Diving in the Philippines on Balicasag Island

Diving in the Philippines is no longer a secret to many experienced divers. It must be said that the Philippine seabed is extremely rich and varied, from the rarest nudibranchs to the majestic whale sharks: the dive sites of the Philippines are accessible to the greatest number, from beginners to experienced divers.

We have chosen to present the island of Bohol, in the heart of the Visayas archipelago.

Island of incomparable natural and underwater riches, Bohol is a destination that will delight lovers of adventure, relaxation, authenticity, snorkeling and of course diving!

Following one of his dives on Balicasag, Brice (a professional traveler!) writes: “It must be 20 minutes that I am under the water and I have already taken full eyes, the spot is absolutely sublime and to be honest biodiversity is exceptional, I discovered many fish that I had never seen during of my previous dives, especially, there is really something other than small fish which gives a rather impressive picture under water."

This is also why we chose Bohol! From the beginner to the most experienced diver, everyone will find unique pleasure in their dives here.

Equation is located directly across from Balicasag Island, which has half a dozen dive sites, all of them equally colorful, lively and exciting. Its proximity, its richness, the beauty of this small island surrounded by white sand beaches, make it one of our favorite destinations for our diving days (2 or 3 dives + picnic on the beach).

Panglao and Balicasag: some of our favorite sites

Arco Point

Location: Panglao
Distance: 10 boat minutes
Configuration: falling
Depth: 5 to 30 meters

One of our favorite sites, because of its configuration, its richness and its proximity. Arco means “Arch”: a passage through the drop off that you can take at 5 m, and come out at around 18m. Take some time to explore the walls of this arch: they are teeming with life! The rest of the dive takes place on a magnificent drop off where all kinds of common and rarer species can be observed: moray eels, colorful nudibranchs, toad fish, ghost fish. More in the blue, schools of batfish, wrasse, rays are present at almost every dive! Extremely pleasant, colorful site, very close to the center, it is ideal for all levels and at any time of the day.

Cathedral

Location: Balicasag
Distance: 25 boat minutes
Configuration: falling
Depth: 5 to 35 m

One of the must see in Balicasag! Like many sites around Panglao, Cathedral is a drop off covered with corals, macro species of all kinds, one of those sites where “we take it all in”!
The site begins on a coral plateau then, very quickly, the drop off allows you to have a magnificent view of the overall panorama and very beautiful lighting effects give, in addition, a crazy charm to this dive. Turtles, schools of batfish, jacks, napoleons, napoleons, rays are some of the species to be discovered “in the blue”. On the wall itself, small “swimthrough” type passages offer, in addition to the many species to be observed on its walls, a very pleasant atmosphere for diving. One of the essentials in Balicasag, for any level of diver.

Royal Garden

Location: Balicasag
Distance: 25 boat minutes
Configuration: plateau then gentle slope
Depth: 3 to 30 m

One of our clients' favorite sites because the plateau is full of colors, turtles, schools of fish, little things to discover, all of this on a breathtaking coral bed. “We would spend many hours less than 10 meters” recently told us one of our divers!
The site is dotted with turtles, we counted up to 15 in one dive. Notice to amateurs!
Beyond the plateau, a gentle slope to enjoy taking its time, like the majority of Balicasag sites. Ideal for a discovery diving baptism, for photographers, and for any experienced diver wishing to discover the magical sites around Panglao.

The list is not exhaustive as the dive sites around Panglao and Balicasag are rich, varied, colorful and simply magical.
Balicasag has half a dozen dive sites, Panglao about ten, eaccording to your desires, we also organize diving days in Pamilacan and Cabilao. These 2 destinations are a little further but are also full of wonders not to be missed.