your certification level. Don’t touch or disturb marine life and leave any trash or debris underwater.
There’s truly a lot to explore in Bohol for balikbayans, both in water and on land. Watch for our guide to land adventures to be had in Bohol, coming to KUBO’s Explore & Experience section soon!
