The Ultimate Diving Guide to Bohol
So you’ve made it to Bohol, home of chocolate hills, and some of the best diving in the Philippines. Whether you’re staying on buzzing Panglao or planning day trips to Balicasag or Pamilican, there’s no shortage of underwater magic waiting for you. Let’s break it down so you know exactly where to dip your fins first.
Panglao Dive Sites: Local, Easy, and Full of Life
You don’t have to go far to get wet. Panglao’s local dive sites are all along the island’s southern coastline, just minutes by boat from Alona Beach. These sites are perfect for relaxed dives, training dives, or easygoing critter hunts. So if you want to get your Open Water Certification, Panglao is the perfect spot!
Panglao’s reefs are known for healthy coral gardens, calm conditions, and macro life that will make photographers lose track of time.
Must-try sites:
Arco Point – Also called “Hole in the Wall,” this one’s got a fun little swim-through and lots of colorful soft corals. Great for beginner to intermediate divers.
House Reef – The perfect warm-up dive, right in front of Alona. Expect clownfish, lionfish, and the occasional sea snake trying to photobomb your selfie.
BBC Reef and Doljo Point – Home to big coral bommies, sea fans, and macro critters galore. You might find nudibranchs smaller than your pinky nail and, if you’re lucky, a passing turtle.
Local dives around Panglao are generally calm with little to no current, which makes them perfect for newer divers or anyone who prefers a nice, slow cruise along the reef.
Balicasag Island: The Superstar
Balicasag is the main event. About 30 to 40 minutes by boat from Panglao, this little round island is famous for its walls, its turtles, and those mesmerizing schools of jackfish.
It’s a marine sanctuary, so the reefs are in great condition, and visibility is often 20 to 30 meters. You can go on a day trip to Balicasag and do two or three dives here, usually starting early to beat the crowds.
Top dive sites:
Black Forest – A diver’s favorite. Sloping coral gardens, sometimes a bit of current, and massive jackfish schools that swirl around you like a metallic tornado.
Rudy’s Rock – Gorgeous wall diving with colorful sponges, tons of reef fish, and lazy green turtles doing their thing.
Cathedral Wall – Steep and dramatic, with light rays filtering through the blue and fish darting in and out of the corals.
Currents can range from mild to spicy depending on the day, so listen to your dive guide and make sure your camera’s ready before you drift past something cool.
Pamilican Island: Quiet, Peaceful, and Full of Charm
If Balicasag is the celebrity, Pamilican is its shy, underrated cousin. Located about an hour from Panglao by boat, Pamilican offers stunning reefs, gentle drift dives, and that peaceful “no one else is here” vibe.
The island is surrounded by clear blue water and beautiful coral slopes. You might spot turtles, barracudas, and sometimes even passing dolphins on the surface during your boat ride on your day trip to Pamilican.
Top dive sites:
Dakong Wall – A lovely sloping reef with hard corals, big schools of reef fish, and great visibility.
Spanish Tower – Named after a structure on the island, this site is a mix of coral gardens and small walls with lots of colorful life.
East Pamilican – Calm, scenic, and full of macro life if you look closely. A relaxing dive that’s great for photographers.
Pamilican doesn’t have the same dramatic walls or jackfish tornadoes as Balicasag, but it makes up for it with serenity and vibrant reefs that are perfect for slow, relaxed dives.
When to Dive in Bohol
You can dive here all year, but the sweet spot is between December and May when the sea is calm, and visibility is at its best. Even in the rainy season, diving is usually possible, just expect a few more clouds and maybe a nap between dives while you wait out a quick shower.
Who Should Dive Where
If you’re new to diving or want to get certified, Panglao’s local sites are your best friend. They’re close, calm, and easy.
If you’re chasing turtles and jackfish, a Balicasag daytrip is the dream. You’ll get world-class reefs, a bit of current for adventure, and endless photo ops.
If you’re after peace, quiet, and colorful coral, go for a Pamilican day trip. It’s remote, relaxing, and perfect if you like diving without a crowd.
Final Thoughts
Diving in Bohol is like picking from a box of ocean-flavored chocolates. Each spot has its own taste, texture, and surprise inside. Panglao gives you easy access and variety, Balicasag delivers the big show, and Pamilican wraps you in calm blue bliss. If you can’t decide between Balicasag and Pamilican, read
Whichever one you choose, you’re guaranteed turtles, smiles, and at least one dive where you surface saying, “Okay, one more.”
