Bohol’s Virgin Island reopened to tourists

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February 7, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — After suspending operations for almost two years, Puntod Island in Bohol, commonly called the Virgin Island, has been reopened to the public.

The reopening on Feb. 2 came after the Protected Area Management Board lifted the temporary closure order the PAMB issued on Puntod, located within the Panglao Island Protected Seascape.

The temporary closure order stemmed from incidents involving vandalism and destruction of corals at the Estaca snorkeling site in August 2024.

Authorities investigated the incidents and identified, arrested and filed charges against several suspects.

The PAMB said key interventions were implemented during the closure period to enhance visitor safety and protection of the site including installation of mooring buoys and navigational guides in the area.

The board said a ticket booth was constructed at the site, and capacity-building activities such as basic life support and water safety trainings were implemented.

“Local boat operators were accredited by the Department of Tourism to help boost activities on the island,” the PAMB said.

The lifting of the TRO was based on the implementation of these interventions as well as the dedication of stakeholders in adhering to marine tourism guidelines that were adopted in the protected seascape.

Laudemir Salac of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Central Visayas said the reopening of Virgin Island comes with reinforced environmental safeguards, regulated visitor flow and stronger interagency coordination.

“The regulated reopening is a testament to our commitment to environmental protection,” Salac said.