Tagbilaran City Guide

Panglao Island Beach & Snorkeling Tours from Tagbilaran

Discover the pristine waters and vibrant marine life of Panglao Island with expertly guided beach and snorkeling excursions departing from Tagbilaran City.

18+ tours
From $$30
4-6 hours

Tagbilaran City serves as the gateway to Bohol's most celebrated island destination: Panglao. While the city itself offers historical and cultural sites, its true allure for many visitors lies in its proximity to Panglao's world-renowned beaches and exceptional snorkeling spots. These "Panglao Island Beach & Snorkeling" tours, readily accessible from Tagbilaran, are designed to showcase the island's underwater treasures and sun-drenched shores without the hassle of independent planning. Imagine setting off from the mainland to explore shallow coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, or relaxing on powdery white sands before a refreshing dip in turquoise waters. The tours typically consolidate transport and guide services, making them an efficient and enjoyable way to experience the best of Panglao's coastal offerings right after arriving or before departing from Tagbilaran's seaport or airport.

Featured Panglao Island Beach & Snorkeling Tours

Discover our top picks for panglao island beach & snorkeling in Tagbilaran City

Chocolate hills tour with Tarsier & Loboc river Buffet Lunch (half-day tour)
From $79.47
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

When visiting and having vacation here in Bohol this is a must destination. But with only short of time in exploring Bohol this is the best. This is a half day PRIVATE tour (5-6 hours duration) that covers the main attractions that generally define Bohol is all about. If you are in Cebu City and wanted to have a Day Tour in Bohol this is the best tour you can take to see Bohol. Simply take the earliest morning ferry trip from Cebu City and after two hours you will be here in Bohol touring the day. By late afternoon you take the ferry back to Cebu city. That's Awesome right? Book Now this tour... (Driver Serve as Guide)

4.8(151)
5h
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Private Bohol and Chocolate Hills with Loboc River Cruise
From $107.7
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Join this day tour to explore Bohol, located east of Cebu is an island province that is naturally beautiful and historically rich. Its capital city, Tagbilaran, has tree-lined plazas and stone buildings, including a church built by the Jesuits in the 18th century. The province has gained a reputation as a site of some of the best beaches in the country. Along its coastlines are numerous isles including Panglao, Cabilao, Mahinay and Lapinpin, which are excellent diving spots.

4.7(29)
8h
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Exclusive Bohol,Philippines Chocolate Hills-Tarsier Tour
From $70
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

We have the cheapest tour packages with outstanding service because we greatly care for our clients satisfaction and enjoyment. This is a private tour so it is exclusively for you.

4.6(5)
8h
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Panglao Island Tour
From $60
👤Private Tour

Come along on this half-day adventure to get to know Panglao Island and see the marvel it holds within. This tour is perfect for those travelers who want a quick roundabout of the island upon their arrival. Explore the island of Panglao when you join this half-day excursion in Bohol.

5.0(1)
4h
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Bohol: Transport - Car-Van-MotorBike-Boat
From $38
👤Private Tour

Explore the Tagbilaran city with your own customized itinerary and relax in private air-conditioned vehicle. Venture wherever you’d like or visit recommended Bohol attractions including Churches, markets, museums and park with this 8-10-hour car rental or more including driver and petrol. Pickup and drop-off is included from Hotels in Tagbilaran city area. If you have another places to visit or itinerary that is beyond the city please pick the best package or vehicle.. make sure to check the important details options in Viator to avoid misunderstanding of services offered. Just click the important details and options below with the prices are included..

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Bohol Panglao Island Tour Mirror Of The World With Sunset Viewing
From $70
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Come along on this half-day adventure to get to know Panglao Island and see the marvel it holds within. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a quick round about the island upon their arrival. Explore the island of Panglao when you join this half-day excursion in Bohol. Combining beaches, caves, farms, and churches, this private tour is perfect for those wanting to have the full package experience on the island.

5h
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Bohol: Countryside Eco-Cultural Tour w/ Loboc River Lunch
From $90.5
👤Private Tour

Please pick the right price and option that will fit your needs, some tours have atv or zipline or both. So it is different prices in the selection. This comprehensive tour into the Bohol countryside features plenty of attractions, ideal for the first-time visitors who want to pack a lot into one day. You’ll visit the Chocolate Hills; see Mahogany trees in the Bohol Man Made forest; get a close-up encounter with a Tarsier, a tiny primate; take a 1 or 2 -hour cruise on the Loboc River; Visit the 2nd Oldest Church in the Philippines; visit the 300kg Python and also the Butterfly Garden and visit several historical sites. Enjoy a buffet lunch at a floating restaurant and hear commentary from your informative guide.

5.0(1)
4h
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Bohol Firefly Watching (Private)
From $80
👤Private Tour

Do something different other than the typical things to do in Bohol by going on an evening boating trip in the Abatan River, a perfect opportunity to see a number of fireflies. This stream journey added with a local nearby supper in the waterfront town of Baclayon, is ideal for nature sweethearts and urban-inhabitants seeking tranquility in the island area. As you journey through the serene and still waters and oar more profound into the mangrove, the sound of crickets will pervade the century-old swamp, which shows a healthy ecosystem. En route, you will be seeing the riverside communities that benefit from the waterways, and in return, protect the area that sustains their livelihood along with the endangered flora and fauna that live in it. The hour-long ride will remunerate you with mysterious sights, unpolluted air, and cool breezes brushing against your face.

4.3(7)
3h
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Bohol: Firefly Watching Cruise or Kayaking
From $129.5

Fireflies are familiar, but few realize that these insects are actually beetles, nocturnal members of the family  Lampyridae. Most fireflies are winged, which distinguishes them from other luminescent insects of the same family, commonly known as glowworms. Experience the glow and the very interesting row of the boat us to embark on a private firefly watching cruise in Bohol, it will took like 2 to 4 hours experience in the fireflies area. (And enjoy a fresh,Organic dinner at the Bohol Bee Farm for select packages only). Relax and see the fireflies glow in the dark while cruising along mangroves of the River. You may see five or more trees that is being inhabited by the Fireflies.  Dont forget to bring your camera and make sure it is good in the dark shots.

1.0(1)
3h
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Bohol: Private Firefly Watching Cruise
From $100
👤Private Tour

Fireflies are familiar, but few realize that these insects are actually beetles, nocturnal members of the family Lampyridae. Most fireflies are winged, which distinguishes them from other luminescent insects of the same family, commonly known as glowworms. Experience the glow and the very interesting row of the boat us to embark on a private firefly watching cruise in Bohol, it will took like 2 to 4 hours experience in the fireflies area. (And enjoy a fresh,Organic dinner at the Bohol Bee Farm for select packages only). Relax and see the fireflies glow in the dark while cruising along mangroves of the Abatan River. You may see five or more trees that is being inhabited by the Fireflies.  Dont forget to bring your camera and make sure it is good in the dark shots.

5.0(1)
6h
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Bohol: Tagbilaran City Tour
From $90
👤Private Tour

This tour allows you to take a glance of Bohol's capital city of about 100,000 people, with its old houses and public market. Tagbilaran City has been called the City of Friendship as this is where Captain Miguel Lopez de Legaspi of Spain and Rajah Sika Tuna fostered and sealed a friendly relation between two nations through the Blood Compact (Sandugo). At present, reenactment of this event is done every year thru the Sandugo Street Dancing and Mardigrass. The Dao Central Market displays the abundance of the marine and agricultural products of the province. Every Tuesday and Friday is the market day (tabo), this is day where farmers and traders from the neighboring municipalities will converge in the central market to sell and trade their different agricultural products.

4h
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Bohol: Pamilacan Island Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour
From $194.88
👤Private Tour

Choose the best price and kind of tour you like, we have with whaleshark and pamilacan tour. We have many options and choices. Perfect for island life, Bohol boasts of a number of gorgeous beaches and islands. One such marvel is Pamilacan Island with its white sand beaches and rich biodiversity. Its curious name comes from the local word “pilak”, a large hooked tool used for capturing whale and manta ray, a practice called “mamalak”. Hunting these animals is no longer popular, however as the creatures are now under full protection of the Philippine law. Nestled in the bosom of the Bohol Sea, this tiny island in Barangay Baclayon is less than an hour’s boat ride from the nearby pier. The scenic stretches of white sand and clear waters serve as the great backdrops for either relaxing or more adrenaline-pumping activities outdoors.

