BOHOL: Dolphin Watching, Turtle Swim and Island Party

Bohol: Dolphin Watching, Turtle Swim and Island Party – A Complete Guide

If you’re after a day filled with playful dolphins, colorful coral reefs, and a lively island party, then this Bohol island-hopping tour might just be your perfect match. Offered by Tarsier Trails for around $80 per person, it combines wildlife encounters, underwater adventures, and relaxed tropical vibes into one package. While we haven’t personally taken it — yet — the detailed reviews from past travelers paint a compelling picture of fun, discovery, and picturesque moments.

What we love most about this tour is its focus on authentic marine encounters — spotting wild dolphins in their natural environment, swimming alongside sea turtles in a protected sanctuary, and capturing stunning underwater photos. Plus, the scenic Filipino-style lunch and the chance to relax or party on a white-sand island make it a well-rounded experience. The only thing to consider is that the tour starts early and doesn’t include hotel transfers, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.

This experience suits families, couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers who want a balanced mix of wildlife, relaxation, and lively beach atmosphere. If you’re seeking a full day of engaging activities with a relaxed, fun vibe, this trip covers those bases nicely. Let’s explore what makes this tour stand out — and what you should know before booking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Wild Dolphin Watching: Spot pods of dolphins in their natural Bohol environment early in the morning.
• Snorkeling with Turtles: Swim with sea turtles at Balicasag Island’s marine sanctuary, exploring vibrant coral reefs.
• Underwater Photos Included: Professional guides assist with underwater photography, capturing your marine moments.
• Beach Lunch and Party: Enjoy a Filipino-style lunch on a scenic island beach before relaxing or dancing to beach tunes.
• All-Inclusive: Snacks, drinks, snorkeling gear, and fun games are included for a carefree day.
• Flexible Booking: Book now, pay later with cancellation free up to 24 hours before the tour.

Setting the Scene: What to Expect from This Tour

This guided island hopping adventure begins bright and early, likely around sunrise, to maximize wildlife sightings. The main draw here is the dolphin watching, where the boat heads out into the water to search for pods of wild dolphins. Past participants describe the experience as “incredible to see these playful creatures in their natural habitat”, with some noting that dolphins leap and swim alongside the boat, creating perfect photo opportunities.

Dolphin Watching – The Morning Highlight

Starting at Panglao’s coast, the tour’s early start is necessary for the best dolphin sightings. The boat, operated by a licensed crew, is typically a shared vessel that accommodates small groups, ensuring a more intimate experience. Many reviews mention that “the dolphins come very close, and the sight of them jumping is truly remarkable”. The guide or crew’s experience helps locate the dolphins efficiently, and the whole session lasts about an hour or so.

Snorkeling at Balicasag Island

After dolphin sightings, the tour proceeds to Balicasag Island’s marine sanctuary, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Snorkeling here is a major highlight — swimming alongside sea turtles in clear waters that are perfect for underwater photography. The guides are praised for their helpfulness in setting up gear and taking photos and videos, which is a nice perk since it allows you to focus on enjoying the moment.

Past guests appreciate that the snorkeling gear is provided, including masks, snorkels, and life vests. The guided underwater sessions are described as “well-organized, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced snorkelers”. The reef’s kaleidoscope of colors and the chance to see sea turtles in the wild make this segment feel truly special.

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Beach Lunch and Chill Time

Following the underwater fun, the group docks at a secluded island or beach spot for Filipino-style lunch. The food is generally described as delicious, with fresh seafood and traditional flavors. The beach itself offers stunning white sands and turquoise waters, perfect for relaxing, taking photos, or just soaking in the views.

Beach Party and Activities

Once lunch is over, the vibe shifts from tranquil to lively. This is when the party setup kicks in — with music, beach games, and drinks. Unlimited beverages, including rum, beer, soda, juice, and water, help keep the energy high. Many reviews mention “a great mix of relaxing and lively moments”, with some guests opting to just unwind on the sand while others dance along to the tunes.

The tour organizers are praised for their friendly guides and attention to safety, ensuring everyone has a good time without feeling rushed. The overall atmosphere is described as “fun, casual, and perfect for making new friends”.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour departs from Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort on Panglao, beside Birdwatchers Bar, and you should arrive at least 15 minutes early. The meeting point is easily accessible from Alona Beach, and the staff is recognizable with their Tarsier Trails IDs and signs.

While the price of $80 might seem steep at first glance, considering the included activities — snorkeling gear, underwater photos, meals, drinks, and entertainment — it’s a fair value. Remember, the tour doesn’t cover hotel transfers, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

What to Bring

• Sunglasses and a sun hat to beat the heat
• Swimsuit and towel for snorkeling and swimming
• Sunscreen, preferably reef-safe
• Waterproof bag for your valuables
• Extra cash if you want to buy souvenirs or additional drinks

What’s Not Included

• Hotel pickup or drop-off
• Towels & personal hygiene items
• Sunblock (although recommended, so don’t forget it!)

Booking and Cancellation

Booking is flexible — keep your plans open by reserving now and paying later. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, offering peace of mind in case your plans change.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

Many travelers mention that “the guides are knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about marine conservation”, which enhances the experience. One noted that “the underwater photos are of surprisingly good quality,” making it worth the price. Others appreciated the small group sizes, which made the experience intimate and manageable.

A few reviews also mention that the dolphin sightings depend heavily on weather conditions and the time of day. As such, an early start maximizes your chances, but dolphins are wild animals, and sightings can’t be guaranteed.

The beach party vibe at the end is a hit, with travelers describing it as “a perfect way to unwind after snorkeling”. Many found the unlimited drinks and fun games added a playful element to an already memorable day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts eager to see dolphins and turtles in their natural habitat. It’s perfect for families or couples looking for a blend of adventure and relaxation, as well as groups of friends who enjoy beach parties and lively atmospheres. If you’re someone who values professional guides and good organization, you’ll appreciate the well-structured nature of this tour.

However, if you prefer a more exclusive or luxurious experience, or need hotel transfers included, you might want to look elsewhere. The early start and outdoor setting also mean that this tour isn’t suited for those sensitive to the sun or with mobility issues.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Bohol dolphin watching and island party tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of what the island’s waters have to offer. It balances wildlife encounters, beautiful snorkeling, and relaxed beach vibes — making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to experience Bohol’s marine life while enjoying some fun in the sun.

The combination of guided underwater photography, lively beach entertainment, and scenic views makes this tour stand out as a memorable day out. It’s especially valuable for travelers who want to get close to nature without sacrificing entertainment or comfort.

If your idea of a perfect day involves seeing dolphins, swimming with turtles, and chilling out with drinks and music on a gorgeous island beach, this tour checks all those boxes.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts at the beach side of Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring swimsuits, towels, sunglasses, sun hats, reef-safe sunscreen, waterproof bags, and extra cash if you want to purchase souvenirs or additional drinks.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with the option to pay later. Just remember to cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are drinks included?
Yes, unlimited drinks such as rum, beer, soda, juice, and water are part of the package.

What’s the best time of day for this tour?
The tour usually departs early in the morning to maximize dolphin sightings and good weather conditions.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides help with gear and provide support, making it friendly for those new to snorkeling.

How long does the entire trip last?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, expect a full day outing with activities starting early and ending back at the meeting point later in the day.

In summary, this tour is a lively, engaging way to experience Bohol’s marine life and island scenery. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, sunny beaches, or a fun party atmosphere, it offers great value and memorable moments. Just be sure to bring your camera, a sense of adventure, and your sunnies!

You can check availability for your dates here: