The bancas, or motorized outrigger boats, are commonly used here in Bohol for inter-island hopping adventures, as well as for dolphin and whale watching trips. Renting one can be arranged with any resort offering island tour packages, or directly from boat operators
Bohol is well-known in the Philippines as a haven for divers and snorkelers; thus, most diving operators also have their own bancas for their respective diving trips.
Locals make use of the banca like a water taxi; that is, to take them to a neighboring island such as Sequijor. Tourists can also rent one to cruise the different rivers of Bohol, such as the Loboc River.
Incidentally, only just a ten-minute boat ride from Panglao Island is the pristine white sands of Virgin Island, a perfect getaway if one desires a quick respite from the usual resort offerings. Technically, it is not an island but a mere sandbar.
At low tide, the center part of this crescent moon shaped islet is submerged under 6 inches of water. This flooding divides the island into two islets. Photography buffs can get a kick out of the submerged part of the islet, because it gives an illusion of walking over the water. Virgin Island is only open for day trips, for there are no hotel accommodations on this island, or islet, or sandbar.
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