The Best Time to Dive in Bohol, Balicasag, and Pamilacan
Bohol is one of those places where it’s pretty much always a good time to dive. Warm water, friendly locals, turtles around every corner, and dive sites that range from shallow coral gardens to deep walls, It’s diver heaven. But if you want to plan your trip around the best conditions, here’s when to pack your fins and hit the water.
Dry Season (November to May): The Sweet Spot
If you want calm seas, crystal-clear visibility, and endless sunshine, November to May is your golden window.
This is the dry season, when the sun shines almost every day, and underwater visibility can reach 25–30 meters. The ocean is calm, currents are manageable, and everything looks like it belongs in a postcard.
It’s also when you’ll find the best diving around Balicasag Island known for its stunning walls, huge schools of jacks, and resident turtles that don’t seem to mind a little audience. During this time, the dive boats glide over flat seas, and even the most seasick-prone diver can breathe a sigh of relief.
If you’re heading to Pamilacan, expect relaxed drift dives, healthy reefs, and a high chance of spotting dolphins on the way there (especially early in the morning).
Rainy Season (June to October): Still Worth It
Now, don’t write off the rainy season just yet. It’s not monsoon chaos, think more like warm tropical showers in the late afternoon that cool everything down.
Diving is still very possible, especially on the southern side of Panglao and Balicasag, where the dive sites are protected from most winds.
The bonus? Fewer tourists, lower prices, and often even more marine life around. Visibility might drop slightly (15–20 meters on average), but that’s still better than most dive destinations dream of.
If you’re visiting in September or October, you might even have the reefs to yourself, just keep an eye on weather updates and choose operators who monitor conditions carefully.
Water Temperature: Like a Warm Bath
You can leave that 5mm wetsuit at home. The water in Bohol, Balicasag, and Pamilacan stays deliciously warm all year round — usually between 27°C and 30°C.
A 3mm shorty or even just a rash guard will do the trick for most dives.
