9 Days Philippines Group Tour: Island Hopping & Marine Life (Whale Sharks, Dolphins, Turtles)

Welcome to Coron, the third-largest island in the Calamian Islands of northern Palawan, Philippines! On this day, according to your flight or ship schedule, our driver will pick you up at the airport or port and take you to your hotel in the Coron Town area for check-in. You can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Coron, known as the "Utopia on the Sea", is a top destination famous for its white sand beaches, World War II wreck diving sites, beautiful rock formations, and unbelievably clear lakes and waters. The town attracts numerous holidaymakers, divers, snorkelers, and adventure seekers to the Palawan province of the Philippines.

In this late afternoon, you will enjoy a short trek to the summit of Mt. Tapyas, the second tallest mountain and the most iconic landmark in Coron on Busuanga Island. Follow the 724-step stairs to the viewing deck and once at the top, you are treated with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the charming town of Coron. You can take many beautiful photographs here.

Arrival Ideas:

Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU), also known as Busuanga Airport, is located on the western half of Busuanga Island, about 23km (approximately a half-hour drive) from Coron Town Proper. There are flights to Coron from Manila, Bohol, Cebu, and other destinations; and Coron Port, conveniently located close to Coron Town center, is the main port for all ferry arrivals to Coron.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you and your group up at the hotel in Coron Town and take you to enjoy Coron Island Hopping Tour A to Kayangan Lake. You will make your way to the port to board your boat for the day. Indulge your senses as you take a boat to your first stop, the world-renowned Kayangan Lake. Nestled in the heart of Coron, this crystal-clear freshwater oasis beckons with its stunning underwater rock formations, intricate caves, and picturesque islets. It's no wonder that photographers flock to this natural wonder, as it boasts unparalleled beauty and is widely regarded as the cleanest lake in the entire Philippines. As you approach the lake, you'll be awestruck by the towering limestone cliffs that encircle the water, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop for your photos. Beneath the surface, an array of vibrant aquatic life thrives, making it a popular destination for adventurous snorkelers and divers.

Next stop is the breathtaking Green Lagoon. It is some of the cleanest and clearest green water you'll find. A great place to snorkel and kayak. Here, you'll find yourself in shallow and calm water surrounded by some truly majestic limestone structures.

Later, take a boat to Quin Reef, also known as the Malwawey Coral Garden, which is a stunning underwater paradise located in front of Sunset Beach in Coron. It offers a breathtaking display of vibrant coral formations and marine life.

Onwards, transfer to Atwayan Beach, a hidden gem awaiting discovery by avid travelers seeking an untouched paradise. With its pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and small bamboo huts, you can fully relax here.

After, transfer to CYC Beach named after the Coron Youth Club, offering quiet and relaxing beach getaway. The beach has white sand and clear waters, dotted with mangrove trees and rock formations that make for a beautiful beachscape. It is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Finally, enjoy the Coron snorkeling spot known as Las Islas de Coral. This underwater wonderland boasts a dazzling display of colorful marine life amidst a vibrant coral reef. Keep an eye out for sea urchins scattered on the sandy seabed - fins will help you navigate safely. While you're there, soak up the relaxing atmosphere and enjoy lounging or unwinding on this popular rest stop.

After the tour, you will be escorted to your hotel in Coron Town.

After breakfast, you and your group will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to take the activity for “Coron-Reef and Wrecks”.

First, take a 2-hour boat ride to Pass Island, a small beautiful island off of Busuanga in Palawan. With its pristine white sand beaches, swaying coconut trees, and cozy bungalows, Pass Island is a paradise waiting to be discovered. The main beach boasts a long stretch of soft white sand, while secluded coves offer a more intimate and private setting. Indulge in ultimate relaxation as you soak up the sun and unwind on the beach.

Later, continue your exploration at Lusong Coral Garden (also called Sangat Coral Garden). It is considered the largest and best coral garden in Coron, featuring a large scale, a variety of coral species, and rich colors of coral. Explore Lusong Gunboat, a sought-after snorkeling and diving site in Coron Bay. This shallow area boasts a sunken shipwreck at a depth of ten meters, making it ideal for beginners and experts alike. The gunboat, which is approximately 25 meters in length, lies on its side at an angle and its stern can be seen during low tide, offering a fascinating glimpse into history and marine life.

Next, explore Shipwreck, a series of impressive wreck sites for diving and snorkeling in Palawan. There are 12 sunken wartime ships at the bottom of the ocean, the result of an attack on the Imperial Japanese Navy by US Navy aircraft during the Second World War in September 1944. You will have a chance to dive at East Tangat Wreck, which sunk on September 24, 1944 and is believed to have been either a tugboat or an anti-submarine craft. This shipwreck is 40 meters or 130 feet long and 500 gross tons, and it lies listing to starboard down a sandy slope with the stern at 22 meters or 72 feet.

After the tour, you will be escorted to your hotel in Coron Town.

According to your flight schedule, your guide will pick you up and bring you to Coron Airport - Busuanga Island Airport in Palawan, where you will board your domestic flight to Cebu. After half-day Cebu tour, you will take a Ferry to Bohol for overnight.

Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will pick you up to enjoy the half-day Cebu tour to Magellan's Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, and Fort San Pedro.

You can visit Magellan's Cross first. This wooden cross is said to have been planted by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. It symbolizes the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines. You can take photos, learn about the site's history, and admire the local architecture. Then, move to Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. Built in 1565, it is a Roman Catholic basilica known for housing the image of the Santo Niño de Cebu, believed to be one of the oldest Christian images in the Philippines. Enjoy the basilica's beautiful architecture and the Santo Niño image (treasure of the Philippines). Finally, pay a visit to Fort San Pedro which is a Spanish colonial fort that was built in 1738 to defend the island from pirates and invaders. The fort's walls, cannons, and exhibits showcase the history of Bohol. Explore the fort, learn about its history, and enjoy the panoramic views of Tagbilaran City.

Then, take a ferry to Bohol. Bohol is a main island located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. It offers a wide range of options for travelers, from natural attractions to cultural heritage sites and unique island activities. In addition to the cute bug-eyed tarsiers and the majestic Chocolate Hills, there's much more to experience, such as white sand beaches, world-class dive sites, dolphin and whale shark watching, and the generally laid-back provincial of Panglao Island, these are what give Bohol its unique charm.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive (about a 1-hour drive) to Lila town on Panglao Island. And then board a boat for a unique experience of swimming with whale sharks - the largest sharks and fish in the world, typically measuring 9-12 meters in length. The largest individuals can reach up to 20 meters in length and weigh up to 12,500 kg, making them the largest fish species. Whale sharks are known for their gentle nature, slow swimming speed, and often sunbathing at the water's surface. When you have the opportunity to get up close and personal with them, play with them and take pictures, you'll add an unforgettable memory to your extraordinary life. After swimming with the whale sharks, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Take note that seeing whale sharks during this tour is NOT GUARANTEED. Whale sharks are migratory animals, and even during the whale shark season, there is a possibility that you may not encounter one during your tour.

Luch time, you'll board a floating restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal while cruising down the clean and picturesque Loboc River. As you take in the natural surroundings and enjoy a cultural show by the locals, you'll feel a sense of peace and tranquility that is hard to find in the city.

Then, it's on to the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary (Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary), home to the world's smallest primates, the tarsiers (the national animal of the Philippines), which are known for their large eyes and unique ability to rotate their heads up to 180 degrees. Watch the cute tarsiers sleep in tree branches and lazily lounge about, but be sure not to touch or disturb them.

Finally, you'll head to the famous Chocolate Hills, over a thousand cone-shaped hills that turn brown during the dry season, giving them the appearance of chocolate mounds. From the viewing deck, you'll marvel at the breathtaking view of this unique natural wonder, and the hills' unusual shape will leave you wondering about their origin.

After that, you'll be dropped off at your hotel or resort to rest and reflect on your unforgettable experience.

Your guide will pick you up early in the morning at your hotel. You will then be transferred to the boat docking area where you will start your island-hopping tour of Balicasag Islands.

Your first activity for the day is dolphin watching and searching on the way to Balicasag Island. This area teems with diverse marine wildlife, including at least seven different species of wild whales and countless wild dolphins. Take note that seeing dolphins is not guaranteed. If you are lucky, you might see these creatures jumping up close.

After that, you'll head to Balicasag Island. Balicasag Island is a must-visit destination in the Philippines for all nature and marine life lovers. Its stunning 3,000-feet-deep fault, known as the deepest and most beautiful underwater cliff in Asia, is a natural wonder that draws tourists from all over the world. During your visit to Balicasag Island, you will have the opportunity to go snorkeling at the "Rose Coral Garden," an area surrounded by countless colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. Even without diving, you can see a variety of marine creatures, tropical fish, and sea turtles.

Lastly, you'll be transferred back to your hotel to rest.

Kindly note that some activities may be subject to change due to weather conditions. Your safety is our top priority, and we may need to reschedule or cancel activities in case of unfavorable weather conditions such as strong winds. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we ensure a safe and enjoyable island-hopping experience.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your accommodation and then transfer you to seaport in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, where you can board the ferry via Ocean Jet and enjoy the approximately two-hour journey to Dumaguete.

Upon arrival at port in Dumaguete city, you will be transported to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Dumaguete is the capital of the province of Negros Oriental and is known as the "City of Gentle People" due to its friendly and welcoming residents. It is a great destination for both relaxation and exploration, with easy access to beaches and nearby islands. Its proximity to popular dive sites such as Siquijor and Apo Island makes it a hub for adventure seekers and scuba diving enthusiasts. With its rich history, culture, and natural beauty, Dumaguete truly offers something for everyone.

Free Time Ideas:

Dumaguete's Boulevard is a long, tree-lined promenade that runs along the waterfront, and is the perfect spot for strolling, jogging, and watching the sunset.

In the early morning, you will be picked up from your accommodation and then be transferred to Dauin Port, where you'll be boarding a boat for Apo Island.

Immerse in the rich underwater world of Apo Island, a 74-hectare volcanic island off Dauin, is a top diving and snorkeling destination in the Philippines. It is a pristine marine sanctuary home to 600 species of fish and over 400 species of corals, not to forget the turtles which are just about everywhere in the waters of Apo Island.

Upon landing on Apo Island, get ready to plunge into the aquatic wonderland.  Your snorkeling session takes place at Coral Garden, a snorkeler's paradise known for its lush coral formations and an array of vibrant sea life including turtles, clownfish, and perhaps even a passing manta ray.

After your snorkeling adventure, refuel with a delicious, freshly-prepared lunch on the beach.

After lunch, enjoy some free time. Aside from diving and turtle swimming, you'll be given free time to stroll around the island at your own pace and visit the local community, which has a unique and simple way of life. The island also features a viewing deck that offers a scenic view of the island and the sea. The viewing deck and the path leading to it are both cemented, so you can enjoy a stroll as you make your way there.

Afterward, your guide will take you back to Dauin and drop you off at your accommodation.

Time to say goodbye to Dumaguete, the fantastic base for adventure. It is time to end your 9-day Philippines Group Tour. Your driver will transfer you to the airport or port and you will continue on your next destination.

Extension Ideas:

1. If you prefer to travel longer in Philippines, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Philippines, such as EI Nido, Puerto Princesa, Boracay, Banaue, and more.

2. If you plan to continue exploring neighboring countries in Southeast Asia or Asia, such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, India, Bhutan, or China, don't hesitate to let us know. We can customize your itinerary and assist with travel arrangements.

Thank you for choosing Philippines Discovery (a sub-brand of AOT) for your Philippines tour, we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to Asia. Safe journey!