Siquijor Tour Operators & Activity Providers Guide

Tour Operators Overview

Siquijor’s tour scene is small and personal. There are no massive tourism companies—mostly local operators, resort-based services, and individual guides. This has pros and cons.

Pros: Personal service, local knowledge, fair prices, flexibility Cons: Less online presence, varying quality, informal booking processes

What to Book vs. DIY

Before looking at operators, understand what actually needs booking:

Book Through Operators

DIY (No Operator Needed)

Either Way

Types of Tour Services

Resort-Based Tour Desks

Most mid-range and luxury resorts offer tour arrangements:

Services:

• Island tours
• Diving coordination
• Activity booking
• Transportation
• Airport/port transfers

Pros:

• Convenient
• English-speaking
• Accountable
• Can bill to room

Cons:

• Mark-up on prices (10-30%)
• Less flexibility
• May use external operators anyway

Independent Tour Operators

Local businesses specializing in tours:

What They Offer:

• Package tours (half-day, full-day)
• Custom itineraries
• Transportation included
• Guide services

How to Find:

• Ask accommodation
• Facebook searches (“Siquijor Tours”)
• Port area offices
• Word of mouth

Individual Guides

Local freelancers offering personalized tours:

Best For:

• Cultural/healing tours
• Off-beaten-path experiences
• Language assistance
• Deep local knowledge

How to Find:

• Local recommendations
• Tourism office referrals
• Social media groups
• Tricycle drivers often know guides

Dive Operators

Diving is one activity that genuinely requires professional operators.

What to Look For

Essential:

• PADI or SSI certification
• Well-maintained equipment
• Safety briefings
• Proper insurance
• Experienced divemasters

Good Signs:

• Recent positive reviews
• Clear pricing
• Professional communication
• Clean facilities

Red Flags:

• Unlicensed operation
• Old/poorly maintained gear
• Skipping safety protocols
• Unusually low prices

Diving Services Available

Booking Tips

• Book at least 1 day ahead
• Bring certification card
• Ask about group sizes
• Confirm what’s included
• Check weather/conditions policy

Cave Tour Operators

Cantabon Cave requires a guide—there’s no DIY option.

How It Works

1. Arrive at Cantabon registration area
2. Register and pay fees
3. Assigned a local guide
4. Guide provides helmet, light, safety briefing
5. 2-3 hour cave experience

What’s Included

• Guide (mandatory)
• Helmet with lamp
• Life jacket for swimming sections
• Rope assistance
• Emergency support

Cost

• Standard tour: ₱350-500 per person
• Environmental fee included
• Tips appreciated but not required

Tips

• Go early (morning best)
• Wear appropriate clothes
• Bring change of clothes
• Confirm weather conditions
• Tell someone your plans

Island Tour Options

Tricycle Day Tour

The most common “tour” is hiring a tricycle driver for the day.

How It Works:

• Negotiate at port or through accommodation
• Agree on itinerary, duration, price
• Driver takes you to sites, waits
• Typical route covers major attractions

Cost: ₱1,500-2,000 for full day

Typical Itinerary:

1. Balete Tree
2. Lazi Church
3. Cambugahay Falls
4. Salagdoong Beach
5. San Juan area
6. Paliton Beach sunset

Pros:

• No navigation worries
• Local driver knowledge
• Good for non-scooter riders
• Social experience

Cons:

• Less flexibility
• Fixed pace
• More expensive than scooter
• Dependent on driver’s preferences

Package Tours

Some operators offer all-inclusive packages:

What’s Included:

• Transportation
• Guide
• Entrance fees
• Sometimes lunch
• Hotel pickup/dropoff

Cost: ₱1,500-3,000 depending on inclusions

Best For:

• Solo travelers wanting company
• Those who prefer structure
• Limited time visitors

Boat Tours

Apo Island Day Trip

The most popular boat excursion from Siquijor.

