Alona Beach

The dominant economic activity is tourism.^[1][5] The beach is usually busy with an estimated one million visitors per day during peak season, according to a 2014 survey.^[1] There are a number of restaurants, bars, and resorts located on the left side and the right side of the beach. Many resorts offer a wide range of accommodation options with scuba and snorkeling as the most popular activities.^[6] Following the 2018 Boracay closure and redevelopment, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu ordered the demolition of structures situated along the 20 metres (66 ft) easement zone of Panglao beaches including Alona beach.^[3] Among those demolished were a two-story building and sea walls.^[7][8] Businesses along the beach were severely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.^[9][5]

The beach is connected to the Anos Fonacier Circumferential Road. An airport bus directly connects the beach to the airport and to Tagbilaran.

The underwater ecosystem is protected and the access to the marine reserve is limited every day.^{[citation needed]} From time to time, boat trips are organized as far as Oslob to see whale sharks.^[10] Some can be spotted sporadically in the vicinity of the beach. The underwater fauna and the flora are rich; there are many healthy corals (inc. black coral), schools of fish (e.g. sardines), turtles, barracudas, lobsters and if lucky one may even spot whale sharks or dolphins.^{[citation needed]} The underwater current can be quite strong from time to time, creating a lot of turbidity in the water.^{[citation needed]}

Alona Beach is a reputed destination for snorkeling and more importantly scuba diving.^[11] The nearby Balicasag and Pamilacan islands are of particular interest since both are marine reserves. There is a large number of dive shops in Alona Beach offering a variety of diving certification courses, technical courses and excursions for divers of all levels.^{[citation needed]} Drift diving is a popular activity.

Some sport fishing is organised on the beach but the main center for this activity is the seaport of Panglao town.^{[citation needed]} Urchins are picked by locals and sold as a delicacy snack on the beach.^{[citation needed]}

9°32′55″N 123°46′15″E / 9.54861°N 123.77083°E / 9.54861; 123.77083

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