Island hopping in Bohol—especially from Panglao—is one of the must-do experiences in the province. With pristine waters, coral gardens, sandbars, and sightings of dolphins or sea turtles, these tours are top sellers. Whether you’re staying in Alona Beach or Tagbilaran, these island hopping tours are your passport to marine bliss.
👉 Top Pick: Balicasag + Virgin Island Combo (Klook) – 🐢🐠 turtle watching + sandbar picnic!
🏝️ Top 7 Island Hopping Tours in Bohol
1. Balicasag & Virgin Island Hopping Tour (Klook)
📍 Depart from Panglao
🌟 Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, spot sea turtles, then relax on the powdery Virgin Island sandbar.
- Includes boat ride, gear, and local guide
- Rated 4.7/5 by 1,000+ guests
✅ Book This Top Bohol Island Hopping Tour
2. Island Hopping with Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling (Viator)
🐬 Includes early morning dolphin spotting before hopping around Balicasag and Virgin Island
- Gear and hotel transfers included
- Great combo for wildlife lovers
✅ Book a Marine Adventure Day Now
3. Private Panglao Island Hopping Tour (Klook)
🚤 Great for couples or families who want privacy
🌊 Customize your pace and stops
- Balicasag, Virgin, and other lesser-known spots
✅ Check Rates for a Private Boat Tour
4. Pamilacan Island Day Tour with Dolphin Watching (Klook)
🐬 Less touristy and more rustic
- Pamilacan is a marine sanctuary with rich coral reefs
- Great for snorkeling and dolphin encounters
✅ Discover Pamilacan Now
5. Half-Day Panglao Island Hopping & Picnic Lunch (Viator)
🍱 Add a local-style beach picnic to your island hop
- Snorkel + Virgin Island + homecooked lunch
✅ Perfect Half-Day Tour
6. Balicasag Marine Sanctuary Snorkeling (Klook)
🐢 Focused tour for marine life fans
- Coral gardens and sea turtle zones
- Rated 4.8/5
✅ Explore Balicasag’s Underwater World
7. Virgin Island Sandbar & Seafood Picnic (Viator)
🦞 Seafood grills, beach walks, and photo ops
- Tide-dependent sandbar
✅ Best for Foodies and IG Photos
✨ Why Book an Island Hopping Tour in Bohol?
- 🌊 Marine Biodiversity: Balicasag is a marine protected area with live coral gardens and sea turtles.
- 🐬 Dolphin Watching: Waters near Pamilacan are known for early morning dolphin sightings.
- 🏝️ Virgin Island: A crescent-shaped sandbar only visible at low tide—great for drone shots.
- 🚤 Easy Access: Tours typically launch from Alona Beach or Panglao Public Beach.
- 🌞 Ideal Timing: Depart around 6:00–7:00 AM for dolphin sightings; back by lunch or 1:00 PM.
🗺️ Sample Itinerary (Half-Day)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Depart Alona Beach by boat |
| 6:30 AM | Dolphin watching (optional) |
| 7:30 AM | Snorkeling at Balicasag Island |
| 9:00 AM | Virgin Island sandbar visit |
| 10:30 AM | Seafood picnic or beach time |
| 12:00 PM | Return to Panglao |
📖 Fun Facts
- Balicasag Island is only ~1.5 km in diameter but holds some of the best coral walls in Bohol.
- Virgin Island is also called “Isola di Francesco” by locals.
- The Bohol Sea (a.k.a. Mindanao Sea) is part of the Coral Triangle, home to 75% of the world’s coral species.
