Luxury Expedition Cruise SH Minerva Docks in Bohol, Showcases Geopark Geosite
The luxury expedition cruise ship SH Minerva, operated by Swan Hellenic, made its scheduled visit to Bohol as part of its maiden voyage across the Philippines, anchoring off the port of Baclayon, on May 5, 2026.
Designed for immersive travel in remote and culturally rich destinations, the vessel can carry approximately 152 guests and spans 377 feet in length, offering a refined expedition experience that blends comfort with discovery.
Serving as the official shore excursion handler, in coordination with Swan Hellenic, the local team, together with ground partner Travel Village and Tours, facilitated a curated half-day tour for around 80 to 90 international guests.
This port call was made possible through the strong support and coordination of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado and the Local Government Unit of Baclayon, reinforcing the province’s strategic push to position Bohol as a premier cruise destination in the region.
As part of the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark experience, guests were introduced to some of the province’s most significant geosites, each reflecting Bohol’s rich geological heritage and strong conservation efforts.
The itinerary included the biodiversity-rich Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape (RSPL), one of the largest remaining forest reserves in the province, showcasing the vital connection between limestone landscapes and watershed ecosystems.
The tour also featured the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, located at Corella, where conservation efforts highlight the relationship between geology and the natural habitat of the endangered Philippine tarsier.
Completing the experience was a visit to the iconic Chocolate Hills, a world-renowned geosite composed of over 1,776 symmetrical limestone hills shaped by marine uplift and erosion, standing as a testament to Bohol’s geological history.
The successful visit highlights how PGBh continues to maximize high-impact tourism opportunities, particularly in the cruise sector, generating immediate economic activity across transport, guiding services, food, handicrafts, and tourism sites.
Representing Gov. Aumentado, Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO) Head Joanne Pinat emphasized the value of such initiatives.
“Cruise ship arrivals are high-impact opportunities. While the length of stay is short, the volume of visitors creates immediate economic activity across transport, guiding services, food, handicrafts, and tourism sites,” Pinat said.
Pinat added that these visits serve as powerful introductions, citing that cruise passengers may return as longer-stay tourists or inspire others to visit.
“For Bohol, this strengthens market diversification and enhances the global competitiveness of our services and facilities,” the BPTO head emphasized.
“We shift our approach from simple sightseeing to meaningful storytelling. We design tours that highlight how our landscapes, culture, and people are interconnected. We want every visitor to leave with a deeper appreciation of Bohol and the advocacy we uphold as a sustainable tourism destination.”
The arrival of SH Minerva reaffirms Bohol’s global positioning as a model for responsible and sustainable tourism development aligned with PGBh’s Strategic Governance Roadmap. (PIMO/RJG)