5.0(1)
24h
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Bohol Alicia Panoramic Park
From $165
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

ULTIMATE BOHOL NATURE TOUR It is called ultimate as this tour will take you to an incredible experience. Starts 3:30am, 2hrs travel time to the area 1-2hrs hiking, experience to be refreshed, amaze with gift of nature and a lot more.

4.8(8)
12h
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Bohol: Budgeted Country Eco-Cultural Tour
From $112
👤Private Tour

This comprehensive tour into the Bohol countryside features plenty of attractions, ideal for the first-time visitors who want to pack a lot into one day. You’ll visit the Chocolate Hills; see Mahogany trees in the Bohol Man Made forest; get a close-up encounter with a Tarsier, a tiny primate; take a 1 or 2 -hour cruise on the Loboc River; Visit the 2nd Oldest Church in the Philippines; visit the 300kg Python and also the Butterfly Garden and visit several historical sites. Enjoy a buffet lunch at a floating restaurant and feel free to dance and mingle with the locals. Have fun and enjoy the Tour!!

4.0(2)
6h
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Bohol: Firefly Kayaking with Dinner
From $120
👤Private Tour

The Original FIREFLY KAYAKING Tour in Bohol : Be awed by hundreds - sometimes thousands of fireflies in a scene that could have come out of a fantasy movie. Under the ambient moonlight, we will paddle into one of the last pristine mangrove rivers of Bohol, where you will witness one of nature’s most amazing sights. Your guides will be paddlers from the river community who once were mangrove harvesters. Now as kayak guides, they protect the mangrove ecosystem that is key to life in the river. The whole experience is capped with a home cooked Filipino dinner - organic ingredients and locally sourced, prepared by the same community. This Firefly Kayaking trip is our company’s pride in promoting a truly environmentally sustainable and socially responsible ecotourism enterprise. Kayakasia Philippines is an eco-adventure travel company managed by professional kayak guides who explore, design, and then guide their own trips while working directly with the local communities.

2h
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Why Choose Panglao Island Beach & Snorkeling in Tagbilaran City?

Crystal Clear Waters

Panglao's marine sanctuaries boast incredible visibility, perfect for spotting vibrant coral and diverse fish species.

Abundant Marine Life

These tours often visit protected areas where you can encounter turtles, barracudas, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.

Convenient Departures

Tours departing from Tagbilaran City offer easy access for travelers arriving by ferry or plane.

Island Hopping Adventures

Explore multiple famous spots like Balicasag Island and the unique Virgin Island sandbar in a single excursion.

Snorkeling Equipment Included

Most tours provide masks, snorkels, and fins, ensuring you're ready to dive in.

Local Expertise

Benefit from the knowledge of local guides who know the best spots and can point out interesting marine life.

Types of Panglao Island Beach & Snorkeling in Tagbilaran City

Balicasag Island Snorkeling Tour

This popular excursion focuses on the protected marine sanctuary of Balicasag Island, famous for its coral gardens and diverse fish populations. You'll have ample time to snorkel and explore the underwater world.

Snorkeling at Balicasag IslandDolphin watching opportunities (seasonal)Visit to Black Forest coral gardenLunch may be includedBoat transfer from Panglao

Panglao Island Hopping & Beach Tour

Combine snorkeling with visits to some of Panglao's most picturesque beaches and natural attractions. This often includes a stop at the stunning Virgin Island sandbar.

Snorkeling at various reefsVisit to Virgin Island sandbarBeach time at popular spots like Alona BeachPhoto opportunitiesBoat tour

Pamilacan Island Marine Sanctuary Tour

For a slightly more remote experience, Pamilacan Island offers excellent snorkeling and the chance to spot dolphins and whales (seasonal). This tour provides a deeper dive into Bohol's marine conservation efforts.

Snorkeling in Pamilacan's watersDolphin and whale watching (seasonal)Local community interactionPicnic lunch often providedFocus on marine conservation

What to Expect on Panglao Island Beach & Snorkeling Tours

Duration

Tours typically range from 4 to 6 hours, allowing for travel time from Tagbilaran, multiple snorkeling stops, and beach relaxation.

Weather

Expect warm, tropical weather. Tours are generally weather-dependent and may be rescheduled during heavy rain or rough seas for safety.

Group Size

Group sizes can vary from small, intimate trips with just a few people to larger excursions with 10-20 participants.

