Everything You Need to Know About Alona Beach
Alona Beach sits on the southwestern tip of Panglao Island — just 40 minutes from Tagbilaran City — and has long been Bohol's most famous stretch of white sand. The beach is about 1 kilometre long, lined with resorts, dive shops, restaurants, and bars that cater to everyone from backpackers to honeymooners.
But Alona is more than just a pretty beach. The waters just offshore host some of the best dive sites in the Philippines — featuring reef sharks, sea turtles, diverse coral gardens, and the occasional thresher shark sighting. Even non-divers can snorkel directly from the beach and see an impressive variety of marine life.
Best Things to Do at Alona Beach
Scuba Diving
Over 10 dive sites within a 10-minute boat ride. Suitable for beginners and advanced divers. See reef sharks, turtles, and vibrant coral at sites like Alona Dive, Kalipayan, and Cervera Shoal.
Snorkelling
Snorkel directly off the beach or join a boat trip to the outer reefs. Balicasag Island, a 20-minute boat ride away, offers some of the best snorkelling in Bohol.
Island Hopping
Join a bangka (outrigger boat) for a half-day island hopping tour — typically covering Balicasag Island, Virgin Island, and Doljo Beach.
Explore Panglao by Motorbike
Rent a scooter and explore Panglao Island at your own pace — Hinagdanan Cave, Dumaluan Beach, the Panglao lighthouse, and quiet fishing villages away from the tourist strip.
Watch the Sunset
The western facing beach at Alona offers stunning sunsets. Many beach bars set up bean bags and cocktails right at the waterline. Arrive by 5:30 PM for the best views.
Hinagdanan Cave
A natural cave with a luminescent underground lagoon, about 15 minutes by motorbike from Alona Beach. Entrance is ₱100. Easily combined with a morning at the beach.
Getting Around Panglao by Motorbike
Alona Beach is just the start. Panglao Island has a lot more to offer than the main strip — and the best way to discover it is on two wheels. A rented scooter lets you reach Dumaluan Beach (quieter, wider, just as beautiful), the Panglao Lighthouse, Hinagdanan Cave, and the less-touristy northern side of the island in under 20 minutes from Alona.
We deliver motorbikes directly to Alona Beach and any resort in Panglao for a flat ₱300 delivery fee. No deposit. Any license accepted. Message us on WhatsApp the night before and your bike will be ready at your resort when you wake up.
Balicasag Island — The Day Trip You Can't Miss
About 8 km southwest of Alona Beach, Balicasag Island is a Marine Sanctuary with some of the clearest water and most pristine coral reefs in the Philippines. Boat trips leave from Alona Beach from early morning. The trip takes about 20–25 minutes each way. You can snorkel over the reef walls, spot sea turtles, and sometimes encounter spinner dolphins on the way back.
Balicasag trips are typically arranged the night before or early morning through your resort or any of the tour operators along the Alona strip.
Practical Tips for Alona Beach
Arrive Early
The beach is at its most beautiful at sunrise. You'll have it almost to yourself before 8 AM, and the water is glassy calm.
Negotiate Boat Trips
Boat prices are negotiable — especially if you're a small group or travelling off-peak. Joining a shared trip is significantly cheaper.
Avoid Midday Snorkelling
Snorkel in the morning (before 11 AM) for calmer seas and better visibility. Afternoon trade winds can chop up the water.
Rent a Bike to Escape
Alona Beach main strip can feel crowded. A motorbike lets you find empty beaches and viewpoints within 15 minutes.
Stay Hydrated
Bohol sun is strong. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and drink plenty of water, especially if you're diving or snorkelling all day.
Connectivity
Signal is generally good on Alona Beach strip. Globe and Smart both have coverage. Download offline maps before heading to quieter parts of Panglao.
Other Bohol Destinations Worth Visiting
🍫 Chocolate Hills
~55 km · 1.5 hrs by motorbike from Alona
🐒 Tarsier Sanctuary
~35 km · Corella or Loboc
🚢 Loboc River
~45 km · 1 hr from Alona Beach