Abatan River Bohol Firefly Watching Cruise | With Dinner

Experience a magical night in Bohol as you cruise down Abatan River while a sea of fireflies dances around you. This river cruise, combined with a sumptuous local dinner in the coastal town of Baclayon, is perfect for nature lovers and urban-dwellers who want to go an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the island province.

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The trip begins when you are picked up from your accommodation in Bohol and taken to Cresencia Restaurant for a specialty dinner of local dishes and delicacies. The cozy restaurant, located on the ground floor of an ancestral house, is well-known for its homey feel and delicious homemade recipes. After finishing your meal, you will make your way to the Abatan River in the town of Cortes, where you will be transferred to a sampan, a makeshift flat-bottomed Chinese wooden boat. From there, you will raft through the waters as you wait for the show to start.

Abatan River is one of the most diverse mangrove forests in the Philippines, with 30 out of 44 mangrove species found there. Shortly after the start of the cruise, you will notice the sparkling lights coming from the trees lining the river until the whole mangrove forest is festooned with the myriad lights of fireflies. As you cruise through the peaceful and still waters and paddle deeper into the mangrove, the sound of crickets will permeate the centuries-old swamp, signaling a healthy ecosystem. Along the way, you will see the riverside communities that benefit from the waterways and protect the area that sustains its livelihood. The hour-long ride will reward you with magical sights, unpolluted air, and cool winds brushing against your face. 

Do something different in Bohol and go on a nighttime rafting trip on the Abatan River to see thousands of fireflies. Check availability by choosing a date.