What It Is:

• Day trip to nearby Apo Island
• World-class snorkeling/diving
• Sea turtle encounters
• Beautiful beaches

What’s Included:

• Boat transportation
• Snorkel gear (usually)
• Guide
• Marine park fees (usually)
• Sometimes lunch

Cost: ₱2,500-4,000 (snorkeling) / ₱4,500-6,000 (diving)

Booking:

• Through dive shops
• Resort tour desks
• Direct with boat operators

Island Hopping

Less common than other Philippine destinations, but available:

Options:

• Siquijor coastal tour
• Hidden beaches access
• Snorkel spot hopping
• Sunset cruises

Availability: Arrange through resorts or fishing boat owners

Cultural & Healing Tours

Healing Tradition Tours

For those interested in Siquijor’s famous healing practices:

What’s Available:

• Visits with traditional healers
• Explanation of practices
• Opportunity for healing sessions
• Cultural context and history

How to Arrange:

• Ask accommodation for contacts
• Tourism office can help
• During Aninag Festival (Holy Week) - most accessible
• Word of mouth

Important Notes:

• Approach with respect, not curiosity tourism
• Some healers don’t see outsiders
• Photography usually restricted
• Fair payment expected

Heritage Tours

What’s Included:

• Church and convent visits
• Historical context
• Cang-isok House
• Colonial history explanation

Availability:

• Self-guided works fine
• Guides available through tourism office
• Local historians occasionally offer tours

How to Choose an Operator

Before Booking

1. Check reviews - Facebook, Google, TripAdvisor
2. Ask your accommodation - They know who’s reliable
3. Compare prices - Large variations are red flags
4. Verify inclusions - What’s included, what’s extra
5. Confirm communication - Can you reach them easily?

Questions to Ask

• What exactly is included in the price?
• What’s the group size?
• Who will be the guide?
• What happens if weather is bad?
• What’s the cancellation policy?
• Do you have insurance?

Red Flags

• Unable to explain what’s included
• No fixed meeting point
• Requests full payment upfront with no receipt
• Bad reviews mentioning safety issues
• Significantly cheaper than competitors
• Pushy sales tactics

Good Signs

• Clear, written pricing
• Positive recent reviews
• Professional communication
• Happy to answer questions
• Local recommendations
• Proper safety equipment

Booking Process

Direct Booking (Recommended)

1. Find operator (recommendations, online)
2. Contact via Facebook/WhatsApp/phone
3. Discuss requirements and pricing
4. Confirm booking (usually informal)
5. Pay on day (cash usually)
6. Get contact number for day-of

Through Resort

1. Ask tour desk for options
2. Choose package
3. Book and pay (may go on room bill)
4. Resort coordinates pickup

Walk-Up Booking

For tricycle tours and some activities:

1. Negotiate at port on arrival
2. Agree on terms
3. Go immediately or next day
4. Pay at end of service

Pricing Guide

Typical Tour Costs

What Affects Price

• Season (peak = higher)
• Group size (solo = more)
• Inclusions (meals, fees)
• Operator type (resort = markup)
• Negotiation skills

DIY Alternative

For most activities, self-guided is better:

Scooter + Independence

Cost for 3 days:

• Scooter: ₱1,200
• Gas: ₱200
• Entrance fees: ₱200
• Total: ₱1,600

Vs. Tricycle Tour:

• 1-day tour: ₱1,500-2,000
• Limited flexibility
• Driver’s pace
• Same sites

The Math: DIY costs similar but gives 3 days of flexibility vs. 1 structured day.

Final Recommendations

Book an Operator For:

• Scuba diving (safety first)
• Cantabon Cave (mandatory)
• Apo Island (logistics)
• Cultural experiences (access)
• If you can’t/won’t ride a scooter

Go DIY For:

• Island sightseeing
• Beach hopping
• Waterfall visits
• Heritage sites
• General exploration

The Hybrid Approach

Best for most visitors:

1. Rent scooter for general exploration
2. Book diving if interested
3. Book Cantabon Cave if adventurous
4. Consider Apo Island trip if time allows
5. DIY everything else

Plan your activities alongside Getting Around Siquijor and Where to Stay.