Full Bohol Island Hopping Tour Review: Is It Worth Going?
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The Bohol Island Hopping Tour Review with all the information you need to make a decision. Bohol, in particular, Panglao Island, is famous for various water activities. Amongst the multiple options, the island hopping is probably the first or elementary one to go.
You can find the tour offer available on travel agencies like Klook, Viator, and GYG. And also, all of the local tour operators in Panglao will have such an offer as well. The tour typically starts at early morning at 6 am and ends at around 1 pm.
You will be going to the Balicasag island and the Virgin island for snorkeling and swimming (At the time of writing, the Virgin island is still closed). During the journey, you will also have a chance to see dolphins with a beverage (including beers) and food onboard.
It is a pleasant experience that is suitable for families with kids and the elderly. During my last visit, I took the tour along with my parents, who are over 60.
🌊 Book Your Bohol Island Hopping Tour Here ✅
You First Excursion In Bohol
Bohol island hopping tour is a family and beginner friendly excursion. It brings you hte best scenry of the islands without taking you too much time or being physically demanding.
What to Expect for the Bohol Island Tour
In short, you shall be expecting the following activities during the tour.
Dolphin Watching
The tour often starts with “lucky” dolphin watching, on the way to Balicasag Island. While not guaranteed, spotting these playful creatures is a thrilling bonus when it happens. Dolphins are common in the water near Panglao islands, but sightings depend on weather and timing. During my last visit, I didn’t get to see them on the island hopping tour, but bumped into a bunch during my whale shark tour another day. So it is purely random.
Snorkeling at Balicasag Island
The first stop is typically the Balicasag Island. It is one of the highlights of the whole tour; this marine sanctuary boasts vibrant coral reefs and abundant sea life. While you are snorkeling there, you can expect to see tropical fish, sea turtles, and possibly small reef sharks. Depending on the time or weather, you may have one more snorkeling spot after this one. Each of the snorkeling session is around 30 minutes. It is not long but sufficient.
Another video for the seaturtle we founded.
Virgin Island Visit
This uninhabited sandbar, with its shallow turquoise waters and white sand, is similar to the islands in the Maldives (at a lower price, of course). It is the perfect spot for swimming and Instagram-worthy photos. Usually, you will also have your lunch on the island. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, it is still closed for maintenance. That tremendously decreases the value of the tour.
Food & Beverage
One of the best parts of the tour for me is the beers and BBQ meats on board. Although it is not a full buffet, you can expect water, soft drinks, beers, BBQ meats, breads, and some fruits. Along with the music, sea and island view, it is the best way to enjoy the island.
🌊 Book Your Bohol Island Hopping Tour Here ✅
Enjoy The Beers & BBQs Onboard
Enjoy the BBQ meats onboard with the sea, islands and most scenic view on the island ! This is the best part of the tour other than snorkeling and taking photo on the sandbar !
How Much Is the Tour?
In general, booking the tour via online travel agency in advance is more expensive than buying that directly from local vendor at Panglao Island. You will find endless of mobile hawkers selling tour package near the Alona beach. The price for the island hopping tour from Klook for example is around 31 USD for group tour. However, the local vendor would usually charge around 1,500 PHP (~ 26 USD).
Cost-wise, it would be more sensible to book directly there. But if for better certainty or accountability, it would be better too book through a reputable online agency. Well, at least if something goes wrong, I know where to go.
During my last visit, I booked via Klook for this reason and also because I had the island hopping on my first day in Bohol.
The tour is only half-day
Similar to Napaling sardine experience, the Bohol island hopping usually ends at 1pm. It provides a flexibility for your stay in the island. For example, after the island hopping tour, we made advantage of the afternoon for checking out the Panglao island and Alona beach. The only drawback is the departure is usually around 6am which means you will have to get up around 5 am. Although, that’s the same for pretty much most of the immersive tours on the island like Country side tour, scuba diving or whale shark watching.
Would I do the tour again? Bohol Island Hopping Tour Review
I didn’t regret taking the island hopping tour. I brought lots of great memories to me and my family alike. The snorkeling at Balicasag Island is a bit crowded (given the tour is available by multiple vendors and happen daily). But the moment of spotting a sea turtle together was a irreplicable memory for my family. The beverage, food and music onboard also added great value to the whole tour. That’s true even we didn’t have a chance to get on the Virgin Island due to the maintenance.
The tour time is not exhausting and would take you only a morning session. So even if you can even place the tour on your day heading back to Cebu (i.e. taking the 6pm Ferry).
🌊 Book Your Bohol Island Hopping Tour Here ✅
Suitable For All Itinerary
The whole tour starts at 6 am and ends at around 12pm. You could have snorkeling, IG photo and BBQ meats all in the morning, while having the whole afternoon and night session for other items. It’s one of the best items for Bohol itinerary planning.
However, I probably wouldn’t do the tour again. First, it’s more suitable for family activity or people not a good swimmers. If I were to go Bohol Island again with my wife or alone, I probably would spend more time on deep-dive scuba diving on my itinerary. If you are doing a scuba license on the island or devoted to scuba diving, there are plenty of good islands nearby like Pamilacan Island, Napaling reef area and of course Balicasag itself. There will be a lot more marine lives to see if you are to do the diving sessions anyways. So the island hopping may not be necessary.
Final Thoughts: Is the Bohol Island Hopping Tour Worth It?
I think so and it would have been a lot better if Virgin Island is reopened. If so, you are likely to have a taste of great food onboard, spotting dolphins, snorkeling with sea turtle(s) and taking great photos on Maldives-like sandbar on half day and just for ~ 30 USD.
If you are planning your Bohol itinerary for family with kids or elderly, that’s the perfect activity for an eye-opening experience. So in short the tour is worth.
However, if you are to do multiple scuba diving on the island, then this is a skippable option given you will be seeing a lot more during your other sessions.
🌊 Book Your Bohol Island Hopping Tour Here ✅
A Good Memory For Family
If you are solo-traveler going to Bohol for scuba diving, then this tour is probably not for you. However, if you have kids or elder parents, and you want to bring a good memory to then. This beginner tour of Bohol is worth going !
Frequently Asked Questions For Bohol Island Hopping Tour
What’s the best time for a Bohol Island Hopping Tour?
The dry season (November to May) is ideal for calm seas and clear skies, though tours run year-round. It is always crowded especially for the first snorkeling session at Balicasag Island.
How much does it cost?
It is around 30 USD for booking via OTAs like Klook. If you buy the package locally near the Alona Beach it is cheaper at ~ 25 USD, but it may have less accountability.
What should I bring?
A: Pack sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and a waterproof bag. There will be water onboard and gears are generally included.
Can I book online?
Yes, most OTAs have such package and the itinerary is more or lest the same.
Is it suitable for non-swimmers?
Absolutely—life vests are provided, and activities like dolphin watching and Virgin Island visits don’t require swimming.
How long does the tour last?
Typically 6 to 8 hours, starting early morning around 6 am and ending by 12 – 1 pm.
Which islands are included?
Most tours visit Balicasag Island and Virgin Island (currently closed), with dolphin watching as a bonus.
Are there hidden costs?
Not really most of the package already included the gears and tourism fee. For booking directly with local vendor, the price would be ~200 PHP cheaper if you have your own gear.
Is the island hopping gear kids / elderly friendly?
Yes I did that with both of my parents who are already over 60s and non-swimmers.
