Balicasag Island

I was there 2018/2023 and 2026. It started with 5-10 boats. The option to snorkle in shallow water and enjoy the turtles. I saw 10 back then. This time there were at least 200 boats. No place to snorkle, they force you to take a small boat with a guide 600php per boat limited for 1 hour. The guides hold their boats with ropes inside the water between the snrokling tiurists. Got hit in the head by 2 boats thank God it wasnt serious but it can end up in head injury cuz u snorkle and u dont see the boats. U barely struggle in between the boats and in the deep water. U are not allowed in the shallow anymore. Many guides just scream at u in the middle of the deep water to move. It felt like a jungle or open market in the deep dangerous water. Waves and and boats, tourists, giides screaming, i barely saw a turtle in the depth , poor turtle couldnt even yo up to breathe all the guides and tourists would jump on it to take a video. I hated every minute of it. Our guide was so rude,.like super rude he wouldnt help with anything, my friend struggled to climb up the boat forom the deep water he didnt help her!! His name is Davon (old man with cover mask on his face) such a rude guy. Dont waste ur money on this place, there is alot of places were u can see free yrutles and happy turtles, please dont support this place!! And be careful cuz u might get injured reallly injured!!

Balicasag Island is truly spectacular. The natural beauty of the island, combined with the warmth and politeness of the locals, creates a welcoming and memorable experience from the very beginning of the trip. Before arriving at the island, we participated in dolphin watching. While it was exciting to witness these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, I was concerned about the number of boats approaching them at very close distances. When the dolphins surfaced, several boats quickly surrounded the area, which may potentially cause stress or disturbance to the animals. I sincerely hope that the responsible authorities and tour operators can implement stricter guidelines to ensure that wildlife encounters remain safe, respectful, and sustainable for the dolphins. Upon arriving at Balicasag, the island was not yet crowded, which made the atmosphere especially peaceful. The harmonious blend of lush trees and the small local residences gave the island a serene and charming character. We were fortunate to meet our guide, Kuya Erwin, who accompanied us to the reef. Kuya Erwin was exceptionally friendly and humorous, and we appreciated learning from him about life on the island. His stories and insights added depth and authenticity to our visit. Our time at the reef was remarkable, as it was home to a diverse array of marine life. Although the area became slightly crowded, it remained an incredible experience. Visitors, however, should exercise caution and awareness underwater, as the limited space can lead to accidental contact. One of my friends was unintentionally struck by another swimmer’s fin. Greater coordination and spacing among visitors could help improve safety and overall enjoyment. I was particularly impressed by Kuya Erwin’s dedication and effort in guiding us to specific areas where we could observe sea turtles. His patience and kindness ensured that we had an unforgettable encounter while still respecting the marine environment. It was truly a highlight of the trip. One area that could benefit from improvement is the pricing of goods sold on the island. Some items appeared overpriced and did not fully meet expected quality standards. Reviewing pricing and maintaining fair value for visitors would further enhance the overall experience. Overall, Balicasag Island remains a breathtaking destination. With continued efforts toward environmental preservation, responsible tourism practices, and fair pricing, it will undoubtedly continue to offer extraordinary experiences for future visitors.

Balicasag Island is definitely worth the visit. Sobrang ganda ng experience dito, and one of the highlights ng trip namin sa Bohol. We started with dolphin watching, and ang saya talaga. Seeing the dolphins swimming and jumping in the open sea is something you don’t get to experience every day. Parang ang peaceful pero exciting at the same time. Snorkeling here is also super nice. The water is clear, and ang daming colorful fish. The best part is yung turtle watching seeing the sea turtles up close while swimming in their natural home is one of the most relaxing and unforgettable moments. Hindi siya pilit, very natural and calm. The island itself is beautiful, simple, and quiet. Good spot to chill, rest, and enjoy the beach vibe after snorkeling.