Island Hopping & Snorkelling

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Bohol Island is a beautiful province in the Philippines known for its picturesque landscapes, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters. One of the best ways to explore the island and experience its beauty is through island hopping. With numerous islands and islets scattered around Bohol, island hopping is the perfect way to discover the hidden gems and secret spots of the province. In this travel guide, we will explore the top destinations for island hopping in Bohol, what to expect during the trip, and how to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

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Destinations for Island Hopping in Bohol

  1. Balicasag Island
    Balicasag Island is a small island located in the southern part of Bohol, which is famous for its clear waters and diverse marine life. The island is surrounded by a beautiful coral reef, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving. You can expect to see colorful corals, tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures while exploring the waters around the island. Balicasag Island is also a great place to relax and unwind, with its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.
  2. Pamilacan Island
    Pamilacan Island is a small island located off the coast of Bohol, which is known for its rich marine biodiversity. The island is home to numerous species of dolphins and whales, making it a popular spot for dolphin and whale watching tours. You can also enjoy snorkeling and diving around the island, where you can see a variety of fish, corals, and other marine creatures. Pamilacan Island is also a great place to unwind and relax, with its serene surroundings and unspoiled beaches.
  3. Virgin Island
    Virgin Island is a small sandbar located off the coast of Panglao Island, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. The island is only accessible during low tide, and you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the sandbar. You can also try various water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding while enjoying the breathtaking view of the surrounding waters.
  4. Cabilao Island
    Cabilao Island is a small island located in the western part of Bohol, which is known for its diverse marine life and stunning coral reef. The island is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, where you can see a variety of fish, corals, and other marine creatures. You can also visit the lighthouse located on the island, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding waters.
  5. Isola di Francesco
    Isola di Francesco is a small island located off the coast of Tagbilaran City, which is known for its picturesque landscape and serene surroundings. The island is home to a small chapel and a statue of St. Francis of Assisi, which offers a perfect place for quiet contemplation and reflection. You can also enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the island's white sand beaches.

What to Expect during the Trip

Island hopping in Bohol is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the province. The trip usually starts early in the morning, where you will be picked up by a boat or a pump boat from your hotel or a designated meeting place. The tour usually lasts for a whole day, and you will visit multiple islands and islets during the trip.

The boat ride can be bumpy, so it's essential to bring motion sickness medicine if you're prone to motion sickness. It's also crucial to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays. You should also bring a waterproof camera to capture the stunning views and unforgettable memories of the trip.

Most island hopping tours in Bohol include lunch and refreshments, but it's best to confirm with the tour operator beforehand to avoid any surprises. The lunch is usually a buffet-style meal with various Filipino dishes and fresh seafood. Vegetarian and other dietary options may be available upon request, but it's best to inform the tour operator in advance.

During the island hopping tour, you can expect to enjoy various water activities such as snorkeling, diving, swimming, and kayaking. The tour guide will provide you with snorkeling gear and life jackets, and you'll have ample time to explore the underwater world and appreciate the marine biodiversity of Bohol.

You can also expect to visit some of the most picturesque islands and islets in Bohol, where you can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the stunning views. Some islands, such as Pamilacan Island, are known for their wildlife, and you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins and whales during the trip.

Overall, island hopping in Bohol is an adventure-packed day full of fun, relaxation, and breathtaking views. It's an excellent way to discover the hidden gems of the province and create unforgettable memories.

How to Prepare for Island Hopping in Bohol

To make the most out of your island hopping experience in Bohol, it's essential to prepare adequately for the trip. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

  1. Book your tour in advance. Island hopping tours in Bohol are popular, especially during peak season, so it's best to book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment. You can book your tour online or through a travel agency.
  2. Check the weather forecast. The weather in Bohol can be unpredictable, so it's best to check the weather forecast a few days before your trip. It's not recommended to go on an island hopping tour during bad weather, as it can be dangerous and uncomfortable.
  3. Bring appropriate clothing and footwear. It's essential to wear comfortable clothing and footwear during the island hopping tour. You should wear a swimsuit and bring a cover-up or a light jacket to protect yourself from the sun. It's also best to wear comfortable shoes or sandals that you can wear in and out of the water.
  4. Bring enough cash and small bills. Some islands in Bohol may not have ATMs or establishments that accept credit cards, so it's best to bring enough cash with you. It's also best to bring small bills, as some stores and vendors may not have change for larger bills.
  5. Respect the environment and wildlife. Bohol is home to a diverse range of marine life and wildlife, so it's important to respect the environment and wildlife during the tour. Don't litter or damage the coral reefs, and avoid touching or disturbing the marine creatures.

Conclusion

Island hopping in Bohol is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the province. With numerous islands and islets scattered around the province, island hopping is the perfect way to discover the hidden gems and secret spots of Bohol. Whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing day out, island hopping in Bohol has something for everyone. By following the tips and guidelines provided in this travel guide, you can prepare for an adventure of a lifetime and create unforgettable memories in one of the most beautiful destinations in the Philippines.

Further Visayas Island Hopping

Island Hopping is a popular part of any Bohol adventure. Visit Bohol and then go off gallivanting to other islands. That is the best way to see the sights, hear the sounds and feel the warmth of every hospitable Filipino!

Bohol Island Hopping is easy because Bohol is a strategic link to the Visayas, Mindanao and Luzon. It is part of the Philippine Government’s Strong Republic Nautical Highway or SRNH wherein it is connected to other provinces of the country through RORO, cargo vessels, ferryboats, and fast crafts with the aim of enhancing investment opportunities, agro-industrial development, trade and commerce and tourism pursuits.

