If you’re planning on a trip to Bohol, then one of the things you should never miss is an island-hopping tour. There are over 70 islands and islets off of the shores of Bohol, each offering its very own distinct characters. For one of the most convenient and exciting island-hopping itineraries, the Alona-Balicasag-Virgin Island itinerary is a definite must-try.
In this tour, you get to enjoy dolphin-watching on your way to Balicasag Island, swim with sea turtles on the island, and enjoy a beautiful sandbar in the middle of the Bohol Sea. And guess what? You get to experience all of these in a mere 6-hour tour.
Booking the Tour
There are several options when it comes to booking your island-hopping tour in Bohol. You can book it in advance online, so you don’t have to worry about it anymore when you’re already on the island. This also makes comparing prices and packages of several tour operators a lot easier. If you’d rather do it personally, you can book it with one of the tour operators and boat owners ready to offer you the best deals.
While booking online is convenient, booking your tour at Alona Beach allows you to haggle for prices. You can choose a private boat, which can be more expensive, or a group tour where you share the boat with 6 to 8 other people. Most hotels or villas in Bohol also have their very own island-hopping tours, which can be the most convenient way to book a tour. If it’s not available, hotels usually have partnerships with island hopping tour operators whom they entrust with their guests.
Tour Package
Now let’s get down to business. Usually, the prices for an island-hopping tour in Bohol include the boat rental, life jacket rental, and two stops – Balicasag Island and Virgin Island. If you want to rent snorkeling gear or have meals during the tour, you may need to pay extra. You might also have to pay for environmental or municipal fees. Make sure you check the package inclusions so you know which services may incur additional costs.
Destinations and Tour Itinerary
Here is the usual itinerary for your island-hopping tour in Bohol:
1. Pick-up at Alona Beach
Island-hopping tours usually start at Alona Beach, which is one of the best beaches of Bohol. Make sure you arrive early so you can maximize the time that you have. Most tours start at 6 am, just before sunrise. If you aren’t able to have some breakfast, you may want to pack some snacks so that you don’t get hungry during the tour. You can also consider bringing your own lunch if meals are not included in your tour package.
Photo: The Culture Trip
2. Transfer to Balicasag Island
The boat ride from Alona Beach to Balicasag Island takes about 30 minutes. Along the way, you will be treated to spinner dolphins showing off on the surface. Your boat driver will get up close to these marine creatures, where you will see them somersaulting and accompanying your boat for a few seconds or minutes as you traverse the Bohol Sea. It’s an exciting sight to behold as they seem to dance around your boat.
It’s important to note, however, that there may be instances where dolphins choose to stay below the water, especially during certain weather conditions. Don’t worry, though, as Balicasag is home to about 11 species of dolphins so the probability of seeing them is quite high in these waters.
3. Balicasag Island
Balicasag is quite a small island, being only 600 meters in diameter but it’s full of life. In fact, it is considered by many as one of the top dive spots in Bohol. Plenty of locals call this island home, and it’s easy to find native huts and small stores on the island. Balicasag is a marine sanctuary which means the abundance of marine life is bountiful. Snorkeling here is a definite must-do as you will be reward with vibrant reefs and plenty of colorful fish underwater. Divers are also rewarded with sightings of giant sea turtles, where you can peacefully swim with these gentle creatures on the reef.
Photo: Jonny Melon
4. Virgin Island
About a 20-minute boat ride from Balicasag is Virgin Island, which is not exactly an island but it’s a large sand bar where boats sell everything from fresh seafood, pearls, and native jewelry. You can purchase seafood and locals will grill them for you right on the spot.
Photo: Just One Way Ticket
One of Bohol’s most Instagrammable spots, this beautiful white sandbar seems to pop out of nowhere, which makes for an interesting last stop before heading back to the mainland.
5. Drop-off at Alona Beach
The tour will end at about 12 noon, which is perfect for lunchtime along Alona Beach, where resorts and restaurants offer both local and international cuisine right by the beach.
This island-hopping tour in Bohol brings you to two of the most beautiful islets nearest Panglao Island. If you’re planning a vacation in Bohol, make sure that visiting these two islands is on your itinerary.
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Featured photo: Out of Town Blog
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