Snorkel with Sardines, Cebu
Philippines- Cebu & Bohol
07 Days
Cebu City • Moalboal • Badian • Mactan Island • Panglao • Bohol Countryside • Balicasag Island
Discover the contrasting landscapes of Cebu and Bohol on a seven-day journey through the Philippine Visayas. Explore Cebu’s historic landmarks, snorkel among the remarkable sardine shoals of Moalboal and venture through the river canyons leading to Kawasan Falls. Cruise between the tropical islands of Mactan before crossing to Bohol, where the extraordinary Chocolate Hills, tiny Philippine tarsiers, historic churches and palm-lined Loboc River reveal a different side of island life. Conclude with an early-morning dolphin-watching excursion and snorkelling around the protected marine waters of Balicasag Island.
Highlights
Cebu’s historic landmarks and heritage
Moalboal’s spectacular sardine run
Kawasan Falls guided canyoneering
Mactan’s tropical island-hopping adventure
Bohol’s extraordinary Chocolate Hills
Philippine tarsiers and Loboc River
Balicasag Island’s coral reefs and dolphins
Day 1 — Arrival in Cebu | Heritage and Island History
Arrive at Mactan–Cebu International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, begin discovering Cebu’s rich cultural heritage on a half-day excursion through the historic heart of the city.
Visit the Cebu Heritage Monument, which depicts significant episodes from the island’s past, followed by Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, two important landmarks in the Philippines’ religious history. Continue towards Mactan Island to see Magellan’s Shrine and the Lapu-Lapu Monument, commemorating the historic encounter between European explorers and local communities.
Alternatively, travellers seeking panoramic scenery may choose an excursion into Cebu’s highlands, including the Sirao Flower Farm, Temple of Leah and TOPS viewpoint, subject to opening arrangements.
Return to Cebu City for the evening.
Overnight: Cebu City
Day 2 — Moalboal and Kawasan Falls | Marine Encounters and Canyon Adventure
Depart early for Moalboal on Cebu’s southwestern coast, where a remarkable underwater spectacle awaits. Begin with a snorkelling excursion above coral gardens before experiencing the famous sardine run, as immense shoals move through the water in constantly shifting formations. Keep watch for sea turtles, which may be encountered in the surrounding coastal waters.
Continue towards Badian for a guided canyoneering adventure through a landscape of clear streams, rocky passages and natural pools. Accompanied by a qualified local guide, navigate sections of the canyon on foot and through the water, with optional jumps and slides where conditions permit. The experience culminates at the beautiful Kawasan Falls, where turquoise pools and cascading water provide a striking setting amid tropical vegetation.
After the excursion, return to Cebu City. This is a physically demanding day involving an early start, a substantial road journey and active outdoor experiences. Participation in the more strenuous sections should be guided by personal fitness and prevailing conditions.
Overnight: Cebu City
Day 3 — Mactan Island Hopping | Coral Gardens and Tropical Shores
Today is devoted to the islands and marine landscapes surrounding Mactan. Transfer to the departure pier and board a traditional outrigger boat for an excursion to three distinctive island destinations.
Begin at Gilutongan Island, known for its marine sanctuary and opportunities to observe coral formations and tropical fish while snorkelling. Continue to Nalusuan Island, where shallow waters and reef environments create an inviting setting for swimming and exploring the marine landscape.
The final stop is Caohagan Island, offering a glimpse of the quieter rhythms of local island life. Spend time along the sandy shoreline, enjoy the coastal scenery and appreciate the contrast between the small island communities and Cebu’s more urban surroundings.
The order of the island visits may vary according to tides, weather and local operating conditions. Return by boat to Mactan and transfer to Cebu City.
Overnight: Cebu City
Day 4 — Cebu to Bohol | A Crossing into the Countryside
After breakfast, transfer to Cebu’s passenger ferry terminal for the scheduled crossing to Tagbilaran, Bohol. The journey generally takes around two hours, depending on the service and operating conditions.
On arrival, meet your local representative and continue by road to Panglao Island, your base for exploring Bohol. The afternoon may be spent at leisure, enjoying the coastline or settling into the island’s relaxed atmosphere.
Alternatively, take a gentle half-day excursion through the nearby heritage and natural attractions. Visit Panglao Church and its historic watchtower, explore the limestone formations of Hinagdanan Cave, and continue to Dauis Church and Mama Mary’s Well. If time permits, a visit to Bohol Bee Farm or the Nova Shell Museum can add another perspective on the island’s local traditions and natural environment.
Return to Panglao for the evening, preparing for the following day’s journey through Bohol’s countryside.
Overnight: Panglao Island, Bohol
Day 5 — Bohol Countryside | Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers and Loboc River
Overnight: Panglao Island, Bohol
Set out after breakfast on a full-day excursion into Bohol’s interior, where distinctive geological formations, tropical forests and cultural landmarks reveal the island’s varied character.
Begin at the celebrated Chocolate Hills, a remarkable landscape of rounded, grass-covered hills extending across the countryside. Their appearance changes with the seasons, creating a distinctive pattern across the surrounding terrain.
Continue through the Bilar Man-Made Forest, where a dense corridor of trees shades the road. Visit a designated tarsier conservation area to observe the Philippine tarsier, a small, nocturnal primate. Follow the centre’s guidelines to minimise disturbance to these sensitive animals.
The cultural dimension of the day continues at Baclayon Church, an important historic religious landmark, followed by the Blood Compact Shrine, which commemorates a significant event in Philippine history.
Later, enjoy a leisurely cruise along the palm-lined Loboc River, taking in the surrounding greenery and riverside scenery. Return to Panglao in the afternoon.
Day 6 — Balicasag Island | Dolphins and Underwater Gardens
Overnight: Panglao Island, Bohol
Begin the morning with an early boat departure into the waters surrounding Panglao and Balicasag Island. As the boat crosses the open sea, look for wild dolphins moving through their natural habitat. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the early departure offers an opportunity to experience the marine environment during the quieter morning hours.
Continue to Balicasag Island, whose protected waters are known for their coral reefs and diverse marine life. Subject to local regulations and sea conditions, enjoy a guided snorkelling excursion to explore the underwater landscape, with opportunities to observe colourful reef fish and, potentially, sea turtles.
Time is also reserved to appreciate the island’s coastal scenery and relax along its shores before the return boat journey to Panglao.
This excursion is dependent on weather, visibility and marine conditions. The sequence of stops may be adjusted by the local boat operator, with safety and conservation taking priority.
Return to Panglao for a final evening in Bohol.
Day 7 — Departure from Bohol | Farewell to the Visayas
Enjoy a relaxed morning, depending on your onward travel schedule. After checking out, transfer to Bohol–Panglao International Airport for your departure flight.
As the journey concludes, reflect on a week of contrasting island experiences: Cebu’s historic landmarks and adventurous coast, Mactan’s marine sanctuaries, and Bohol’s sculpted hills, wildlife and peaceful river landscapes.
The tour concludes with your departure from Bohol, carrying memories of the natural and cultural diversity of the Philippine Visayas.
Programme developed from the supplied seven-day Cebu and Bohol itinerary, with independently rewritten descriptions and no hotel names or meal details.
