Panglao Island Hopping: Virgin Island, Balicasag and the Best Spots

From the shores of Panglao Island in Bohol, the sea stretches southwest toward a cluster of small islands and underwater sanctuaries that represent some of the Philippines finest snorkeling and diving. A day of island hopping from Alona Beach is one of the best days you can spend anywhere in the Visayas, a procession of turquoise water, white sand, marine life encounters, and the particular freedom that comes from spending all day on the sea.

Virgin Island: The Sandbar Experience

Virgin Island is not technically an island, it is a sandbar, a long stretch of white sand that rises from the sea between Panglao and Balicasag, surrounded entirely by shallow, clear water. At low tide, the sandbar is wide enough to walk across. At high tide, it partially submerges and the effect of standing ankle-deep in the open sea is one of the most photogenic moments in the Philippines. The snorkeling around Virgin Island is excellent, coral gardens in 1 to 3 meters of water, dense with reef fish and the occasional turtle.

Balicasag Island: The Main Event

Balicasag Island is about 6 kilometers southwest of Panglao, surrounded by a marine sanctuary with some of the most pristine coral walls in the Philippines. The wall on the eastern side drops dramatically from 5 meters to over 40 meters, covered in enormous table corals, sea fans, and soft coral colonies. Snorkelers can stay in the shallower section and still see sea turtles, large schools of jacks and snappers, and reef sharks patrolling the drop. Our Panglao island hopping tour includes both islands with snorkel equipment and a guide. We also offer a dedicated Balicasag Island diving and snorkeling tour.

Arranging the Tour and What to Bring

Tours can be arranged directly from Alona Beach for PHP 1,200 to 1,800 per person including snorkel gear, boat fees, and sanctuary entrance charges. Bring reef-safe sunscreen only since regular sunscreen damages coral. The water around Panglao is calmest and clearest during the dry season: November through May. Aim for an 8 AM departure, as the morning is calmer and less crowded than the afternoon. Staying on Panglao overnight lets you be on the water at the right time and stay as long as you like.