Where to Go: the 8 Best Philippines Dolphin Watching Tours

1.Bohol: Dolphin Watching & Sea Turtle Swim Island Tour

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

Start before sunrise from Panglao or Dauis, ride out with local guides such as Sarah, Paulen, or Fatima, and search for wild dolphins along the coast. Then snorkel Balicasag’s coral reefs and turtle areas with gear provided. The six-hour tour includes hotel pickup in Panglao, but not the ₱500 environmental fee.

“I loved the snorkeling and swimming with the turtles! Super friendly guides it was a great experience!”

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2.Bohol: Pamilacan Island Dolphin/Turtle Watching Tour & Lunch

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

Leave Abraham Bohol early for a boat ride across the Bohol Sea, with dolphin watching before snorkeling at Pamilacan Island. You will meet local hosts, eat a homemade Filipino lunch, walk through the village, and relax on the beach. Guides such as Ruby and Sarah are noted for attentive care and clear English.

“Ruby and the team were fantastic. We were lucky enough to see dolphins and swim with sea turtles. Just amazing! 😃👍”

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

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

Start before 6:00 AM from Panglao for a shared pump-boat trip across Bohol’s coastal waters. Look for dolphins, snorkel at Balicasag with masks provided, and swim near sea turtles before a stop at Kalipayan Beach. Virgin Island plans are changing, so confirm the current route before booking.

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4.BOHOL: Dolphin Watching, Turtle Swim and Party Boat

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

Set out from Panglao for sunrise dolphin watching near Pamilacan Island, then spend three hours snorkeling at Balicasag’s marine sanctuary. Local guides provide gear, safety help, underwater photos, Filipino lunch, drinks, and a beach party setup. Strong currents can make the turtle stop challenging for beginners.

“It was good! Tour guides were so friendly and nice! If given a chance to do this again with friends, I'll choose Tarsier Trails again!!”

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5.Bohol Balicasag Is Private Tour and Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 9 reviews · 1 day · from $108

Set out from Panglao with a small group of up to 10 for dolphin watching, island hopping, and a local-led visit to Balicasag Island. You will snorkel among fish, look for turtles, walk through the island village, use a paddle boat, and eat a fresh lunch. Guides such as Jessie may adjust the day around weather and crowds.

“The tour was the highlight of our holiday. Jessie made it very special- a wonderful guide”

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6.Dumaguete: Dolphin Watching & Manjuyod Sandbar Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 8 reviews · 10 hours

Leave Dumaguete early for Bais and Manjuyod Sandbar on a private banca boat tour. You will search for wild dolphins, swim or snorkel in clear water, walk the sandbar, and eat lunch onboard. Pickup is available in Bacong, Dauin, and Zamboanguita. English and Tagalog guide service is included.

“Watching dolphins was fun. Seafood lunch was good. We just lazed in the sandbar afterwards.”

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7.Pamilacan island: Dolphins, snorkel, lunch and walking tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 8 reviews · 8 hours · from $139

From Panglao, you’ll take a private traditional boat to Pamilacan Island for dolphin watching, guided snorkeling, a Boholano lunch, and a walk to a 200-year-old Spanish fort. The day lasts eight hours, includes pickup, and keeps the group private, though the sanctuary can still feel busy at times.

“Tour privato molto piacevole, con tante attenzioni da parte della nostra guida, dell'equipaggio della barca (fantastica!) e degli abitanti dell'isola. Pranzo tipico filippino, coi piedi nella sabbia e di fronte a un mare stupendo, abbiamo nuotato con 7 tartarughe e visto pesci e coralli coloratissimi!! super consigliato!”

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8.Bohol: Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling at Balicasag Island

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 4 reviews · 6 hours · from $45Best value

Set out from Panglao around sunrise to watch dolphins, then snorkel Balicasag’s coral reefs and turtle sanctuary with local islander guides. The $45 shared tour includes boat transport and gear, while private trips add hotel pickup, lunch, and more flexibility. Dolphin sightings depend on nature, and Virgin Island is closed.

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