Balicasag Island Tour & Virgin Island Bohol – 2024 Guide

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An island-hopping tour to Balicasag Island and Virgin Island Bohol is an absolute MUST on your Bohol itinerary.

The Bohol Island Hopping tour package includes dolphin watching from the boat, snorkeling with sea turtles on Balicasag Island Bohol, and a visit to the unique sand bar on Virgin Island Bohol.

It was by far the highlight of my trip and I can’t recommend this tour enough.

Here is the ultimate guide to visiting both of these islands including where to book and what to expect on the tour!

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BALICASAG ISLAND AND VIRGIN ISLAND TOUR – OVERVIEW

Wondering how to get to Balicasag Island?

I recommend booking the Bohol Island Hopping itinerary online in advance with Viator.

The Bohol island-hopping tour takes around five to six hours from start to finish.

It includes transport by boat from Panglao to Balicasag Island, secondly to Virgin Island Bohol, and then finally returning back to Panglao.

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Arriving at Balicasag

BEST BALICASAG ISLAND TOUR

Balicasag Island Tour and Dolphin Watching Private LUNCH on BOARD

The BEST way to visit is to join a Balicasag Island Tour and Dolphin Watching With Lunch!

It includes transportation, all entrance fees, lunch, and a fun guide!

MY EXPERIENCE ON THE BALICASAG ISLAND TOUR

Our trip began at 5:45 am when my friends and I met our skipper and guide at the meeting point down on Alona Beach in Panglao.

The first mission was to find dolphins on our way over to Balicasag and we got lucky when one breached out of the water right next to our boat.

My buddy also spotted a stingray flying out of the water nearby.

It all happened so fast that I couldn’t get my camera out quickly enough to capture it all.

I guess some experiences like this are best left unphotographed. But damn I wish I had my camera at the ready.

As the boat neared Balicasag, which is only a 30-minute trip over from Panglao, we could already see the colorful reef from the boat, that’s how insanely clear and pristine the water is.

I know I have repeated these words quite frequently but the water surrounding the island was arguably the bluest water I have ever seen!

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An aerial perspective
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Exploring Balicasag Beach

BALICASAG ISLAND SNORKELING

Balicasag Island is home to one of the best beaches in Bohol purely for its glistening white sands and abundant marine life just offshore.

When you arrive on the boat for the Balicasag island hopping, you can rent snorkeling equipment from one of the many shacks dotted along the beach.

A mask and snorkel costs 150 Pesos and then they will try to charge you an extra 250 Pesos for a guide which is not necessary.

Just pay for your snorkel set and walk around to the opposite side of the island where there are fewer tourist boats.

The majority of the tourists snorkel on the side of the island where all the boats are parked but definitely veer away from this area and head to the other side of the island.

See More → Epic Things To Do In Bohol

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Drone shot of Balicasag Bohol

The BEST Hotel in Bohol

Amorita Resort

Need a place to stay? Amorita Resort is conveniently located in the heart of Panglao.

Whether you’re here to explore the sights or relax in comfort, Amorita Resort offers the best of both worlds.

This island hopping tour Bohol and snorkeling in Balicasag Island was the highlight of my trip to Bohol.

As soon as I dived into the shallow waters with my mask and snorkel I spotted a sea turtle cruising across the reef about 5 meters from the shoreline.

I remember squealing like a little girl with excitement! I knew this place was renowned for sea turtles residing in the reefs here but I did not expect to find one that easily.

We spent at least two hours snorkeling around the reef and swam with about 15 different turtles. It was a morning that I will never forget!

Apart from turtles, we saw many colorful corals and countless species of fish beneath the surface.

Must Read → 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary

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Snorkeling with turtles

VIRGIN ISLAND BOHOL

After a memorable few hours spent on Balicasag, we then continued the Bohol Island Hopping Tour over to Virgin Island Bohol Philippines.

It was still high tide when we arrived on Virgin Island Bohol so the sand bar wasn’t completely exposed.

