9 Days Philippines Island Hopping and Marine Life tour

Travelers often seek a comprehensive adventure that combines natural beauty, underwater wonders, and cultural highlights. This 9-day Philippines tour offers exactly that, taking you from the crystal-clear lakes of Coron to the vibrant marine ecosystems around Apo Island, with cultural stops in Cebu and Bohol. Priced at just $35 (which seems remarkably affordable for such a packed itinerary), this tour is designed for those eager to explore the Philippines’ diverse landscapes without breaking the bank.

One of the most appealing aspects is the organized itinerary that covers both iconic sights and lesser-known gems, all with included ground transportation, guides, and some meals. The group format fosters camaraderie, making it ideal for solo travelers or small groups looking for an authentic, well-rounded experience. However, the itinerary involves a fair amount of travel logistics—flying between islands and hopping on boats—so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with some busy days and unpredictable weather.

If you’re craving a mix of underwater adventures, cultural encounters, and stunning panoramic views, this tour hits all those marks. Just keep in mind that with a maximum group size of 8, you’ll need to be flexible and ready for a fast-paced yet rewarding journey. Now, let’s break down what makes this tour so special, and what you should consider before booking.

Key Points

Affordable Price Point: At just $35, the tour offers good value given the number of destinations and inclusions like guides and some meals.
Diverse Highlights: From Coron’s lakes and wrecks to Bohol’s Chocolate Hills and Apo Island’s turtles, the itinerary covers natural, historical, and marine attractions.
Expert Guides: Review insights emphasize knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience with local knowledge and practical tips.
Beautiful Settings: Expect stunning views at Mt. Tapyas, Kayangan Lake, and the Chocolate Hills, alongside vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Efficient Logistics: Organized transfers and boat rides streamline travel, allowing you to maximize your time exploring instead of worrying about transportation.
Small Group Experience: With a maximum of 8 travelers, expect a more personalized and flexible tour, with plenty of opportunities for questions and interaction.

Exploring the Coron Islands and Marine Wonders

The journey begins in Coron, a well-loved destination for its white sand beaches, clear lakes, and WWII shipwrecks. The first day’s highlight, Mt. Tapyas, offers panoramic views worth the climb—724 steps may sound daunting, but the vistas of Coron Town and surrounding islands are truly worth the effort. According to travelers, the climb provides some of the best photo opportunities of the trip, and guides like “Mark” are known for their friendly, informative approach.

Day 2 takes you on a full-day island-hopping adventure starting with Kayangan Lake. Described as the “cleanest lake in the Philippines,” it’s a photographer’s dream, with limestone cliffs framing perfectly still waters, caves, and hidden islets. Expect to feel awestruck by the natural beauty—many guests mention that the water is exceptionally clear, making it perfect for snorkeling and swimming.

The Green Lagoon follows, known for its vivid green hue and calm waters, ideal for snorkeling and kayaking. The Coral Garden at Quin Reef offers a vibrant underwater display of corals and marine life, which snorkelers love. The final stops—CYC Beach and Las Islas de Coral—offer relaxing settings for swimming, sunbathing, and more underwater exploration.

Day 3 continues with wrecks and reef exploration, including Pass Island and Lusong Coral Garden. The latter is considered Coron’s largest coral garden, featuring a sunken WWII gunboat that adds an intriguing historical layer to the snorkeling experience. For history buffs, the wreck sites provide a fascinating glimpse into the region’s WWII past, adding depth to the marine adventure.

Cultural and Natural Highlights in Bohol

Transitioning from Coron, the trip includes a flight and ferry to Bohol, where the focus shifts to cultural and natural landmarks. The half-day Cebu tour introduces visitors to Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, and Fort San Pedro, giving a quick but meaningful peek into the Philippines’ colonial past.

Bohol’s world-famous Chocolate Hills are a must-visit. The hills, which turn brown during the dry season, offer an iconic landscape that’s perfect for panoramic photos. The Tarsier Sanctuary is another highlight, home to adorable, large-eyed primates that are a symbol of the Philippines’ biodiversity.

Day 5 features the Loboc River cruise, a peaceful floating lunch with views of lush surroundings and cultural performances. The Tarsier Sanctuary visit is particularly loved for its up-close encounters with these tiny primates, described as “so cute you can’t help but smile.” The day ends at the Chocolate Hills viewing deck, where travelers often mention the awe-inspiring vistas and the hills’ unusual shapes.

Marine Life Encounters and Island-Hopping in Bohol and Dumaguete

The adventure continues with Balicasag Island, famous for its snorkel-worthy coral gardens and chances of dolphin sightings. While watching dolphins is not guaranteed, many travelers report seeing playful dolphins during the boat ride, adding an element of surprise.

Next, the tour heads to Dumaguete, which acts as a gateway to Apo Island. Here, the focus is on underwater wildlife, especially the sea turtles that frequent Apo Island’s Coral Garden. The snorkeling on Apo Island is often described as “pristine” with biodiverse reefs and abundant marine life. Guests frequently mention the turtles—so many, in fact, that spotting them feels almost routine.

The final day involves revisiting Loboc River and the Chocolate Hills, providing a satisfying bookend to your Philippine adventure, ensuring you leave with a rounded experience of both land and sea.

The Value and Practicalities

For the modest price of $35, this tour delivers a surprisingly comprehensive experience, especially considering the diversity of stops and inclusions like guides, transportation, and some meals. The small group size enhances the feeling of intimacy and allows guides to tailor explanations, which reviewers appreciate.

The logistics are well-organized, with flights, ferries, and boat rides scheduled to maximize sightseeing time. However, travelers should be prepared for early mornings and some long travel days, especially when moving between islands. The use of mobile tickets and pickup services adds convenience, and the inclusion of breakfasts and lunches means fewer meals to figure out on your own.

One thing to consider is the seasonality and weather. As with all outdoor activities, poor weather could affect plans, especially boat trips and island visits. The cancellation policy allows a full refund if canceled at least six days in advance, which adds peace of mind.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers looking for an affordable, all-encompassing Filipino experience—those who don’t mind a busy schedule and appreciate a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. It suits solo travelers, couples, and small groups who want to meet like-minded explorers while enjoying expert guidance. If you love marine life, stunning vistas, and cultural heritage, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Final Thoughts

The 9 Days Philippines Island Hopping and Marine Life Tour offers an impressive slice of what makes the Philippines special—its crystal waters, dramatic landscapes, and warm hospitality. For just $35, the value is undeniable, especially with the inclusion of guided tours, transportation, and some meals that take the hassle out of planning.

While it does involve a fair amount of movement and early mornings, the diversity of experiences—from Coron’s lakes and wrecks to the Chocolate Hills and Apo Island’s turtles—makes it a well-rounded sampler of Philippine paradise. Guides like Mark and the overall organization seem to elevate the experience, making it accessible and enjoyable even for first-time visitors.

This tour is best for adventurers and culture seekers who want a manageable, affordable way to see some of the Philippines’ most iconic sights without sacrificing depth or authenticity. Whether you’re a marine life lover or a landscape photographer, this trip checks many boxes for an enriching and memorable holiday.

FAQ

Is the price of $35 for the entire tour?
Yes, the listed price of $35 covers the full 9-day experience, including guided tours, transportation, some meals, and entrance fees as specified.

Does the tour include flights between islands?
No, you need to book your own international flights and internal flights or ferries. The tour package covers the transportation from local airports, hotels, and boat rides during the trip.

Are meals included?
Four lunches and eight breakfasts are included, which helps reduce daily expenses. Additional meals are at your own cost.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience with guides.

Can I expect to see marine wildlife like dolphins or turtles?
Dolphin sightings are possible on the Balicasag Island trip, but not guaranteed. Turtles are abundant at Apo Island, making snorkeling there highly rewarding.

What are the accommodation arrangements?
The tour includes accommodation as listed in the itinerary; specific hotels are not detailed but are located in key areas like Coron Town, Dumaguete, and Bohol.

What should I bring?
Bring your snorkeling gear (or rent locally), sun protection, a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, waterproof camera, and any personal essentials.

Is this tour suitable for children or less mobile travelers?
While the tour involves some walking and boat rides, most activities are accessible for active travelers. Check with the provider for specific mobility considerations.

What happens if the weather cancels activities?
Good weather is required. If activities are canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, provided you cancel six days in advance.

How do I book or get more information?
Contact Philippines Discovery at +639178753867 or via email at [email protected] for bookings and further inquiries.

To sum it up, this tour offers a compact, budget-friendly dive into the Philippines’ stunning islands, vibrant marine life, and cultural landmarks. Perfect for adventurous spirits eager to see a lot without the fuss, it promises a memorable, authentic experience—just pack your sense of adventure and a camera.