10 Days • 9 Nights
Philippines Family Islands
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll swim beside gentle whale sharks, meet the tiny wide-eyed tarsiers, marvel at the Chocolate Hills, cruise the Loboc River, and island-hop the turquoise lagoons of El Nido. White-sand beaches and boat rides keep every age delighted.
With family-friendly resorts, private guides and the flights and boats arranged, it is the Philippines made easy and unforgettable for all ages.
Trip Highlights
- Swimming with gentle whale sharks off Cebu
- The tiny wide-eyed tarsiers of Bohol
- The surreal Chocolate Hills
- A Loboc River lunch cruise
- Island-hopping the lagoons of El Nido
- Snorkelling over coral gardens
- White-sand beaches and boat rides
- Short flights linking every island
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
Arrive in the capital and settle in, with a family welcome dinner.
Fly to Cebu and settle in by the sea, with an afternoon to relax by the pool or beach.
An early trip to swim beside the gentle whale sharks of Oslob, a highlight the whole family will remember, with a swim at Kawasan Falls.
Cross to Bohol by fast ferry and settle on Panglao Island's white sand.
The Chocolate Hills, the tiny tarsiers, a butterfly garden and a lunch cruise on the Loboc River.
Fly via Cebu to El Nido on Palawan, settling in beneath the limestone cliffs of Bacuit Bay.
A full day island-hopping to the lagoons and beaches of Bacuit Bay, snorkelling over coral, with a beach lunch.
A second, gentler island-hopping day to secret beaches and easy snorkelling spots.
A free day to relax on the beach, kayak the bay or simply build sandcastles.
A final breakfast before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport, ferry and boat transfers throughout
- 1 night Manila, 2 nights Cebu, 2 nights Bohol, 4 nights El Nido
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, a Loboc River lunch cruise and island-hopping lunches
- A whale shark experience off Cebu
- A Bohol countryside tour — Chocolate Hills, tarsiers and the Loboc River
- An El Nido island-hopping boat tour of the lagoons and beaches
- Domestic flights linking Manila, Cebu, Bohol and El Nido
- Snorkelling gear on the included tours
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from the Philippines
- Any visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Local environmental, terminal and island-hopping fees where not stated
- Optional activities and water sports
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Many nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days; check your passport's eligibility. Your passport should be valid at least six months, and onward tickets are sometimes requested
- English everywhere: English is an official language and widely spoken, which makes the Philippines wonderfully easy to travel
- Currency: The currency is the Philippine Peso. Cards work in cities and resorts, but carry cash for islands, markets, tricycles and the many small local fees
- Best season: The dry season (November to April) is ideal, with sunshine and calm seas; June to October is the wet, typhoon-prone season when some boat trips can be cancelled
- Island transfers: Getting between islands means domestic flights and boat (bangka) rides, all arranged for you but occasionally affected by weather or sea conditions
- Local fees: Islands and attractions charge small environmental, terminal and island-hopping fees payable in cash on the spot — keep small peso notes handy
- Sun & reef: The tropical sun is strong; bring high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a rash guard for snorkelling to protect both yourself and the coral
- Health: Drink bottled water, use mosquito repellent (dengue is present) and consider a waterproof bag for boat days. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity: A local SIM or eSIM is cheap and handy, though signal can be patchy on remote islands — a welcome excuse to unplug
- Tipping & power: Tipping is appreciated for good service. Power is 220V, usually with type A/B plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as island-hopping lunches. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy the Philippines' fresh seafood and lively food scene.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, island-hopping boats and tours are arranged with local guides and boatmen, so there is nothing to organise on the ground.
Do I need a visa for the Philippines?
Many nationalities enter visa-free for up to 30 days. We can confirm the requirements for your passport before you travel.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season from November to April offers the sunniest weather and calmest seas. June to October is wetter and typhoon-prone, so we favour the dry months for island trips.
Is island-hopping weather-dependent?
Boat trips depend on sea and weather conditions and can occasionally be rescheduled for safety. We build in flexibility and your guide will always make the best of the day.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, islands, resorts and activities can all be tailored, and we can add Palawan, Boracay, Siargao or the rice terraces. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between the islands?
By short domestic flights between the main hubs and by boat (bangka) for island-hopping — all included and arranged for you.
Is the Philippines easy with children?
Very — English is widely spoken, Filipinos adore children, and the mix of gentle wildlife, beaches and boat rides suits all ages. We keep the pace relaxed with flights on the longer hops.
Are the island-hopping boats safe for kids?
Yes — the boats are stable outriggers with life vests, and guides keep a close eye. We choose calmer routes and snorkelling spots for families.
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