Cebu: Bohol Countryside and Loboc River Cruise Day Tour

Imagine crossing the strait from Cebu to Bohol, a journey that promises a full day of discovering some of the Philippines’ most iconic sights. For $142 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded look at Bohol’s countryside, from the famous Chocolate Hills and adorable Tarsier Sanctuary to historical sites and a leisurely Loboc River cruise with a floating buffet lunch.

We love how this trip combines the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural history of Bohol in a single day, making it perfect for travelers short on time but eager for authentic experiences. The scenic ferry ride itself is a highlight, offering panoramic views that set the tone for the day. The tour’s inclusion of transportation, entrance fees, and a delicious lunch makes it a convenient all-in-one package.

However, keep in mind that the schedule can be tight, and the order of sights may shift depending on traffic or crowd levels. If you prefer a very relaxed pace with more time at each site, this might feel a bit rushed, but for most, it hits the right balance of highlights and convenience.

This tour suits travelers who want a rundown of Bohol’s top attractions without the hassle of planning multiple independent trips. It’s especially good if you enjoy a mix of scenic nature, wildlife encounters, and cultural landmarks—all wrapped up in a full, engaging day.

Key Points

• All-in-one Day Trip: Combines ferry transport, sightseeing, and lunch in one seamless experience.
• Highlights: Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc River cruise, Blood Compact Shrine, Baclayon Church, and more.
• Comfort & Convenience: Air-conditioned transport and hotel pickup in Cebu or Mactan included.
• Authentic Experiences: Visit cultural sites and see the adorable Tarsiers up close.
• Value for Money: For $142, you get a full day’s worth of varied activities, entrance fees, and a buffet lunch.
• Potential Schedule Variations: The order of visits may shift based on traffic or crowd, so flexibility is key.

Stepping into this tour, you quickly realize it’s designed to maximize your day without overloading it. Starting with pickup from your Cebu City or Mactan hotel, you’re whisked away in a comfortable air-conditioned van—an important detail, considering the tropical heat and long day ahead. The journey to the ferry terminal is smooth, and the ferry ride itself is short but scenic, offering glimpses of the sea and distant islands.

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Ferry crossing and first sights

The ferry crossing from Cebu to Bohol is a key part of the experience, giving you a chance to admire the calm waters of the Visayan Sea. The round-trip ferry fare, included in the tour, ensures a hassle-free transfer, so you can focus on enjoying the views and the company of your guide. The actual crossing is quick—around 2 hours—perfect for resting or chatting about what’s ahead.

Cultural and historical stops

Once on Bohol, the tour moves briskly to the Blood Compact Shrine, a poignant site commemorating the first treaty of friendship between Spaniards and Filipinos. It’s a small stop but quite meaningful, especially if you’re interested in Philippine history. Next is Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, where an entrance fee of P150 applies. This site offers a window into the colonial past and the local architecture—though the interior can sometimes be crowded, it’s worth a quick look.

Further along, the group visits the Bohol Biggest Python exhibit, which can be a highlight or a concern depending on your comfort with snakes. It’s a chance to see a giant python up close—an unusual but memorable experience.

Scenic lunch on the Loboc River

The Loboc River cruise is undoubtedly a highlight, with a buffet lunch served aboard a floating restaurant drifting along the gentle river. The lush scenery, the soft breeze, and the chance to enjoy local cuisine make this a relaxing break from the busier sightseeing. We loved the way the buffet is incorporated into the cruise, making it both a scenic and culinary experience.

Wildlife and nature encounters

Post-lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the Tarsier Sanctuary. Tarsiers are tiny, nocturnal primates and a symbol of Bohol’s unique wildlife. Watching them cling to tree branches, eyes wide and curious, is a highlight—just be sure to follow guidelines to avoid disturbing these delicate creatures.

Other stops include St. Peter’s Ruins, a picturesque, partially restored church, and Batuan Shiphaus, a quirky house built from ship parts, perfect for photos. The Mahogany Man-Made Forest provides a refreshing walk through towering trees, showcasing Bohol’s efforts to conserve green spaces.

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Natural wonders and scenic vistas

Towards the end of the day, the tour visits the Chocolate Hills, Bohol’s most famous natural landmark. The rolling, cone-shaped hills, which turn brown in the dry season, offer fantastic views and photo opportunities. We appreciated how the tour balances these natural sights with cultural and wildlife experiences, providing a well-rounded understanding of Bohol.

Returning to Cebu

As the day winds down, the group heads back to the ferry terminal, and the return trip offers a chance to reflect on a full day of discovery. The ferry ride back is a gentle winding down, and your guide will coordinate drop-offs at your hotel or residence in Cebu or Mactan.

What We Particularly Appreciate

One of the best aspects of this tour is its comprehensive nature. Covering all the highlights— from historic sites to natural wonders—without the stress of organizing separate trips. The inclusion of entrance fees and lunch simplifies the expense and planning.

We also liked how the scenic ferry ride sets the tone, giving travelers a taste of island life early on. The Loboc River cruise is a delightful way to enjoy Bohol’s lush landscape while indulging in local cuisine, making it an experience that combines both relaxation and exploration.

The small group size and organized transportation make the day comfortable, although the schedule can be tight for those who prefer more leisurely visits. Also, the tour is suitable for most travelers, but people with back problems or seasickness might want to consider other options.

What to Keep in Mind

Because the order of the stops depends on traffic and crowd levels, you might find a slightly different flow on the day of your tour. This flexibility helps avoid delays but can also mean less predictability for your day.

It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunglasses, hats, water, and lightweight clothing. The tour explicitly discourages smoking, so plan accordingly.

If you have specific interests, such as detailed history or wildlife, you might want to ask your guide if they can customize certain parts, though this could come with extra costs.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travellers eager to see Bohol’s main attractions in a single day without the hassle of planning multiple independent trips. It’s suitable for families, couples, or groups who enjoy a mix of scenic vistas, wildlife, and cultural sites. The inclusion of a scenic boat cruise and a variety of stops makes it appealing for those wanting a well-rounded experience.

If you’re traveling with limited time or prefer a guided, all-inclusive day that covers the basics and some hidden gems, this tour hits those marks well. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or more time at each site, you might consider spreading out your visits over multiple days.

This Cebu to Bohol tour offers a balanced, practical approach to discovering some of the Philippines’ most beloved sights. It’s a good choice for travelers who want to make the most of a single day, with the convenience of transport, entrance fees, and a delicious lunch included. The mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical sites provides a well-rounded snapshot of Bohol’s charm.

While the schedule may feel a bit hurried for those seeking a more leisurely experience, most will appreciate the efficiency and variety packed into this single day. It’s a solid value—allowing you to tick off key attractions without the fuss of independent planning—and a fun, memorable way to learn about Bohol’s unique character.

If you’re looking for an adventure that combines scenic beauty with cultural insight and wildlife encounters, this tour is a dependable choice that covers all the bases.

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned van or car transportation from your Cebu or Mactan hotel and a round-trip ferry fare, making logistics straightforward.

What sites will we visit during the day?
You’ll visit the Blood Compact Shrine, Baclayon Church, the Bohol Biggest Python, Loboc River for a cruise and buffet lunch, Tarsier Sanctuary, St. Peter’s Ruins, Batuan Shiphaus, Mahogany Forest, and the Chocolate Hills.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry crossing from Cebu to Bohol takes about 2 hours each way, offering scenic views and a relaxing start and end to your day.

Are entrance fees included?
Most entrance fees are covered, including those for the Tarsier Sanctuary, the Bohol Biggest Python, and other scenic spots. However, some sites like Baclayon Church have additional entry fees (around P150), which are payable on-site.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, it suits most travelers, but those with back problems or who are prone to seasickness should consider their comfort. The itinerary is quite full, so a good level of mobility helps.

Can I customize the itinerary?
While the schedule can shift based on traffic, you can ask your guide about priorities. Extra customization might be limited unless arranged in advance.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, water, and light clothing. Remember, smoking is not permitted during the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here: