Bohol

Bohol, Philippines, a jewel in the Coral Triangle, offers world-class diving centered around its exceptional biodiversity. The area is renowned for its dramatic wall dives that plunge into the deep, particularly around the famous Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary. These walls are adorned with vibrant hard and soft corals, massive sea fans, and teeming with life. Divers can explore pristine coral gardens in shallower areas, making it a visually stunning underwater landscape perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Diving conditions in Bohol are generally excellent year-round, with warm tropical waters averaging 26-29°C (79-84°F) and visibility often exceeding 20 meters. Its accessibility and the variety of sites, from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging drifts for advanced divers, make it an ideal destination for everyone. The combination of spectacular macro and wide-angle opportunities, reliable turtle sightings, and the sheer density of marine life ensures that a dive trip to Bohol is an unforgettable experience.

Top Sites

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most popular dive site in Bohol, Philippines?
Balicasag Island is the most famous diving area in Bohol, Philippines. As a protected marine sanctuary, it boasts incredibly rich marine life. Divers flock here for its steep, coral-covered walls, the resident population of green and hawksbill turtles, and the mesmerizing, massive school of jackfish that forms a swirling vortex. Sites like Black Forest and Cathedral Wall are iconic for their dramatic underwater topography and vibrant ecosystems, making it a must-visit for any diver in the region.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Bohol, Philippines?
Well-known sites in Bohol, Philippines, are concentrated around Panglao and Balicasag Island, famous for walls and turtles. For a less crowded experience, consider diving in Anda on the eastern coast. Anda is a hidden gem known for its incredible macro life, including pygmy seahorses and various nudibranchs, as well as pristine coral reefs and a more tranquil atmosphere. Cabilao Island is another great option, known for hammerhead shark sightings in season and fantastic wall dives.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Bohol, Philippines?
The water temperature when diving in Bohol, Philippines, is warm and tropical all year. It typically ranges from 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F). The coolest months are generally from December to February, while the warmest waters are found from April to June. These consistently warm temperatures make diving comfortable throughout the year, with minimal thermal protection needed.
When is the best time to visit Bohol, Philippines?
The best time to visit Bohol, Philippines, for diving is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. This period generally offers the best conditions with calm seas, sunny weather, and excellent underwater visibility. The peak season is from March to May when conditions are optimal. The wet season, from June to October, can still offer good diving, but there is a higher chance of rain and rougher seas due to potential typhoons.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Bohol, Philippines?
During the prime dive season in Bohol, Philippines (November to May), underwater visibility is typically excellent, often ranging from 20 to 30 meters (65 to 100 feet), and can sometimes exceed this. At offshore sites like Balicasag Island, the visibility is consistently clear. It can be influenced by tides, recent weather, and plankton levels, but for the most part, divers can expect very good to great visibility, making it ideal for underwater photography.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Bohol, Philippines?
While not a primary migration route, whale sharks are occasionally sighted in the waters of Bohol, Philippines, particularly between November and May. These encounters are a matter of luck rather than a guaranteed event. The most reliable and spectacular event is the massive, year-round school of jackfish at Balicasag Island. Some areas like Cabilao Island also offer a chance to see schools of hammerhead sharks in the cooler months, typically from December to March.
What marine life can I expect to see in Bohol, Philippines?
In Bohol, Philippines, you can expect incredible biodiversity. Common sightings include large numbers of green and hawksbill turtles, massive schools of jackfish and barracuda, and frogfish. The reefs are home to a vast array of life, including moray eels, anemonefish, and colourful anthias. Macro enthusiasts will find pygmy seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, and a huge variety of nudibranchs. Reef sharks are also occasionally spotted patrolling the walls.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Bohol, Philippines?
For the warm waters of Bohol, Philippines, a 3mm wetsuit, either shorty or full, is generally sufficient for most divers. Many find a simple rash guard and board shorts to be comfortable, especially during the warmest months. For those who get cold easily or plan on doing multiple dives per day, a 3mm full suit is a safe and comfortable choice year-round.
How do I get to Bohol, Philippines?
To get to Bohol, Philippines, the most direct way is to fly into Panglao International Airport (TAG), which receives domestic flights from Manila and other major hubs. Most dive resorts are located on Panglao Island, a short taxi or van ride from the airport. Alternatively, you can take a fast ferry from Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol's main port, which takes approximately two hours. From the port, it's a 30-45 minute land transfer to the main tourist areas.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Bohol, Philippines?
For a trip focused on Bohol, Philippines, staying on shore is the recommended and most common option. Dive resorts, particularly on Panglao Island, offer easy daily boat trips to all the premier dive sites, including Balicasag, Pamilacan, and local reefs. Liveaboards in this region typically cover a wider Visayas itinerary and may only spend a day or two in Bohol. A shore-based stay provides more flexibility and a deeper exploration of what Bohol itself has to offer.
All Dive Sites in Bohol (37)
Alona Beach House ReefArco PointBacong WestBalicasag IslandBasdio SanctuaryBbcBirhen PointBita UgCabilao IslandCoco NorthCoco SouthDanao WallDapdapDoljo HousereefDoljo PointGak AngHoyo HoyJedens PlaceKalipayanLibaongMagic PointMagno CaveMandarin GardenMomo BeachNapalingNeptunes HousePamilacan IslandPanorama ReefPogalingPuntodPygmy HouseSeahorse PointSuba SanctuarySunriseTawala MpaTurtle PointWonderwall