Loboc Cruise Lunch, Same-Day Ferry

Bohol sits a short ferry hop from Cebu, and this tour turns it into one long day: countryside sights in a single loop, lunch served while the boat drifts down the Loboc River, and a same-day ferry back to Cebu.

Overview

This is a full-day crossing from Cebu to Bohol and back, roughly fourteen hours door to door, with the ferry, the van rides and the sightseeing all handled by one operator. A driver collects guests at their hotel in Cebu, takes them to the port, and after the ferry crossing a guide meets the group on the Bohol side. From there the day runs through the island's best known stops: the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument, the Bilar mahogany forest, the tarsier conservation area, Baclayon Church and the Blood Compact Monument, with a buffet lunch eaten on a boat drifting down the Loboc River.

The cruise is the centrepiece for many travellers. Reviewers describe a floating restaurant with live music and dancing while the boat moves along the river, and several say it was the part they enjoyed most.

It suits travellers who want a broad sweep of Bohol in one trip without organising ferries, transfers or tickets themselves. Everything except the port terminal fees is covered.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup in CebuA driver collects guests from their Cebu hotel and transfers them to the port. One reviewer reported a pickup running about thirty minutes late because other guests were collected along the way.
2. Ferry to BoholRound-trip ferry tickets are included. Travellers pass the terminal procedures themselves, board, and are met by the operator's guide on the Bohol side.
3. Chocolate Hills Natural MonumentThirty minutes at the viewpoint, with the admission ticket included.
4. Bilar Man-Made ForestThirty minutes along the planted mahogany stretch, free admission.
5. Tarsier Conservation AreaOne hour at the sanctuary, admission included, to see the tiny primates up close.
6. Loboc River Cruise with lunchOne hour and thirty minutes on the floating restaurant, with a buffet lunch, live music and dancing, admission included.
7. Baclayon ChurchThirty minutes at the historic church, admission included. One reviewer praised the artwork inside, even for those with no religion.
8. Blood Compact MonumentThirty minutes at the monument, admission included, before the return leg.
9. Ferry back to CebuThe group crosses back to Cebu and is returned to the hotel, with round-trip transfers included in the package.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in the listing and in traveller feedback, and they shape how the day goes.

• Pace and stamina. Plan for a long day. Reviewers consistently mention the two hour ferry each way plus van rides between stops, and one felt the schedule was rushed because of the distances involved. Comfortable walking shoes help, since there is a lot of walking at the historic sites.
• Sun protection. Several travellers recommend a sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Church dress code. Long trousers or a longer skirt are the safe choice for Baclayon, even in hot weather.
• Food and entertainment. Lunch is a buffet eaten on the floating restaurant while the boat moves down the Loboc River. Reviewers repeatedly praise both the food and the live music and dancing, and one wished the cruise ran longer because it was so relaxing.
• Group size. The tour runs with a maximum of fifteen travellers, and the listing offers tours in English, Japanese and Korean.
• Photography at the tarsiers. Several travellers name the tarsiers a highlight of the day and say they wished for more time with them.

Common issues. The honest downsides are length and logistics. This is roughly a fourteen hour day with a two hour ferry each way, and several reviewers describe it as tiring. Terminal fees at both ports are not prepaid and must be paid separately. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, infants must sit on laps, and cancellations within twenty four hours of the start time receive no refund.

Common Questions