Bohol Chocolate Hills & Tarsiers with roundtrip ferry from Cebu

Exploring Bohol’s Wonders: Chocolate Hills & Tarsiers Tour from Cebu

Imagine a day filled with breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife — all comfortably organized for you. This tour from Cebu to Bohol offers an intimate look at one of the Philippines’ most captivating islands, with highlights like the Chocolate Hills, the adorable Philippine tarsiers, and a scenic river cruise. For $188 per person, you get a roughly 12-hour experience that includes ferry rides, guided tours, and a delicious lunch, making it an excellent value considering the diverse sights.

We particularly appreciate how smoothly the logistics are handled — from hotel pickup to seamless boat transfers — which means you get to focus on the sights rather than the planning. The guide, often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, adds a personal touch to the experience. Another highlight is the opportunity to see Bohol’s natural beauty and historical sites in just one day, perfect for travelers short on time but eager to make the most of their trip.

One consideration to keep in mind is the length of the day — this is a long excursion, with some steep climbs and many stops, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy a full, active day. It’s also worth noting that activities like ATV rides or ziplining aren’t included, which could be appealing if you’re seeking more thrills. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized tour that covers Bohol’s top attractions without having to plan each detail themselves.

If you’re after an authentic day trip that balances scenic beauty, cultural sites, and wildlife — and you’re comfortable with a full schedule — this tour will suit you perfectly. It’s especially popular among first-time visitors eager to see Bohol’s most iconic sights efficiently.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Value: The tour covers transportation, entrance fees, a buffet lunch, and expert guiding, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to see Bohol’s highlights.
• Seamless Logistics: From hotel pickup in Cebu to ferry transfers, the process runs smoothly, allowing you to relax and focus on the experience.
• Diverse Attractions: Stops include the famous Chocolate Hills, the endangered Tarsiers, the scenic Loboc River cruise, and historic sites like Baclayon Church.
• Authentic Experiences: The guide’s knowledge and friendly demeanor enhance the visits, providing context and making the stops more meaningful.
• Time Management: The schedule is tight but well-organized, giving you a rundown of Bohol in about 8 hours of touring.
• Limitations: The long day might be tiring for some, and activities like ATV or ziplining are not included, so plan accordingly.

A Deep Dive Into the Bohol Experience

How the Tour Starts: Early Mornings & Easy Transfers

The day kicks off at 7 AM with a hotel pickup in Cebu, which makes it incredibly straightforward — no need to worry about finding your way to a meeting point. The guide, often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, is your companion for the day. By 8:20 AM, you’re on the Oceanjet ferry, heading towards Bohol. The ferry ride is a key part of the experience; the comfortable, air-conditioned boat makes the roughly two-hour crossing a pleasant start to your day.

First Stop: The Blood Compact Monument

Once you arrive in Bohol, your guide will meet you and start the tour with a visit to the Blood Compact Monument. This 10-minute stop is more than a quick photo opportunity; it’s a chance to learn about the historic friendship between Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, the native chieftain. Many reviews appreciate this as a quick but meaningful cultural introduction, with one traveler noting it’s a “good way to start the day.”

Encounter with the Philippine Tarsiers

Next, you’ll visit the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll get to observe one of the world’s smallest primates. The visitors often marvel at how tiny and delicate these creatures are — “gorgeous” was how one reviewer described them. The sanctuary offers about 30 minutes to peek at these adorable animals in a natural setting, with the chance to learn about conservation efforts. The admission is included, and many travelers find this stop both cute and educational.

Scenic Loboc River Cruise and Lunch

The next highlight is a river cruise along Loboc River, which lasts about an hour. During this peaceful boat ride, you’ll enjoy a lunch buffet featuring local Filipino dishes — an experience that many reviews call “delicious” and “relaxing.” The cruise not only offers great views of the surrounding lush greenery but also a chance to unwind after the morning’s activities. The food and scenic setting often earn high praise, with travelers remarking on how the cruise adds a special touch to the day.

