14 Best Tours & Experiences In Balicasag Island (With Prices)

Balicasag Island is famous for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and pristine beaches. It’s a prime spot for snorkeling and diving, but the island also offers a variety of tours that combine nature, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re seeking an exciting day of underwater exploration or a relaxing boat ride, the options here help you experience the best of Bohol’s marine and terrestrial highlights. Our favorites include the private Balicasag snorkeling tour for its exclusivity and marine encounters, and the Panglao Island Hopping & Dolphin Watching for a full day of sea life action.

Below is a detailed list of the best tours in Balicasag Island, carefully selected for their unique features, value, and reviews. Each tour offers something different—so read on to find the one that matches your travel style.

1. Chocolate Hills Tour with Tarsier & Loboc River Buffet Lunch (half-day tour)

This popular half-day tour offers a well-rounded experience of Bohol’s most iconic sights, perfect for travelers with limited time. Starting with the Chocolate Hills, you’ll learn how these geological formations were created, then encounter the tiny, adorable Tarsiers at the conservation area. The tour includes a river cruise along Loboc River with a lively buffet lunch, complete with live entertainment.

What makes this tour stand out is the personalized experience of a private guide, ensuring you get the most out of each stop. Reviews highlight the beautiful scenery and well-organized attractions, with many praising the ethical treatment of the Tarsiers. At around $79.47 per person, it offers excellent value for a comprehensive day of sightseeing, especially with round-trip transfers from your hotel.

Bottom line: Ideal for first-timers wanting a taste of Bohol’s highlights without rushing, combining natural wonders and local culture.

2. Bohol Chocolate Hills and Waterfalls Ecotour

For those who want to escape tourist crowds and discover Bohol’s hidden natural gems, this private ecotour is a top pick. Starting with breakfast at Tagbilaran, you’ll visit the Chocolate Hills and then explore Panga Falls, where you can swim or cliff jump—perfect for adventure lovers. The tour continues through the Bilar Man-Made Forest, an impressive stretch of lush green trees, and concludes with a visit to Bohol’s rice terraces in Candijay.

Rated highly for its off-the-beaten-path itinerary and the knowledgeable guide Joseph, this tour costs around $119. It’s better suited for travelers who want a full day with a peaceful, nature-focused experience. The inclusion of lunch and hotel transfers makes it convenient, while the small group size ensures a personalized touch.

Bottom line: An excellent choice for eco-conscious travelers and those eager to explore Bohol’s natural scenery beyond the usual stops.

3. Private Tour of Bohol Countryside | Cultural Tour w/ River Cruise

This private, comprehensive tour covers many of Bohol’s historical and cultural sites, from the Blood Compact Monument to Baclayon Church. You’ll cross the bamboo hanging bridge in Sevilla and cruise along the Loboc River, enjoying a buffet of Filipino delicacies. The tour also includes visits to the Bohol Habitat Conservation Center for a look at local wildlife and ecosystems.

Priced at $104, it offers a balanced mix of history, nature, and local flavor. Reviewers praise the smooth organization and friendly driver, making it a great option for families or groups wanting a relaxed, all-in-one experience. The longer duration (6-9 hours) appeals to those wanting to see a lot without feeling rushed.

Bottom line: Perfect for history buffs and those interested in Bohol’s cultural heritage, with the flexibility of a private tour.

4. Chocolate Hills Tour Tarsier Loboc River in Bohol

This tour blends adventure, culture, and social fun, making it stand out. It includes visits to the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier sanctuary, and a Loboc River buffet cruise. But what makes it special is its lively, social atmosphere, often taken by travelers from around the world. The stops are well-paced, with a focus on creating a friendly, flexible environment.

Rated 5 stars by two reviews, the tour costs $104 per person. Travelers appreciate the up-close encounters with the tarsiers and the beautiful scenery along the river cruise. The tour is suitable for group travelers or anyone looking for a fun, engaging day that combines nature and social interaction.

Bottom line: A lively, social experience that’s perfect for travelers who enjoy meeting others and sharing stories while exploring Bohol.

5. Bohol: Private Balicasag Tour with extra snorkeling time

This private tour offers an intimate experience of Balicasag Island’s vibrant underwater world, with a focus on snorkeling and marine encounters. Starting from Panglao, you’ll be transferred by speedboat to the island, where you can see coral gardens, sea turtles, and even dolphins during the dawn encounter. The tour also features a virgin island sandbar with starfish and plenty of time for crowd-free snorkeling.

At $110 per person, it offers excellent value for those wanting a personalized, flexible underwater adventure. Reviews mention the friendly guide and the chance to swim with a turtle for about 10 minutes alone—an unforgettable experience. Some travelers note that the lunch can be simple, but that’s a small trade-off for the quality of marine encounters.

Bottom line: Best for serious snorkelers and underwater lovers who want an exclusive, flexible experience.

6. Can-umantad Falls and Candijay Rice Terraces Eco Tour

If exploring Bohol’s waterfalls and rice terraces sounds appealing, this eco-focused tour delivers. Starting with the impressive Can-Umantad Falls, you can swim in vibrant blue pools beneath a towering waterfall. The day continues through Candijay’s rice terraces, showcasing the island’s agricultural landscape.

At $145, it’s on the pricier side, but the focus on nature and scenery makes it worthwhile. The tour is suited for adventure seekers who don’t mind a longer day and want to see less-visited spots. The impressive falls and serene rice terraces are highly praised, though the tour involves some walking and swimming.

Bottom line: Great for active travelers seeking a full immersion in Bohol’s natural beauty.

