Bohol: Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling at Balicasag Island

Bohol’s Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling tour at Balicasag Island delivers an unforgettable nature experience. Departing early from Panglao, guests witness the acrobatics of playful dolphins before exploring the vibrant coral reefs. Snorkelers can discover the island’s rich marine life, including the Balicasag Turtle Sanctuary. This adventure blends thrilling wildlife sightings with the serene beauty of the underwater world, making it a perfect day for nature enthusiasts.

Key Points

• The tour offers a 6-hour dolphin watching and snorkeling experience in Bohol, with shared or private options and a price range of $45.32 per person.
• The tour includes a boat trip, snorkeling gear, life vest, entry to Balicasag Island, and optional underwater camera rental, with a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• The itinerary involves a 15-minute boat ride to the dolphin watching site, approximately 15 minutes of dolphin observation, and 1 to 1.5 hours of snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs.
• The tour give you guests with the opportunity to appreciate dolphins in their natural habitat and explore the diverse marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful corals.
• Guests are advised to bring recommended items such as sunglasses, hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water, and are prohibited from smoking or touching marine life or plants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Bohol dolphin watching and snorkeling tour offers an exciting opportunity to witness playful dolphins in their natural habitat and explore vibrant coral reefs.

Witness playful dolphins and vibrant coral reefs on the Bohol dolphin watching and snorkeling tour.

Priced from $45.32 per person, the 6-hour tour is available in shared or private options. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can book their spot without paying upfront.

The tour includes a boat trip, snorkeling gear, life vest, entry to Balicasag Island, guided tours, and an optional underwater camera rental.

Lunch isn’t included in the shared tour, but private tours offer a delicious island-style meal.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins at 6:00 AM with a shared departure from McDonald’s Panglao. Private tours include hotel pickup in Panglao and Tagbilaran. Guests will embark on a boat ride for approximately 15 minutes to witness the playful dolphins near Balicasag Island.

| Activity | Duration |

| — | — |

| Dolphin Watching | Approx. 15 minutes |

| Snorkeling | 1 to 1.5 hours |

| Optional Meal | At Balicasag Island’s local restaurant |

Additional snorkeling stops may include Napaling Reef or Gak-ang Island, subject to permits. After the snorkeling excursion, private tours will enjoy a delicious island-style lunch.

Dolphin Watching Experience

What can guests expect during the dolphin watching portion of the tour?

Travelers can anticipate approximately 15 minutes of witnessing playful dolphins in their natural habitat near Balicasag Island. A local boat captain will skillfully navigate guests close enough to observe the dolphins without disturbing them.

Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the tour’s timing and location are optimized to maximize the chances of encountering these magnificent marine creatures. Guests should keep their eyes peeled and cameras ready to capture the dolphins’ acrobatic displays and joyful movements above the waves.

Snorkeling in Coral Reefs

After the dolphin watching, guests will have 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the vibrant coral reefs surrounding Balicasag Island.

Guided by local islanders, snorkelers can observe a diverse array of marine life, including schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful corals.

The snorkeling site may also include Napaling Reef or Gak-ang Island, subject to permit availability.

With provided snorkeling gear and life vests, guests can safely enjoy the underwater world.

The guided tour ensures a memorable experience discovering Bohol’s stunning marine ecosystem.

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Balicasag Turtle Sanctuary

While visiting Balicasag Island, guests have the opportunity to explore the Balicasag Turtle Sanctuary.

The sanctuary is home to a population of green sea turtles, a threatened species. Visitors can observe the turtles in their natural habitat, swimming and feeding in the shallow waters. Guests are advised to maintain a respectful distance and avoid touching or disturbing the turtles.

The sanctuary is an essential conservation effort to protect these gentle creatures. Observing the turtles at the sanctuary is a highlight of the Balicasag Island experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the island’s rich marine ecosystem.

Optional Meal and Extras

Along With the guided tours and wildlife viewing, visitors have the option to enjoy a meal at Balicasag Island’s local restaurant.

The restaurant offers island-style cuisine featuring fresh, locally-sourced seafood and produce. Meals aren’t included in the tour price, allowing guests to dine at their own leisure and expense.

Visitors may also have the opportunity to visit additional sites, such as Napaling Reef or Gak-ang Island, subject to available permits.

These extra snorkeling stops provide the chance to explore more of the vibrant marine ecosystems surrounding Balicasag Island.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a boat trip, whether shared or private, as well as snorkeling gear, life vests, and entry to Balicasag Island.

The guided tours and optional underwater camera rental are also included.

However, the tour excludes:

1. Lunch for the shared tour

2. Personal expenses

3. Gratuities

4. The currently closed Virgin Island Sandbar visit

Guests should bring sunglasses, hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water.

Smoking, touching marine life, or plants aren’t allowed.

Pregnant women and those with serious medical conditions should consult a doctor before participating.

Important Preparation and Guidelines

Guests should arrive at the meeting point, a 7-Eleven near Isis Restaurant, by 6:00 AM for shared tours.

Travelers must bring sun protection like sunglasses and hats, as well as swimwear, towels, cameras, snacks, and water.

Smoking and touching marine life or plants are strictly prohibited.

Pregnant women and those with serious medical conditions should consult a doctor before participating.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Following these guidelines ensures a safe and enjoyable dolphin watching and snorkeling experience at Balicasag Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restrictions on the Number of Guests in a Private Tour?

The private tours don’t have a set limit on the number of guests. Travelers can book the private tour option to have a more personalized experience, with the flexibility to accommodate their desired group size.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear or Rent It On-Site?

Guests can rent snorkeling gear on-site, but they’re also allowed to bring their own. The tour includes snorkeling gear and a life vest, so there’s no need to purchase additional equipment if you’d prefer to travel light.

Is There an Option to Visit Other Islands During the Tour?

The tour itinerary may include additional snorkeling stops at Napaling Reef or Gak-ang Island, subject to permits. However, the current Virgin Island Sandbar visit is closed. Guests should check with the tour operator for the latest updates on any extra island visits.

How Do I Identify Suitable Weather and Sea Conditions for the Tour?

The tour operator closely monitors weather and sea conditions to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences. Guests should check with the operator on the day of the tour for the latest updates and suitability of the planned activities.

Can I Reschedule or Modify My Booking in Case of Unforeseen Circumstances?

You can reschedule or modify your booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility in case of unforeseen circumstances, allowing you to adjust your plans as needed.

The Sum Up

Bohol’s Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling tour at Balicasag Island provides an unforgettable opportunity to witness playful dolphins and explore vibrant coral reefs. With a scenic boat ride, 15 minutes of dolphin watching, and up to 1.5 hours of snorkeling, it’s an ideal adventure for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can also visit the Balicasag Turtle Sanctuary, making it a well-rounded experience in the island’s rich marine ecosystem.

You can check availability for your dates here: