Panglao Beaches in Cebu and Bohol
Part of the Cebu and Bohol travel guide — see every topic in All Cebu and Bohol Guides.
Panglao is a small island joined to Bohol by bridges. It has white sand beaches, clear water and many coral reefs nearby. It is also where most visitors to Bohol stay. The island has its own international airport, so it is easy to reach. This guide covers the main beaches, the best island trips and how to get around.
Alona Beach
Alona Beach is the busiest and best-known beach on Panglao. It is a strip of white sand lined with hotels, restaurants, bars and dive shops. In the evening, many restaurants put tables on the sand. Alona is a good base if you want to dive or join island trips, because most boats leave from here. The beach can feel crowded in the day, with many boats parked near the shore. For quiet swimming, walk to the ends of the beach or visit one of the other beaches on the island.
Quieter beaches
Dumaluan Beach is on the south coast, east of Alona. It has wide, soft sand and shallow water, and it is often calmer than Alona. Further east, in Dauis, is Bikini Beach, a smaller and quieter stretch. On the west side of the island, Doljo Beach is long and very quiet, with good sunset views. Some beaches charge a small entrance fee. The tide on Panglao can go out far, especially in the morning, so check the tide times if you want to swim rather than walk on the sand.
Island hopping
The most popular boat trip leaves early in the morning. First, boats look for dolphins in the open water near Pamilacan Island. Next comes Balicasag Island, a marine sanctuary with a coral wall, many fish and often sea turtles. Many trips also stop at Virgin Island, a sandbar that appears at low tide. Dolphin sightings are common but not certain. Choose an operator that keeps boats at a distance from the dolphins and does not chase them. Bring cash for small fees at each island.
Diving around Panglao
Panglao is one of the main dive areas in the central Philippines. Balicasag has steep walls with soft corals and schools of fish. Around Panglao itself there are reefs and walls suitable for beginners and experienced divers. Many dive shops offer first-time dives and full beginner courses. Pick a shop with good reviews, clear safety briefings and well-kept equipment. As everywhere, do not touch coral or sea life, and use reef-safe sun cream. Water is warm all year, so a thin wetsuit is usually enough.
Getting there and around
Bohol-Panglao International Airport is on the island and has flights from Manila and some other cities. Fast ferries from Cebu City arrive at Tagbilaran port, about 30 to 40 minutes by road from Alona Beach. On the island, tricycles are the common way to get around for short trips. You can also rent a scooter if you have experience, or hire a car and driver for longer trips into Bohol. Grab and taxis are limited, so ask your hotel to arrange transport when you arrive.
Panglao Beaches at a glance
| Getting there | Fly to Bohol-Panglao Airport, or ferry from Cebu City to Tagbilaran |
|---|---|
| Hours | Island-hopping boats leave early, often around dawn |
| Cost | Wide range of rooms; boat trips are shared or private |
| Best time | Roughly December to May for drier weather and calm seas |
| Bring | Cash for island fees, reef-safe sun cream, water shoes |