What's Included

Typically includes boat transport, snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins), and sometimes lunch or snacks. Entrance fees to marine sanctuaries are often extra.

Meeting Point

Most tours depart from designated piers or resorts in Tagbilaran or on Panglao Island itself. Specific meeting points are confirmed upon booking.

Costs

Prices vary based on the tour itinerary and inclusions, but expect to pay between $30 and $70 USD per person. Marine sanctuary fees are usually additional.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.

2

Don't forget reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the delicate coral ecosystems.

3

Bring a waterproof bag for your phone, camera, and personal items.

4

Consider a GoPro or underwater camera to capture the amazing marine life.

5

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

6

Listen carefully to your guide's safety briefing and instructions.

7

Tipping your boat crew and guide is customary if you are satisfied with their service.

8

Check the tides; low tide often reveals the stunning sandbars like Virgin Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:How do I get from Tagbilaran to Panglao Island for a tour?

A: Many tours include pick-up and drop-off services from Tagbilaran City. Alternatively, you can take a short tricycle or taxi ride to your departure point on Panglao Island.

Q:What is the best time of year for snorkeling in Panglao?

A: The dry season, typically from November to May, offers the clearest waters and calmest seas, making it ideal for snorkeling. However, marine life is present year-round.

Q:Are there age or swimming ability restrictions for these tours?

A: Generally, there are no strict age limits, but young children should be accompanied by an adult. While you don't need to be an expert swimmer, basic comfort in the water is recommended for snorkeling.

Q:What should I wear for a beach and snorkeling tour?

A: Light, quick-drying clothing, a swimsuit, and a hat are essential. It's also a good idea to wear water shoes or sandals that you don't mind getting wet.

Q:What if I get seasick?

A: If you're prone to seasickness, consider taking medication beforehand. Many boats offer life vests for added security, and focusing on the horizon can help.

Q:Can I see turtles while snorkeling in Panglao?

A: Yes, particularly around Balicasag Island, turtles are frequently spotted by snorkelers. It's a common and wonderful sight!

Q:Are the tours suitable for beginners who have never snorkeled before?

A: Absolutely. Most tour operators provide basic snorkeling instruction, and the shallow, clear waters around Panglao are very beginner-friendly. Guides are usually on hand to assist.

Don't Miss the Perfect Tagbilaran City Experience

Book your panglao island beach & snorkeling today - 18+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Tagbilaran City?

Discover Bohol's gateway, offering a genuine taste of Filipino island life beyond the usual tourist trails.

Experience the vibrant local markets and warm hospitality of this charming coastal city in Bohol.

It's the perfect base for exploring Bohol's natural wonders and unique cultural heritage sites.

Uncover historical churches and unique landmarks that tell the story of Tagbilaran City's rich past.

Engage with friendly locals and enjoy authentic Filipino cuisine in a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere.

Tagbilaran City provides an authentic entry point to the diverse beauty and culture of Bohol.

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Tagbilaran City experiences a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. It has two main seasons: a dry season from around March to May, and a wet season from June to November, which can bring occasional heavy rainfall. The cooler months are typically from December to February.

Best Months

The best months to visit Tagbilaran City are generally from March to May during the dry season, offering sunny days ideal for exploring. Alternatively, the period from December to February provides slightly cooler temperatures and less humidity, making outdoor activities more comfortable.

Peak Season

The peak tourist season in Tagbilaran City usually coincides with the dry months and major holidays like Christmas and Holy Week. Expect higher visitor numbers, potentially fuller accommodations, and slightly increased prices during this time, but also a vibrant atmosphere.

Off Season

The off-season typically falls within the wet months, from June to November. While there's a higher chance of rain, it's often in short bursts, and you can enjoy fewer crowds and more budget-friendly options for accommodation and tours.

Plan Your Tagbilaran City Trip

Transportation Tips

Getting around Tagbilaran City is quite straightforward. Tricycles are the most common mode of transport for short distances within the city, usually with fixed rates for popular routes. For longer trips or exploring nearby attractions, habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) or rental cars with drivers are readily available. Jeepneys also serve specific routes, offering a more budget-friendly option. Taxis are less common but can be found at key points like the airport and seaport. Planning your travel within Tagbilaran City is easy with these diverse and accessible options.

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Where to Stay

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