7. Bohol Island Hopping Tour (Private Tour)

For a classic island-hopping experience, this private tour is straightforward and includes snorkeling at Balicasag Reef, dolphin watching, and visiting Virgin Island. It’s an efficient way to see some of the best marine spots in about six hours, with personalized attention from your guide.

At $88, it’s a solid choice for travelers who want marine life encounters and easy logistics, including hotel transfers. Some reviews note the short duration but appreciate the friendly staff and organized itinerary.

Bottom line: An accessible, well-rounded option for those wanting a shorter, marine-focused day.

8. Panglao Island Hopping w/Balicasag (Shared)

This shared tour offers a cost-effective way to explore Balicasag Island and Virgin Island, with stops for snorkeling and dolphin watching. Starting from McDonald’s Panglao, it’s suitable for travelers on a budget who don’t mind sharing the boat with others.

Rated 3.3 stars by four reviews, it’s best for casual travelers looking for a short, social experience. The crowds and basic amenities are the trade-offs, but the marine encounters are generally enjoyable.

Bottom line: Good if you prefer a budget-friendly, social outing with basic facilities.

9. Napaling Sardine Run in Bohol

This private 4-hour tour focuses exclusively on witnessing the spectacular sardine run at Napaling Reef. You don’t need diving experience—simply swimming or snorkeling allows you to see the thousands of sardines swirling in the water.

At $88 per person, it’s a specialized experience for marine life enthusiasts. The reviews are limited but note the unique spectacle of the sardines, and the air-conditioned transfers add comfort. It’s shorter and more focused than other tours, ideal for those who want a quick, intense nature experience.

Bottom line: Perfect for marine life lovers wanting to see the famous sardine run in a private setting.

10. Bohol Whaleshark Watching with Loboc River Lunch

This whaleshark tour combines whaleshark spotting with a Loboc River lunch cruise, offering a full-day experience. The safety and conservation focus is emphasized by guides who share insights into whaleshark behavior.

Priced higher at $187, it’s best suited for travelers eager to see the gentle giants and enjoy a relaxing lunch. While it has no reviews yet, the combination of marine wildlife and scenic river cruise makes it appealing for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a combination of wildlife viewing and culinary experience.

11. Panglao: Balicasag Island Hopping & Dolphin Watching

This 6-hour private tour focuses on dolphin watching and balicasag island snorkeling. Starting from Panglao, you’ll experience dolphins leaping alongside your boat and explore the coral reefs.

Rated 4.8 stars, it’s praised for the dolphin encounters and the photography opportunities. It’s a great choice for families or wildlife lovers who want a personalized, active day on the water.

Bottom line: Best suited for dolphin enthusiasts and those wanting hands-on marine experiences.

12. Panglao: Balicasag & Virgin Island PRIVATE with Lunch

This private, all-inclusive tour is perfect for travelers seeking luxury and flexibility. It includes dolphin watching, snorkeling at Balicasag, and relaxing on Virgin Island. The scenic boat ride from Panglao sets a leisurely tone, with ample time for photography and swimming.

Rating at 4.3 stars, travelers mention the scenic routes and friendly guides. Priced at $184, it’s a bit more expensive but offers customized itineraries and private attention.

Bottom line: Great for families or couples looking to maximize comfort and privacy during their marine adventures.

13. Bohol: Panglao Island Hopping Tour with Snorkeling (Private)

This 4-hour private tour is a straightforward way to explore Panglao’s marine scenery, focusing on snorkeling among colorful fish. It offers personalized service and flexible timing.

Rated 5 stars, it’s ideal for solo travelers or small groups wanting a short, personalized experience that emphasizes marine life.

Bottom line: Perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts wanting an efficient, private outing.

14. Bohol: Dolphin Watching, Balicasag Island Hopping Tour

This popular 5-hour tour combines dolphin watching and Balicasag snorkeling, with a visit to Virgin Island. It’s a classic for marine life viewing, with plenty of opportunities to see dolphins leaping out of the water.

Rated 4.4 stars, the tour is best for families and marine wildlife lovers. The lunch on the beach is simple but satisfying, and the dolphin encounters are generally described as lively and fun.

Bottom line: A dependable, well-reviewed option for marine animal fans wanting a full, active day.

How to Choose the Best Tour in Balicasag Island

When selecting your tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you want an exclusive, marine-focused experience, the Private Balicasag Tour (link) offers extra snorkeling and flexibility. For those eager to cover multiple highlights in a shorter time, the Chocolate Hills & Tarsier tour (link) provides a well-rounded introduction.

Travelers seeking more active outdoor adventures should look into the Can-umantad Falls eco tour (link). If marine life is your priority, then the Dolphin Watching & Island Hopping Tours (link) or the Snorkeling Tours (link) are excellent options.

Book early, especially during peak seasons, as these tours tend to fill up quickly. Consider what kind of experience you want—private and personalized, or social and budget-friendly—and match your choice to your travel style.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re after thrilling marine encounters, cultural insights, or simply relaxing on a boat, Balicasag Island has a tour that fits. The private options provide intimacy and flexibility, while the group tours often deliver great value and lively atmospheres. Two standout choices are the Balicasag private snorkeling tour for unparalleled underwater experiences and the Chocolate Hills & Tarsier tour for a well-rounded day of sights and culture.

Whatever your preference, booking early will ensure you secure a spot on your desired tour. Now go ahead—pack your snorkel, your camera, and your sense of adventure—and enjoy everything this beautiful part of Bohol has to offer.