Panglao Island Tours and Activities

Panglao Island is located in the Philippines’ Central Visayas region, within Bohol Province, particularly in the north of the Bohol Sea and southeast of Cebu. It’s 6 kilometers from Bohol-Panglao International Airport and 17 kilometers from Tagbilaran City.

Panglao Island tours can be either a half-day or a whole day tour. The best Panglao island hopping tours include Balicasag Island with dolphin watching tour, a majestic marine sanctuary where you can explore 6 unique diving sites, and Virgin Island, an untouched white beach with a C-shaped sandbar. Most Bohol countryside tours also include historical sightseeing around Dauis municipality, where you can visit some of the oldest churches. Panglao Island tours let you go exploring the Hinagdanan Cave, trying the organic meal offerings in the Bohol Bee Farm, going on a Loboc river cruise tour, going on a Chocolate Hills ATV adventure, diving in Bohol, and firefly watching in Bohol.

If you’re coming from Manila, you can take direct flights from NAIA or Clark Airport to the newly opened Panglao International Airport. Hopping on a ferry is an option if you’re traveling from Cebu, which will take around 2 hours. From either the airport or ferry pier, you can choose from private vans, taxis or even tricycles to take you to your hotel. You can also book Bohol transfers for a hassle-free vacation.

Travelers’ favorite beach on Panglao Island is Alona Beach. It is known for its fine white sand, clear blue waters, and a wide choice of beach resorts in Bohol. But if you’re looking to explore other sides of Panglao where you can find other beachfront resorts like Mithi Resort and Bohol Beach Club, you can try the Dumaluan Beach for a longer stretch of white sand, the Momo Beach for your much-needed quiet time while sunset-watching and the Doljo Beach for a different diving experience.

It’s best to explore Panglao Island, one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines, during the country’s dry season, from November to April. But expect a higher volume of travelers during the summer peak season (March to April).

Like going on a usual island trip, you should pack light and bring only things that are necessary for your entire stay. Since you’re most likely to go do outdoor Bohol activities and visit tourist spots in Bohol, we recommend you wear comfortable attire and bring an extra set of clothes. Swimwear is also highly recommended. Although most tours include light snacks and drinks, you may also bring your own packed food and water container.

It depends on the tourist activities and destinations you want to cover. Some stay an average of 3 days and 2 nights, just enough to do full day island hopping tours, go sightseeing around the city, and explore caves and farms. However, if you have extra time and budget to spend, you may want to stay a day or two longer to unwind along Alona Beach and indulge all the best seafood in Panglao.

It depends on the intensity of the rain and wind conditions. The tour operators are responsible to observe and advise you for any changes in the itinerary or cancellations due to bad weather. 

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, it is important to follow safety protocols like wearing a face mask, washing your hands regularly, and practicing social distancing.



Check out the Philippine travel requirements to know the necessary documents you have to present when entering Panglao Island.