The Best Beaches in Bohol Philippines
Imagine a place where the sun kisses white sandy beaches, where every wave tells a story, and where nature sings its lullaby. Welcome to Bohol, a paradise in the Philippines that promises unforgettable beach memories. Whether you’re an adventurer at heart or someone seeking solace by the sea, Bohol has something for everyone. Let’s embark on this sun-soaked journey together and explore the beaches in Bohol, shall we?
Alona Beach Panglao
Alona Beach, located on Panglao Island, is often the first stop for tourists. It’s the most developed beach in Panglao and is bustling with beach resorts, restaurants, and diving shops. The beach is perfect for those who love to be where the action is. Fancy a boat ride? You can hop on a boat to nearby Virgin Island and Balicasag Island for some snorkeling.
- How to Get There: A tricycle ride from Tagbilaran City will take you straight to Alona.
- What to Expect: Beachfront bars, fire dancers at night, and a lot of dining options.
- Cost: While the beach is free, expect to pay for beach beds or umbrellas.
Most Famous Activity:
- Island hopping to nearby Virgin Island and Balicasag Island. Dive into the Bohol Sea and discover a world beneath that’s teeming with marine life.
- Freediving, a unique underwater experience where divers explore the marine world by holding their breath, getting up close with the vibrant marine life around Alona Beach.
Bagobo Beach
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A hidden place on Panglao Island, Bagobo Beach offers a more serene experience. With its shallow waters and palm-fringed coastline, it’s a perfect spot for relaxation. And if you’re into diving, the nearby waters offer some of the best diving spots in Bohol.
- How to Get There: From Tagbilaran City, a 30-minute tricycle ride will take you to Bagobo. If you’re in Panglao, a short 10-minute ride is all it takes.
- What to Expect: A peaceful ambiance, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing.
- Cost: Free access, but some areas might charge for amenities.
Most Famous Activity:
- Snorkeling near Arco Point, a renowned diving spot.
Danao Beach
Adjacent to Alona is Danao Beach. Quieter and less commercialized, it’s a favorite for those who prefer a more laid-back beach experience. The beach resorts here, like Alumbung Resort, offer a mix of local and modern amenities.
- How to Get There: A mere 5-minute tricycle ride from Alona or 35 minutes from Tagbilaran City.
- What to Expect: A quieter beach experience with fewer crowds.
- Cost: Generally free, but some resorts might charge for certain facilities.
Most Famous Activity:
- Beach hopping from Danao to Alona, exploring the coastline.
Bolod Beach
Another star attraction on Panglao Island, Bolod Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand. It’s also home to the famous Bohol Beach Club. Whether you’re looking to sunbathe or play beach volleyball, Bolod Beach has something for everyone.
- How to Get There: About 40 minutes by tricycle from Tagbilaran City or a 15-minute ride from Panglao center.
- What to Expect: A serene environment with clear blue waters, perfect for relaxation.
- Cost: While the beach itself is free, the Bohol Beach Club have entry fees for non-guests.
Most Famous Activity:
- Watersports, including jet skiing and banana boat rides.
Doljo Beach
Crystal-clear blue waters, a backdrop of palm trees, and fewer crowds – that’s Doljo Beach for you. Located on the western tip of Panglao Island, it’s a favorite spot for sunset lovers. The nearby Doljo House Reef is a haven for snorkelers.
- How to Get There: A 45-minute tricycle ride from Tagbilaran or 20 minutes from Panglao.
- What to Expect: A tranquil beach setting with fewer tourists, making it perfect for a peaceful day out.
- Cost: Free, but diving activities might have associated costs.
Most Famous Activity:
- Scuba diving at Doljo House Reef, where you can witness a vibrant marine ecosystem.
Lintuan Beach
Ever heard of a beach that changes its shape with the tide? Lintuan Beach in Loon is one such marvel. With its white sands and clear waters, it’s a must-visit.
- How to Get There: Around an hour’s tricycle ride from Tagbilaran City or 30 minutes from Panglao.
- What to Expect: A less commercialized beach, offering a more authentic Bohol experience.
- Cost: Free.
Most Famous Activity:
- Simply lounging and enjoying the untouched beauty of the beach.
Pamilacan Island
A short boat ride from Panglao takes you to Pamilacan Island. Known for dolphin watching, it’s a destination that nature lovers shouldn’t miss. The island also boasts of white beaches perfect for a day of relaxation.
- How to Get There: Boat rides from Panglao or Tagbilaran City, usually organized as tours.
- What to Expect: A remote island experience with basic amenities.
- Cost: Boat ride costs vary based on the tour operator.
Most Famous Activity:
- Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours, offering a chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Dumog Sandbar
Imagine a strip of sand that appears and disappears with the tide. That’s the magic of Dumog Sandbar. Located between Bohol and Cebu, it’s a favorite spot for picnics and beach games.
- How to Get There: It’s a 30-minute boat ride from Tagbilaran City. If you’re staying in Panglao, you can arrange for a boat trip that often includes island hopping to Dumog Sandbar.
- What to Expect: A pristine, transient stretch of sand surrounded by the clear blue waters of the Bohol Sea. The sandbar isn’t commercialized, so it’s all about the raw beauty of nature here.
- Cost: The boat trip cost varies, but once you’re on the sandbar, there’s no entrance fee.
Most Famous Activity:
- Walking the length of the sandbar, feeling the cool waters on both sides, and taking in the panoramic views of the sea and surrounding islands.
