Snorkeling Balicasag Island: Turtle Sanctuary & Dolphins

Thirty minutes in the turtle area, thirty in the fish zone, with a local paddleboat guide.

Snorkel Balicasag Island's turtle sanctuary and colorful fish area in Bohol on a shared half-day activity with hotel pickup in Panglao Municipality, dolphin watching en route, and a freshly grilled lunch served on the boat. A local paddleboat guide takes groups of two to four to each snorkel site. Lifevests and masks are provided. The activity runs 5 to 6 hours and includes environmental fees and island entry.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and boat tour with lunch

• Meet boatman at Alona Beach
• Boat ride to dolphin sighting area
• Disembark and transfer to paddleboat
• Snorkel 30 minutes at fish area
• Snorkel 30 minutes at turtle sanctuary
• Extra snorkeling at Gak-ang or Doljo
• Enjoy freshly grilled lunch on boat
• Return to meeting point

The experience

What makes this snorkeling different is the structure: you're not just dropped at a reef. The boat ride out covers about 11 kilometers and passes through dolphin feeding areas: seasonal sightings are not guaranteed, but refreshments come onboard while you watch for them. Once at Balicasag Island, you transfer to a small paddleboat with a local guide who knows the sites. Government policy requires all snorkelers to have an island guide, and groups stay small: two to four per paddleboat.

The snorkeling itself splits into two 30-minute rotations. One area is known for big colorful fish. The other is the turtle sanctuary where you'll see them in their natural habitat. Lifevests, snorkels and masks are all provided. Depending on wind conditions, a third snorkel stop may happen at Gak-ang, Doljo or Napaling. Lunch (pork, chicken, shrimp, rice and fruit, grilled fresh while you're in the water) waits on the boat when you return. Vegetarians must notify the operator one day ahead so the meal can be prepared.

Hotel pickup is included for guests staying in Panglao Municipality (Dauis and Tagbilaran are not covered). Boarding happens at Alona Beach or Momo. There may be a wait for paddleboat guide availability once you reach the island, since all tourists must have one before entering the water. The return trip gets you back to your starting point by the end of the half-day window.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Panglao Municipality.
• boat ride with dolphin watching en route.
• paddleboat guide at Balicasag Island for two snorkel sites.
• lifevests, snorkel and mask.
• environmental and entrance fees to the island.
• freshly grilled lunch with pork, chicken, shrimp, rice and fruit.
• coffee and tea onboard.
• restroom on the boat.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Filipino

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Reel Fortune Boat Rental

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Filipino, so choose this one if you're comfortable following commentary in either language. Groups stay under five per paddleboat, which keeps the snorkel sites from feeling crowded and gives the local guide room to point out turtles and fish without shouting over a big group.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Filipino.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I snorkel if I get seasick easily?

The activity is not recommended for travelers prone to seasickness, since the boat ride out is about 11 kilometers and the water conditions vary. If you're uncertain, check with the operator before booking.

What's the turtle sanctuary actually like when you get there?

Balicasag Island's turtle area is a designated snorkel zone where sea turtles feed and rest. You spend 30 minutes there with your paddleboat guide, who is a local islander familiar with where the turtles are most likely to be. It's a popular spot, so the guide helps manage the experience and keeps groups small.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No. Lifevests, snorkels and masks are provided as part of the activity. Snorkeling fins are included on some options. Confirm at checkout which version you've booked.

What happens if dolphins aren't around that day?

Dolphin sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. The boat still travels the dolphin feeding area and refreshments are served onboard, but if the pod has moved to a different feeding ground, you won't see them. The snorkeling at Balicasag Island and the lunch happen regardless.

How does the hotel pickup work from Panglao?

Pickup is included for hotels within Panglao Municipality. You'll need to respond to the operator's email and provide your phone number so they can coordinate the exact time and location. Dauis and Tagbilaran are not included in the pickup zone.

Is there a waiting time once we reach Balicasag Island?

Yes, there may be a wait for paddleboat guide availability. Government policy requires all snorkelers to have a guide before entering the water, and guide availability depends on how many groups are on the island that day. The wait is typically short, but it's part of the half-day timeline.