And on top of that, we were 1 of about 30 other tourist boats that were also parked up on the island. Just as a reference, the Virgin Island Bohol entrance fee is only 200 pesos, which is reasonable.

I was a little deterred by the number of tourists at first, but when I got off the boat to explore the shallow waters around the sand bar it was quite interesting to see what was going on.

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Drone shot of Virgin Island Bohol

Before even having the chance to set foot on the sand bar, a local jewelry seller had boarded our boat and tried convincing us to buy a couple of pearl necklaces.

Once we kindly denied his offer we were able to get off and stroll around.

Most of Virgin Island Panglao consists of floating seafood kitchens which were quite an amusing scene to watch.

You could go up to the boat that had the most appealing seafood and choose whatever you felt like trying such as lobsters, sea urchins, calamari, and fish which they would boil or grill right in front of you.

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Coconut vendors
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Seafood kitchens

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There was also the option to sit on benches and tables that were half-submerged in water to enjoy your fresh meal.

Apart from that, there isn’t a whole lot to do on Virgin Island Bohol but it’s a very unique experience that I am sure you will enjoy this island hopping Panglao offers!

The last leg of the boat ride from Virgin Island Bohol to Alona Beach in Panglao takes around 20 minutes and you should arrive back on the mainland around 12 pm just in time for lunch.

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Friendly locals on the island
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Virgin Island Bohol

WHERE TO STAY IN BOHOL

Panglao in Bohol has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from as a base after going island hopping Bohol.

I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.

LUXURY: AMORITA RESORT

Experience 5-star luxury at Amorita Resort in Panglao Bohol, featuring ocean views, an outdoor infinity pool, an in-house dive shop, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and bar, and breakfast included.

The rooms are elegantly furnished each with large comfortable beds, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, a private ensuite bathroom, and a minibar.

Amorita Resort is the perfect place to stay for couples or families on a luxury budget.

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MID RANGE: ALONA VIDA BEACH RESORT

Centrally located on Alona Beach in Panglao, Alona Vida Beach Resort features an outdoor pool, direct beach access, massage services, and watersport activities.

They have many room options to choose from including standard, deluxe, superior, and family rooms to suit all travelers.

Rooms are spacious with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, air-conditioning, a balcony with pool views, flat-screen TV, and a minibar.

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BUDGET: MOON FOOLS HOSTEL

Located right in the middle of the tourist hub of Panglao, Moon Fools Hostel is a modern, green, and eco-friendly hostel perfect for budget backpackers.

It’s within walking distance of local restaurants, cafes, and a convenience store, and public transport is easily accessible.

Breakfast is included for all guests and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, which you’ll love before going island hopping in Bohol.

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For All Other Places To Stay, See My Complete Guide On Where To Stay In Bohol

BOOK A BOHOL TOUR

Another great way to see all of the best Bohol tourist spots is to book a Bohol Countryside Tour

This particular tour is the top-rated tour in Bohol with great reviews.

I can’t recommend this amazing tour enough, especially for first-timers to Bohol!

The Bohol Tour includes the following:

  • Chocolate Hills Bohol
  • Bilar Manmade Forest
  • Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary
  • Loboc River Cruise with lunch
  • Baclayon Church
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Chocolate Hills

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE PHILIPPINES

When visiting the Philippines, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you.

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden Money Wallet

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Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!


Reusable Water Bottle

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The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!


Travel Backpack

Nomatic 20L Bag

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!


Quick-Dry Travel Towel

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The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!


Portable PowerBank

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Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

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Click the button below to view all articles related to the Philippines!

FINAL THOUGHTS – VIRGIN ISLAND BOHOL

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about the Bohol island-hopping tour, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations about any Panglao island hopping to our awesome community.

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TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

bookingcom

Search and book accommodation worldwide.


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Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.


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Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.


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Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.


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Search all rental cars in your next destination.


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Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide about this island hopping in Panglao Bohol!

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