Cabilao Island
For those who love diving, Cabilao Island is the place to be. With its vibrant marine life, including hammerhead sharks, it offers one of the best diving experiences in Bohol.
- How to Get There: From Tagbilaran City, take a tricycle to Mocpoc on the mainland, and then a local boat to Cabilao.
- What to Expect: A serene island vibe with fewer tourists. The waters here are teeming with marine life, including the occasional sighting of hammerhead sharks.
- Cost: Diving costs vary based on the dive shop and the type of dive. The island itself doesn’t have an entrance fee, but some resorts might charge for amenities.
Most Famous Activity:
- Diving, especially at the famous dive spots like the Lighthouse and Cambaquiz Point.
Bagonbanwa Island
A private island experience awaits you at Bagonbanwa Island. With its luxurious resorts and untouched beaches, it’s a slice of paradise.
- How to Get There: It’s about a 45-minute boat ride from Tagbilaran City. If you’re in Panglao, you can include Bagonbanwa in your island-hopping itinerary.
- What to Expect: A tranquil environment with untouched beauty. The coral gardens here are vibrant and home to a variety of fish species.
- Cost: Being a private island, there might be an entrance fee or charges for specific activities.
Most Famous Activity:
- Snorkeling in the coral gardens and enjoying the serene beachfront.
Anda Beach
Anda Beach, located in the southern part of Bohol Island, is a hidden gem among the popular beaches in Bohol. With its stretch of white sand beach, it’s a destination in Bohol that’s perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
- How to Get There: About 2 hours by car from Tagbilaran City. If you’re in Panglao, it’s a 2.5-hour drive.
- What to Expect: A peaceful ambiance, clear turquoise waters, and a pristine shoreline.
- Cost: Free access, but some resorts nearby might charge for amenities.
Most Famous Activity:
- Exploring the nearby caves and taking a dip in the cool, freshwater pools.
Dumaluan Beach
Dumaluan Beach is another Panglao Island treasure. Located just a short ride from Alona Beach, it offers a more relaxed vibe. The beach lies along a beautiful stretch of white sand, making it one of Bohol’s best beaches.
- How to Get There: A 40-minute tricycle ride from Tagbilaran City or just 10 minutes from Alona Beach.
- What to Expect: A family-friendly beach with shallow waters, perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Cost: There’s a minimal entrance fee, which goes to maintaining the beach’s cleanliness and facilities.
Most Famous Activity:
- Building sandcastles and enjoying picnics under the shade of palm trees.
Balicasag Island
Balicasag Island is a marine sanctuary and a diver’s dream come true. Located just off the coast of Panglao Island, Balicasag is renowned not just for its stunning white sand beach, but more so for the vibrant underwater world it hosts.
- How to Get There: From Alona Beach in Panglao, you can take a boat ride to Balicasag. It’s a popular destination for island hopping tours, and the journey offers a scenic view of the Bohol Sea.
- What to Expect: A relatively small island, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty. The waters surrounding Balicasag are crystal clear, making it perfect for snorkeling and diving. The island is surrounded by various dive spots, each offering a unique underwater experience.
- Cost: There’s a minimal fee to set foot on the island, and diving costs vary based on the dive shop and type of dive.
Most Famous Activity:
- Diving and snorkeling are the top activities here. The island is surrounded by rich coral reefs teeming with marine life. From colorful fishes to sea turtles, the underwater world of Balicasag is a spectacle. One of the best diving spots here is the “Black Forest” which is known for its black corals and diverse marine species.
Virgin Island
Often included in island hopping tours, Virgin Island is a small island off the coast of Panglao. It’s famous for its sandbar, where the whole beach can be explored on foot during low tide.
- How to Get There: A 20-minute boat ride from Alona Beach or 30 minutes from Tagbilaran City’s port.
- What to Expect: A pristine sandbar, turquoise waters, and a sense of tranquility.
- Cost: There’s a small entrance fee, and boat rental costs vary.
Most Famous Activity:
- Island hopping and snorkeling in the surrounding clear waters.
Momo Beach
Momo Beach, located on Panglao Island, is a quieter alternative to the bustling Alona Beach. It’s a beautiful beach with a convenient location, away from the crowds but still close to the attractions of Panglao.
- How to Get There: A 45-minute tricycle ride from Tagbilaran City or 25 minutes from Panglao center.
- What to Expect: A peaceful beach setting, perfect for relaxation and snorkeling.
- Cost: Free access, but some areas might charge for amenities.
Most Famous Activity:
- Snorkeling and exploring the vibrant marine life in the coral gardens.
Bikini Beach
Bikini Beach is a lesser-known spot in Bohol, making it a perfect escape for those looking to avoid the crowds. Its name might be playful, but its beauty is seriously breathtaking.
- How to Get There: About an hour’s drive from Tagbilaran City or 40 minutes from Panglao.
- What to Expect: A secluded beach experience with clear waters and fine sand.
- Cost: Generally free, but local vendors might charge for certain activities.
Most Famous Activity:
- Simply lounging on the beach and enjoying the serenity.
Although there’s no shortage of tourist attractions in Bohol, remember that there’s also a world of breathtaking beaches waiting to be explored. From the bustling shores of Alona Beach to the tranquil beauty of Bagonbanwa Island, Bohol promises an unforgettable beach experience. So, when’s your next trip to this tropical paradise?
Additional Information
- Flights to Bohol land at Panglao International Airport, making it easily accessible.
- Tricycles, boats, and even motorbikes are popular modes of transport.
- Respect local customs, and always ensure you leave the beaches as pristine as you found them.