Yes! With SRNH, Bohol is now connected to the islands of Camiguin, Siquijor, Cebu, Mactan, Mindanao and Leyte thru RORO vessels and ferryboats. With the availability of RORO vessels, you can now travel to Mindanao and Luzon while bringing with you your own modes of transportation.

Or you can ride air-conditioned buses that ply the routes to Mindanao via Ubay port in Bohol to Leyte and then to Surigao and from there to all other towns and cities of Mindanao. Also from Bohol to Leyte then off to other provinces of the Visayas towards Luzon.

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A frequently asked question is how to get to Boracay from Bohol or vice versa. So here are some advice ...

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Camiguin Island

Camiguin surpasses Bohol in one aspect: it is home to 7 volcanoes! In fact, no other island in Southeast Asia has this number of volcanoes and one active at that! The island also has hot and cold springs, waterfalls, black and white sand beaches and wondrous dive sites; not the mention all the other man-made attractions. A trek up Mt. Hibok-Hibok, the island’s active volcano is such a thrill– enough to make your day! It is also home to the sweetest lanzones in the Philippines.

Olango Island Group

The Olango Island Group is composed of Olango Island and six (6) satellite islets namely: Sulpa, Hilutungan, Nalusuan, Caohagan, Pangan-an and Camungi. Olango Island is home to the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, a 920-hectare of protected wetland which is the refuge of thousands of migratory birds. The waters around Olango and its neighboring islets are rich in aquatic life and several dive sites have been identified.

Cebu Island

Cebu, among the Central Visayas islands, is nearest to Bohol. Several ferryboat trips ply the Bohol-Cebu route. The island of Cebu, like Bohol, is a rich tropical paradise; and the City of Cebu is a hub of trade and commerce, not only at present but since pre-Hispanic times. Aside from many heritage sites, Mother Nature also blessed this island with white sand beaches, waterfalls, dive sites and more!

Mactan Island

Mactan Island is connected to Cebu by a bridge and is accessible also by ferryboat from Cebu City. The island of Mactan and Cebu both played significant roles in the annals of Philippine history and monuments were put up to commemorate these historic events. Aside from some heritage sites, the island has several dive sites and white sand beaches only a few minutes away from the Mactan International Airport.

Siquijor Island

Siquijor Island is otherwise known as the Sunshine Island and has its share of God’s bounty with the presence of fine, white sand beaches, caves, springs and waterfalls. The island also boasts of a national park and a marine sanctuary aside from heritage churches and monuments. Its cultural attractions are the Folk Healing Festival and the Solili Festival which is the highlight during the Siquijor Charter Day celebration.

Negros Island

Negros Island is divided into 2 provinces namely: Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. Negros Occidental is on the western side of the island and is famous for its Masskara Festival which is celebrated every 3rd week of October. On the eastern side lies the province of Negros Oriental which is known for its Spanish culture, scenic tourist attractions and festivals. Bacolod City is the largest city of Negros Occidental while in Negros Oriental; Dumaguete City is the most flourishing. Ferryboats ply the Tagbilaran-Dumaguete route and vice versa.

Leyte Island

The island of Leyte is divided into two namely: Leyte and Southern Leyte. In the annals of history, Leyte played a vital role. This is where the historic landing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur with the American liberation forces occurred. Leyte is also the place where the 1st Mass in Philippine soil was held. The island boast of a violin-shaped lake, Lake Danao, hemmed in by cloud-capped mountain ranges. It is also home to the famous Sto. Niño Shrine and the Heritage Museum.

Mindanao Island

Mindanao is the second largest island of the Philippines and is one of three island groups in the country along with Luzon and Visayas. Mt. Apo of Davao, the highest peak in the Philippines is in Mindanao as well as the largest lake in Mindanao and second in the country, Lanao Lake. Bohol is connected to Mindanao in several points. From the port of Jagna, RORO vessels and other ferryboats ply the Jagna-Cagayan de Oro route. It is only a few hours travel to the city of Iligan which is home to the Maria Cristina Falls and the now much visited Tinago Falls. From Iligan City, it takes only about 45 minutes to reach Marawi City and the Lanao Lake, the largest lake in Mindanao and the second largest in the country.

From Jagna, ferryboats also travel direct to Butuan City and Nasipit and vice versa. Nasipit is a town of the province of Agusan del Norte which has the major seaport of the province, the Nasipit International Port or Port of Nasipit.  

Top Bohol Attraction guides

  1. Best Bohol Tour Packages for 2023: Unforgetable Trips
  2. Bohol Island Tours: Discovering the Natural Charm by Locals
  3. Best of Bohol Attractions: Natural, Cultural, Heritage + More
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  7. Bohol Baroque Churches: A Glorious Testament to Filipino Faith
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  10. Bohol Adventure: The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Sports Activities
  11. Best of Bohol White Sand Beaches for Your Next Island Getaway
  12. Bohol Island Hopping: Best Experience Tours   
  13. Whale and Dolphin Watching A Comprehensive Guide
  14. Bohol Diving: Discover the World Famous Underwater Paradise
  15. Stand-up Paddle Boarding Bohol: the Fastest Growing Sport
  16. Bohol Adventure and Eco Parks
  17. Things to Do in Bohol  |  Best things to do Bohol
  18. Panglao Island | 45 Things to Do in Panglao

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