4 Dolphin Watching Trips in the Philippines to Build a Day Around

1.Dolphin Watching & Sea Turtle Swim Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 159 reviews · 6 hours · from $49Our pick

Start before sunrise from Panglao or Dauis, then cruise toward the dolphin grounds before heading to Balicasag Island. Local guides such as Sarah, Paulen, and Fatima organize turtle snorkeling, reef stops, gear, and transfers. Expect a shared boat, loud engines, possible crowds, and a ₱500 environmental fee, but excellent value at $49.

“This was a highlight of my trip. Paulen is an excellent guide - kind, knowledgeable, and very helpful. I felt safe at all times on the boat and swimming in the water and he went out of the way to make our trip better such as coming to find us during the free time to tell/show us another turtle that had popped up. We saw many dolphins, turtles, and fish. The corals were fantastic. Would definitely book again!”

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2.Pamilacan Island Dolphin/Turtle Watching Tour & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 96 reviews · 8 hours · from $70

Start early at Abraham Bohol with coffee, then ride by local boat toward Pamilacan Island while watching for dolphins. Snorkel with turtles and around the Coral Garden, eat a homemade Filipino lunch, walk through the village, and enjoy quiet beach time. Guides such as Ruby, Sarah, and Dan have been praised for attentive care and clear explanations.

“The morning boat cruising with the dolphins was the best start of the day and our experience from Panglao till Pamilacan Island. The people on the island are very hosting and friendly. We enjoy eating the local food, in snorkelling with the turtles and in the coral garden too. If you like an adventure, little escape n feeling freed from every day working life …. we recommend to go on this trip 🐬🪼🐠🌊❤️”

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3.Bohol Dolphin Watching, Balicasag, and Virgin Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.2 · 29 reviews · 5 hours · from $51

Start before sunrise from Panglao for dolphin watching, then snorkel Balicasag Island among coral, fish, and possible sea turtles. Finish at Kalipayan Beach or, when operating, Virgin Island’s sandbar. The $51 shared boat tour includes transfers, gear, fees, and English or Tagalog crew support, but expect crowds and long time on the water.

“Snorkeling was nice, but a few comments need to be made. None of us were able to communicate with the boat crew, as they couldn’t explain to us what to do or what to bring once we arrived at the island. The bigger problem was that our boat had no sun shade. Supposedly it was broken. The sun was harsh on everyone. What was almost funny was that the local staff at the place where we departed told us that shade wasn’t actually necessary because there would be clouds anyway. I’ve never heard such nonsense before. So yes, overall the trip did not leave a good impression.”

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4.Dolphin Watching, Turtle Swim and Party Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 27 reviews · 5 hours · from $69Top rated

You’ll start early from Panglao for dolphin watching near Pamilacan Island, then snorkel with turtles and reef fish at Balicasag. A local guide helps in the water and records underwater photos and videos. After a Filipino lunch, enjoy drinks, music, and a relaxed beach-party setup before returning to Panglao.

“We had an amazing day on this snorkel tour! The weather was perfect, we even spotted dolphins and enjoyed the included drinks (beer, soda and rum) along the way. Snorkeling was great and the guide took GoPro footage, which resulted in some fantastic photos and videos we received afterward. Lunch on the island was simple but good and well organized. Although there was no island party, it didn’t take away from the overall experience. Overall, it was a fun, relaxed and very enjoyable experience that we would definitely recommend.”

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