Dive Sites
Balicasag is a flat island four kilometers southwest of the Doljo Point off what is known as Pangalo Reef which is about 30-45 minutes from Panglao Island. Fringes of narrow reefs about nine to 49.5 meters wide, is one of the many reasons why Balicasag Island has gained popularity among many foreign and local divers.
Diver's Haven is a dive site that features an impressive array of fish and marine life. Another fascinating dive site you will find is called the Turtle Point, a haven for turtles which lies on the eastern side of the island and features caves about 60 to 75 meters down. Located on the southwest side is the Cathedral Wall. The north side on the other hand is profusely covered with corals forming a psychedelic vibrant reef full of assorted tropical fish known as the Royal Garden. Finally, a site that can't be missed is the Black Coral Forest found on a shallow 90-foot depth where one will have the rare opportunity to swim through the black coral.
Cabilao, relatively 8 square kilometers is considered as one of the smaller Philippine islands located on the west of Bohol. The island is an excellent site for scuba diving and snorkeling for both beginners and professional divers.
Diving in this area is centered in front of the Light House, with a depth of around 5-50 meters, this site guarantees rendezvous with various reef critters...and occasional sharks! Another site found on this island is the Coconut. It is a wall dropping down to 50 meters where sea gorgonian fans and black corals can be seen. Large schools of barracudas and random black tipped reef sharks perch in this habitat.
On the remote and distant side, southeast of Panglao lies Pamilacan Island a low coral island, which is about 20 kilometers from Alona Beach. Its unique distance from the mainland has fortified dolphin and whale habitation, as well as spectacles of barracudas and manta rays. The island is a jump off to an area where at least seven species of marine mammals, including Bryde's whale and sperm whales, have been sighted.
This site boasts of fascinating sloping reefs with soft corals and coral heads. Aside form the white sand beach, the island is endowed with splendid dive sites nearby providing divers an impressive view of tunicates, sponges, anemones and massive gorgonians.
Habagat Wreck dive site is located at Danao Beach. At only about a depth of 8-12 meters, this site has been rated an easy dive and ideal for snorkeling. This Bohol diving site reveals interesting sea life and creatures and further down the steep slope, at 35 meters sits a boat wreck which houses Tall Fin Batfish, Giant Angel Fish, Lion Fish, Groupers and the Harlequin Ghost Pipefish.
Garden Eels, 4 kilometers from Alona Beach is yet another excellent snorkeling site along the coasts of Panglao Island. Similar to Habagat Shipwreck, this site is rated an easy dive with a depth of only 8 meters down. The site starts off with a gorgeous bow-shaped cliff, followed by a beautiful coral garden on top of the wall. A myriad of small fishes can be found here as well. Further down the bottom of the sandy slope are the fascinating Splendid Sand Eels. Garden Eels site is ideal for night dives!
Cervera Shaol is commonly known as Snake Island or Spaghetti Reef due to the thriving amount of sea snakes found here. The site lies directly south of Panglao with a steep slope with a 300 meter wide sandbar. An abundance of black and white banded sea snakes, morays, nudibranchs and small reef fishes, some corals and bucket sponges can be seen here as well, with the top teeming with sea urchins and at about 100 feet further down, divers begin to see sea snake colonies.
Doljo Point located at Barangay Doljo in Panglao Island lies precisely northwest of the island and at its ultimate tip. The beach is acclaimed for its ethereal seashells, calm deep clear waters and its florid marine biodiversity. Its location and deep drop off provides divers a good chance of seeing hammerhead sharks, manta rays and whale sharks. The site has a breathtaking wall dive with multiple hard corals and sandy spots. Various cardinal fishes, gobies, nudibranchs, harlequin ghost pipefish and clown frog fish are found on this site.
Danao Beach Reef is located off the southwestern tip of Panglao Island just down from Alona beach. It is another nice reef and wall dive with a nearby location for quick and easy access for the entire family.