Visiting Baclayon Church and the Blood Compact Site

After the river cruise, the tour continues with a quick visit to Baclayon Church. Built in the early 1600s, it’s one of the oldest Catholic stone churches in the Philippines. The 20-minute stop offers a glimpse into Bohol’s colonial past and architecture. Many find this stop enriching, especially those interested in history and religion.

The Iconic Chocolate Hills

The tour’s finale is the Chocolate Hills — over 1,200 rounded hills that turn chocolate brown in the dry season, creating a landscape that looks almost cartoonish. Expect about 30 minutes here for photos and to marvel at the natural wonder. Several travelers mention the steep climb up to the viewpoint, but they agree it’s “worth it” for the incredible views. One traveler even noted that their guide, Gen, made the experience memorable with insightful commentary.

Additional Cultural Stops

Depending on timing, the tour includes a visit to the man-made forest — a surprisingly lush stretch of densely planted trees that provides a cool, shaded walk — and a quick stop at Baclayon’s cultural village or other scenic spots. These add depth to your understanding of Bohol’s natural and cultural landscape.

Returning to Cebu: A Smooth End to the Day

The day wraps up with a 5:40 PM departure from Bohol by ferry, returning to Cebu by about 7:40 PM. Your guide will assist with transportation back to your hotel, making the long day more manageable and stress-free.

What Travelers Love Most

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides — many mention guides like Gen or Yoyo as making the experience “brilliant” or “seamless.” Their insights and friendliness turn a busy day into a memorable adventure. The stunning views at the Chocolate Hills and the gorgeous tarsiers are high on everyone’s list of highlights.

On top of that, the well-organized nature of the trip gets positive feedback, with travelers noting that “the trip was very well organized” and “good communication” from the team. The value for money is also frequently mentioned — for a full day of sightseeing, including ferry, entrance fees, lunch, and guided commentary, many agree it’s a worthwhile expense.

Honest Feedback and Considerations

The main drawback for some is the length of the day. With about 8 hours of sightseeing and travel, it can be tiring, especially for those not accustomed to long tours. The schedule is tight, so if you prefer more leisure or want to explore activities like ATV rides or ziplining, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Also, since the tour doesn’t include dinner, you might want to plan for an evening meal afterward.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is designed for first-time visitors to Bohol who want a rundown without the hassle of planning. It suits travelers interested in nature, history, and wildlife — especially those eager to see the famous Chocolate Hills and adorable tarsiers in one day. It’s ideal for active travelers who don’t mind a full schedule and value guided expertise and organized logistics.

If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy a mix of scenic, cultural, and wildlife experiences, this tour offers a well-balanced itinerary. It’s particularly appealing if your goal is to maximize sights in a short time without sacrificing the depth of experience.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the positive reviews, excellent organization, and well-rounded itinerary, this tour from Cebu to Bohol offers great value for those wanting an efficient, guided day exploring the island’s top attractions. The inclusion of ferry rides, entrance fees, and lunch simplifies the logistics and ensures you focus on enjoying the sights.

We think this experience will appeal most to travelers who enjoy scenic vistas, cute wildlife, and cultural history — all delivered by guides who genuinely love their island. The long day might not suit everyone, but for many, it’s a memorable and rewarding way to see Bohol’s best in just one trip.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel, making it a hassle-free start to the day.

How long is the ferry ride from Cebu to Bohol?
The ferry departs at 8:20 AM and the crossing takes roughly two hours, offering a comfortable way to travel between islands.

What attractions are included in the tour?
Stops include the Blood Compact Monument, Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc River cruise with lunch, Baclayon Church, Chocolate Hills, and sometimes additional scenic spots.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all admission tickets for sites like the Tarsier Sanctuary, river cruise, and Chocolate Hills are included.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for a full day and some steep climbs. It’s best for those comfortable with active sightseeing.

Can I customize the tour or add activities?
Activities like ATV rides or ziplining are not included or offered as part of this tour, so for those, you’d need to look for alternative options.

This Bohol day trip from Cebu offers a well-organized, value-packed experience packed with stunning sights and meaningful encounters. If you’re eager to see Bohol’s highlights efficiently, it’s hard to go wrong with this adventure.