Published: September 1, 2024
Certified Scuba divers from around the world flock to Bohol for a number of reasons, and even more important than those sunset beers during debrief (maybe!) are the dive adventures waiting no matter your certification level. The problem, if you can call it that, is which of the world class dive sites to explore next? It is always better to make an informed choice, so this article will compare Balicasag Island Scuba diving and Pamilacan Island Scuba diving.
There is a reason that Bohol is such a popular holiday destination, and it’s not just the diving. The island offers something for everyone both above and below the water. With that said, Panglao is the prime destination for both certified scuba divers and those looking to get a scuba certification. That’s because Panglao is where you’ll find the world famous Alona Beach, with amazing scuba diving experiences just a short boat ride away. Granted, there aren’t many problems when you are diving in the Philippines, but choosing the right dive site is definitely one of them. On Alona Beach the choice is between diving in the turtle sanctuary at Balicasag Island or exploring the macro delights of Pamilacan Island.
By far the busiest beach in Panglao, Alona Beach is the giant stride entry into scuba diving on Bohol. No need to worry if you are not certified, all scuba certification courses are readily available from the shops on the beach, all you have to do is decide if you want an SSI certification or to become a PADI diver. With scuba certification completed, you will be faced with a choice of islands to visit, Balicasag or Pamilacan, but before learning about each island, let’s take a look at itineraries. The islands are within an hour’s banka ride of Alona Beach offer excellent, yet different, diving adventures for fully certified scuba divers
Boats from the beach to both islands are a daily occurrence, but as the banka’s are loaded around 8am every day, it is important to organise your trip the day before. The islands are Marine Protected Areas, which means daily dive places are limited, so passenger manifests and marine park fees (these are included in the price for the days diving) need to be provided to the coastguard before the fun can begin. Water, snacks and sometimes even lunch (and beers for the return leg!), are provided by most operators, but don’t forget to bring UV protection and at least a towel. Local dive masters are assigned to each dive group, it is important to pay attention to their dive briefing to ensure your safety, but also so that you know what to look for and where to look for it!
A day trip to this protected marine sanctuary is the most popular choice for scuba divers visiting Bohol, and it is easy to see why. Balicasag is home to numerous dive sites, such as the aptly named Diver’s Heaven, the even more aptly named Turtle Point and the blissful Cathedral. Each of the sites has its own wonders to explore and conditions to suit beginners. In fact, many newly certified open water scuba divers have their first certified dives with the turtles of Balicasag Island. Slopes begin around 6 metres before impressive walls drop to around 30 metres, watching the light dance through the corals and off the wall is a majestic experience. The turtles are the most famous residents of Balicasag, but they are not the only ones. There are schools of Trevally (also knowns as Jacks) and accompanying schools of Barracuda. There are Frog fish to be found if you keep your eyes open, not to mention Eagle Rays and more. If you are lucky one of your local dive guides will show you an octopus or two, and recently a pair of white tip reef sharks have been found sleeping under table corals. As the Bohol Sea is on their migratory route, Whale sharks pass by to say hello on occasion, too.
Although Pamilacan Island is slightly further on the banka, it is worth the longer trip and not just for the chance to see Dolphins on the way there. On the whole, Pamilacan is better suited to more experienced divers who are looking for more of a challenge. The biodiversity to be found underwater makes it the perfect place to get those macro cameras out and start looking for nudi branchs and all manner of crazy critters. The current can be quite strong, depending on the tides, so the chance to take advantage of a drift dive shouldn’t be missed. There are three main dive sites Spanish Tower, Dakit-Dakit and The Sanctuary. Not only are the dive sites great for macro, the stunning mixture of hard and soft corals is home to cuttlefish, eagle rays, mantis shrimp, and more. Pamilacan Island is also on the migratory route, so Whale Sharks also occasionally pass by between December and May.
In the scuba diving paradise of Bohol, choosing between Balicasag Island and Pamilacan Island for your next underwater adventure is a delightful dilemma indeed. Balicasag Island beckons with its serene marine sanctuary, where gentle slopes give way to dramatic walls teeming with life—think turtles gliding gracefully alongside schools of Trevally and Barracuda. With its famed Black Forest and Cathedral dive sites, it’s a haven for both novice and seasoned divers alike, promising encounters with Octopuses, Eagle Rays, and occasional Whale Sharks.
On the other hand, Pamilacan Island offers a more challenging dive experience amidst stronger currents and a rich tapestry of marine biodiversity. Dive sites like Spanish Tower and Dakit-Dakit lure experienced divers with opportunities to spot nudi branchs, mantis shrimp, and the majestic Whale Sharks passing through between December and May.
Whichever island you choose, Bohol’s underwater wonders await, promising unforgettable encounters and breathtaking dives. Make your choice, dive deep, and immerse yourself in the magic of Bohol’s underwater world. The ocean beckons—take the plunge and discover the extraordinary beauty that awaits beneath the waves.
