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A passenger boat cruising down a wide, green river surrounded by dense forest.

Travel tips

Loboc River Cruise vs Paddleboarding

You can explore the emerald-green Loboc River in two distinct ways. Choose a relaxing buffet cruise or an active stand-up paddleboard session.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

In short

  • The cruise includes a Filipino buffet and cultural performances for PHP 1,200.
  • Paddleboarding offers an active way to navigate the river.
  • Choose the cruise for relaxation or paddleboarding for a workout.
In this article
  1. What is the floating restaurant experience like?
  2. What do stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tours involve?
  3. How do the prices compare?
  4. Can I do both on the same day?
  5. Which option is better for families?
  6. Do paddleboard tours include the buffet?

The Loboc River is a central highlight of the Bohol Countryside Tour. Visitors must decide between taking the motorized floating restaurant or joining a paddleboarding excursion. Both options provide views of the tropical forest, but they cater to very different travel styles.

What is the floating restaurant experience like?

The Loboc River Cruise is a leisurely boat ride featuring a traditional Filipino buffet.

The motorized pontoon glides up the river for 1 to 1.5 hours. You get a set seat, a full lunch, and live cultural entertainment along the banks. It is accessible for all ages and requires no physical effort.

Two tourists posing and pointing at the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol
Chocolate hills tour with Tarsier & Loboc river Buffet Lunch (half-day tour)5 h to 6 h 4.8 (175)from $86

What do stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tours involve?

Paddleboarding requires you to actively navigate the Loboc River on a large board.

Instead of a motorized boat, you propel yourself using a paddle. This option gets you closer to the water and the nipa palms. It is a physical activity that requires balance. Pack a dry bag to protect your belongings.

Beautiful view of the iconic Chocolate Hills surrounded by lush green vegetation
Photo: tour listing on Viator
Group of friends posing happily with Chocolate Hills landscape in the background.
Bohol Countryside Tour: Chocolate Hills, Tarsier and Loboc River10 h 4.4 (14)from $53

How do the prices compare?

The river cruise costs PHP 1,200 per adult, while paddleboard tours vary based on package inclusions.

The PHP 1,200 cruise ticket covers your buffet lunch, boat ride, and environmental fees. Guided tours that include paddleboarding typically cost more. For example, full-day packages with paddleboarding start from $53.00. Prices change depending on the booking platform.

Can I do both on the same day?

Doing both is possible but requires careful time management.

The river cruise runs between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. If you want to do both, schedule your paddleboarding session early in the morning. Follow it up with a lunch cruise before returning to your hotel.

Close-up of a small tarsier clinging to a green bamboo stalk
Photo: tour listing on Viator

Which option is better for families?

The floating restaurant is better suited for families with young children or seniors.

Children under 3 feet board the cruise for free, while those 3 to 4 feet tall pay a reduced rate. Seniors get a discounted rate. Paddleboarding is better suited for older teenagers and physically fit adults.

Two people jumping on brooms overlooking Chocolate Hills in Bohol
Private Bohol Tour: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers & Loboc River6 h to 8 h 4.7 (34)from $69

Do paddleboard tours include the buffet?

Most paddleboard tours do not include the floating restaurant buffet.

If you book an active tour, you usually eat at a stationary restaurant by the river. If you want the specific experience of eating on the moving pontoon, you must book the Loboc River Cruise directly or choose a tour that clearly lists it.

A scenic Loboc River Cruise with a floating restaurant passing tropical palm trees
Photo: tour listing on Viator

Questions travellers ask

Can you swim in the Loboc River?

No swimming is allowed from the floating restaurant during the main cruise.

What happens when it rains during the river cruise?

The floating restaurants are covered, allowing the cruise to operate. If you are paddleboarding, you will get wet and should pack a light rain jacket.

Are there discounts for senior citizens on the river cruise?

Yes, senior citizens pay a discounted rate instead of the regular PHP 1,200 adult fare.

countryside tour & paddleboardfrom $53 on Viator
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