A Magical Day on Pamalican Island: Dolphins, Turtles, and Colorful Coral Gardens

Pamalican Island is a serene paradise known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Located among the beautiful islands in the Bohol Sea, this idyllic destination is perfect for travelers seeking a tranquil escape. Visitors can enjoy dolphin and whale watching, snorkeling with turtles, and exploring colorful coral reefs. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or simply looking to unwind in nature’s embrace, Pamalican Island promises an unforgettable experience. In this blog, I will share the details of our memorable tour to this stunning island.

After completing two discovery dives and a countryside tour, I felt the need for an epic experience to conclude my first visit to Bohol. That’s when Ruby, a friendly staff member from Abraham Bohol, suggested I take a Pamalican Island Tour. My initial arrival at the island was marked by gloomy weather, which persisted for another day, so I hadn’t had a chance to explore much yet. Nevertheless, I decided to give the tour a go. After all, the prospect of seeing dolphins and turtles seemed like the perfect way to end my trip.

The day began early at 5:30 AM, illuminated by the soft glow of the rising sun. I was greeted by the enticing aroma of breakfast, a complimentary meal provided by Abraham Bohol since our tour was set to start at 6 AM. This breakfast was a refreshing change from the usual heavy Filipino fare, featuring delicious toast, vibrant fruits, and crisp vegetable salads, all accompanied by steaming cups of rich coffee. As the cool morning breeze flowed through, I felt grateful to start the day energized and satisfied, ready for the adventures ahead.

Shortly after breakfast, we set off on a boat to Pamalican Island. We first boarded a speedboat and then transferred to a larger boat. The first hour of the journey was fairly uneventful, as we tried to doze off during the ride. Just as we were cruising along, the magical moment arrived—dolphins! A pod of playful dolphins swam and leapt alongside our boat, putting on an unexpected display of nature’s wonders. The sight was truly breathtaking, leaving everyone on board mesmerized. Their graceful movements in the water reminded me of the incredible beauty hidden in the natural world, waiting to surprise us when we least expect it.

Among the people on board, I believe I was the happiest and most mesmerized. This isn’t my first time seeing dolphins swim alongside our boat, but it excites me every time. I was informed that spotting dolphins isn’t guaranteed, so I was just grateful that the heavens answered my plea. I believed that no matter what challenges or surprises awaited me during the tour later on, they wouldn’t perturb me at all. The thrill of encountering dolphins, with their playful nature and graceful movements, was more than sufficient to make the experience worthwhile.

Arriving at Pamalican Island felt like stepping into paradise. The dock extended over crystal-clear turquoise waters, with gentle waves lapping against the wooden planks. The island’s pristine beauty made it seem like we had entered a dream. I noticed small boats taking snorkelers out, but what captivated me most was how beautifully serene the water appeared. As I took in the breathtaking view, I felt a deep sense of peace and tranquility in the air—this was the perfect place to relax, reflect, and truly understand how fortunate I was to be there.

One of the most anticipated moments of the day was swimming with the turtles. It had been so long since I had the chance to swim alongside these gentle creatures, and being in the water with them was nothing short of magical. Unfortunately, in my excitement, I forgot to bring my underwater camera casing, so I wasn’t able to capture the moment. However, sometimes the best memories are the ones that remain tucked away in our hearts, rather than on film.

After the turtle encounter, I spent some time snorkeling in the island’s vibrant coral gardens. The underwater world here was a stunning display of colors, with bright corals and schools of fish weaving through the water in perfect harmony. It was a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of our oceans and how important it is to protect these incredible ecosystems.

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Unlike the area where the turtles are, snorkeling in the coral gardens requires a guide, and we were restricted to a designated area. This was implemented for safety reasons and to limit tourism’s impact on the corals. Fins were prohibited, and life vests were required even for strong swimmers. While I wasn’t entirely fond of these rules, I understood the reasoning behind them, which made it easier to accept.

By midday, hunger struck, and we were treated to a delicious island-style lunch. Grilled fish, tropical fruits, and local dishes like pancit and ginataang gulay filled the table, and every bite captured the essence of the island. After the morning’s excitement, we took our time to relax, lounging around and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. The beach alone was enough to keep us entertained, so we decided to forgo exploring the rest of the island. Just lounging and taking in the view was all we needed.

As the day drew to a close, I found myself reluctantly leaving Pamalican Island. The experiences I had, the beauty of the surroundings, and the unforgettable encounters with wildlife will stay with me long after I depart. If you’re searching for a destination that offers both adventure and tranquility, Pamalican Island is a must-visit when you’re in Bohol. It’s a place where memories are created, and the magic of nature feels incredibly within reach.

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If you’re looking for a tranquil escape from the usual tourist spots in Bohol, Pamilacan Island is the perfect retreat. It’s a 2-hour boat ride from Panglao, during which you might even see dolphins along the way. For exploring the serene beauty of Pamilacan Island, I highly recommend Abraham Tours to arrange your trip. I was very pleased with their service and appreciated how they offer a unique twist on typical tours in Bohol—like swapping the pagoda cruise on the Loboc River for stand-up paddleboarding. If you enjoy deviating from the norm, Abraham Tours is an excellent choice.

There you have it, lovelies! If you have any questions, just leave them in the comments. Until next time. Ciao!