Panglao and Balicasag
Bohol's beach island, with a short boat ride to one of the best-known marine sanctuaries in the Visayas.
Quick answer
- What it is: Panglao, a small island joined to Bohol by bridges, and Balicasag, a marine sanctuary island offshore.
- Base: Alona Beach, with dive shops, restaurants and boat trips.
- Highlight: snorkelling or diving at Balicasag, known for reef walls and sea turtles.
- Getting there: fly into Bohol-Panglao International Airport, on the island itself, or take a fast ferry from Cebu to Tagbilaran.
- Best time: February to May for calm seas.
Why it is a wonder
Panglao is the island most visitors to Bohol call home. Its best-known beach, Alona Beach, is a strip of white sand lined with dive shops and restaurants, with outrigger boats pulled up along the shore.
The real draw is offshore. Balicasag Island, a small round island off the southwest of Panglao, is surrounded by a protected marine sanctuary. The reef drops away in steep walls, schools of fish hang in the blue, and sea turtles are a common sight. It is one of the most popular dive and snorkel trips in the Visayas.
Beat the crowds
- Book an early boat to Balicasag, ahead of the main island-hopping rush.
- Stay away from Alona’s busiest stretch if you want quiet; Doljo and Dumaluan beaches are calmer.
- Avoid holiday weekends, when local tourists fill the boats.
Getting there
Fly into Bohol-Panglao International Airport, which opened in 2018 and sits on Panglao itself, about 15 to 20 minutes from Alona. You can also take a fast ferry from Cebu City to Tagbilaran, then a 30-minute ride across the bridge to Panglao. See our guide to getting around the Philippines.
A perfect day
- Leave at dawn for dolphin watching on the way to Balicasag.
- Snorkel or dive the Balicasag sanctuary and look for turtles.
- Stop at Virgin Island, the low-tide sandbar, on the way back.
- Watch the sunset from Alona Beach.
Through the seasons
- February to May: dry, calm and the clearest water.
- June to January: more rain, with storms that can cancel boat trips, especially from July to October.
See our guide to the best time to visit.
Respect the place
Balicasag is a no-take sanctuary. Don’t touch coral or turtles, don’t feed fish, use reef-safe sunscreen, and pay the sanctuary fee, which supports its protection.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
How far is Balicasag from Alona Beach?
Roughly 6 to 10 km, about 30 to 45 minutes by bangka depending on the boat and the sea.
Can I snorkel at Balicasag, or is it just for divers?
Both. Snorkellers can see the reef and turtles in the shallows, while divers drop over the walls. Fishing and collecting are banned in the sanctuary.
What else is on the island-hopping tour?
Many tours combine Balicasag with dolphin watching in the early morning and a stop at Virgin Island, a sandbar that appears at low tide.
Is Panglao a good base for the Chocolate Hills?
Yes. The Chocolate Hills, the tarsier sanctuary and the Loboc River are all an easy day trip from Panglao.
Which airport do I use?
Bohol-Panglao International Airport, which replaced the old Tagbilaran airport in 2018 and is on Panglao itself.
Siquijor
A small, easygoing island with turquoise waterfalls, a coral-stone church and a long reputation for magic.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
