Island Hopping and Dolphin Watching in Panglao, Bohol

We signed up on a package tour during our 3-day trip to Bohol and Dolphin-Whale Watching and Island Hopping was our activity on our first day. Our driver fetched us from the Inn at around 5:00AM. We boarded on an L300 Van from Tagbilaran to Panglao Island. We were the only guests inside the van (plus the driver) so we asked Kuya driver if there will be other guests but he said no, this is a private tour and I will be your driver for your whole 3-day tour here in Bohol. We were amazed! We thought that it would be a group tour but it turned out to be a private one. Kudos to Bridgeway Travel and Tours! 




We reached Alona Beach in Panglao Island at around 6:00AM, we head straight to the beach and Kuya driver introduced us to the owner of the boat. Again we were expecting that we're gonna be joining a different group in the boat for the tour but  it turned out to be a private island hopping tour again, haha. It was a 10-15 seater boat and we were the only guests (plus the 2 boatman).

DOLPHIN WATCHING




First on our itinerary was the Dolphin and Whale watching. I was actually thinking that it might be a little late but as per the boatman, the dolphins usually show up around 6:00 to 7:00 AM. I was excited as our boat heads closer to the area where the dolphins usually are. There were already few boats in the area when we arrived. We spent few minutes looking for dolphins to show up but unfortunately no one showed. The boatman told us that there's gonna be no dolphins because of the rough waves. Later that day we found out that there was an earthquake in Surigao City so maybe the dolphins went somewhere else. I was sad but then there was really nothing that I can do so we just decided to proceed to our island hopping activity. 

BALICASAG ISLAND




There were only two islands included on our tour and first island on our list was the Balicasag Island which was  near the dolphin watching area. This is also where you can go on snorkeling. From our boat we transferred to a small boat which took us to the snorkeling area. Snorkeling gear is available for rent at P150 each, much better if you have your own snorkeling gear though. One more thing, don't forget to bring some bread! There were different kind of fishes in the snorkeling area. I enjoyed feeding them, they were seemed  nice and cute, lol. 









After few minutes of swimming with the fishes, we head back to the island and looked for a place to eat, we were starving as we haven't had any breakfast that day due to the early call time. Good thing there were stores and eatery in the island. The prices of the food are not that backpacker friendly but given the fact that we were on an island and a tourist spot, it's expected. We ordered shrimp sinigang. We waited for around 10-15 minutes as our order was freshly prepared and cooked. One of the perks of living in an island is that you get to have fresh seafood. 




TIP: Given the fact the almost everything in Balicasag Island are expensive, one thing that I can suggest that might probably save you money is too bring your own food. A night before your island hopping, go to Tagbilaran Market and buy all ingredients needed for your desired menu. When in the island, you can look for a person and ask for "paluto". They will cook your desired food for a certain fee.

VIRGIN ISLAND



Virgin Island was the last stop on our island hopping activity. After feasting on the shrimp sinigang, we went back to the boat and head straight to Virgin Island. It is known as Virgin Island because nobody lives there and it sinks during high tide leaving only the palm trees visible. Virgin Island is an attraction because of its long stretch white sand beach during low tide. Aside from this, there's really nothing more that you can do in the island. There's no snorkeling area and the water is too shallow and full of underwater grass but there are parts where you can swim and relax. 








Some locals are setting up stalls/tents in the island everyday selling different kinds of fishes, shells, sea urchins and a lot more. Some are selling bananaque and Coconut Juice. Coconut juice here are way much cheaper than in Balicasag Island.











HOW TO GET TO PANGLAO ISLAND

Island Hopping and Dolphin Watching are usually offered as a tour package by travel agencies and hotels. This is the easiest and convenient way, so you might want to arrange this prior to you trip or ask the hotel staff.

If you didn't have enough time to sign up on a package tour and your hotel doesn't offer this tour, here's how you can reach Panglao Island. From Tagbilaran City take a tricycle and go to Dao Integrated Terminal (right beside the Island City Mall) and board a jeepney bound for Panglao Island. The fare is around P20 (one way) and travel time may take up to an hour. Tell the driver/conductor to drop you off at Alona Beach. Take note though that jeepneys will wait for the jeep to be filled with passengers before starting the trip and it may take up to an hour or more.



Another option is to rent a taxi (which is quite expensive) or a habal-habal (motorcycle for rent) which will take you directly to Panglao Island.

WHAT TO BRING

You'll be out in the sun the whole day so make sure to prepare and bring these with you:

* Water ( at least 1-2 liters)
* Sunblock
* Shades 
* Hat/Cap/Umbrella
* Towel/Sarong
* Snorkeling gear (if you have one but you can also rent)
* Packed food 
* Waterproof Bag/pouch to protect your electronic devices from getting wet (click HERE for affordable dry bags)
* Waterproof Camera to capture your underwater moments (looking for action camera? Click HERE)