Bohol’s Virgin Island Is Open to Tourists Again

(SPOT.ph) Planning a trip to Bohol soon? You can put Virgin Island back on your itinerary. After more than a year off-limits, the famous sandbar, Puntod Island, has officially reopened to tourists this February, following its indefinite closure over environmental concerns in 2024.

Now that the sandbar is open again, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is making it clear it isn't just business as usual. During a recent forum, DENR Regional Executive Director Laudemir Salac said the reopening depends on the strict enforcement of marine tourism rules, with additional safeguards to prevent damage from happening all over again.

Virgin Island is now open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with visitors admitted in batches. Only one group—up to about 250 people—will be allowed on the sandbar at a time, with stays capped at two hours. A one-entry, one-exit system is being enforced.

Diving activities are also allowed again, with entrance fees set at P30 for locals and P100 for foreigners.

Waste rules have been tightened, with tour operators held responsible for any trash left behind by their guests. DENR officials said random inspections will be conducted to make sure tours remain waste-free.

Officials say the new setup will undergo a short dry run before everything is finalized, giving authorities time to tweak the guidelines if needed.

"As part of Bohol’s identity as the first and only UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines, the reopening underscores the province’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental conservation," the Provincial Government of Bohol said in a statement.

Also read: 10 Best Places to Stay in Panglao

Virgin Island was indefinitely closed in September 2024 after authorities raised alarms over damage to its coral reefs after a viral video showed tourists vandalizing corals in a nearby snorkeling area. The incident prompted the provincial government to take swift action, including a full suspension of tourist activities on the island.

At the time, the Provincial Government of Bohol barred swimming and other water-based activities in the C-shaped sandbar, allowing only limited passage for boats heading to Balicasag Island, traditional gleaning, and fish cage operations by the Danao United Fishermen’s Association within the Panglao Island Protected Seascape. Signages were installed around the area to enforce the closure.

Also read: Bohol’s Virgin Island Is Closed Until Further Notice