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Bohol is the tenth largest Island in the whole Philippine archipelago and lies at the very heart of Visayas. It is famous for its crystal springs, white-sand beaches, ancestral homes and ancient churches. Along its coastline are several Islets such as Panglao, Cabilao, Jao, Balicasag, Mahanay, and Lapinin which all offer excellent marine life. The Chocolate Hills are just one of the many wonders of the province. Bohol is also the home to the smallest monkey in the world, “tarsier”. These gentle mammals can normally found in the hills of Corella. There are a number of spots that offer excellent diving. Balicasag, long known for its exotic seashells, (the natives net-fish the deeper waters for rare specimens), and its cascading coral walls is considered one of the best dive spots in the country. The waters off Pamilacan Island teem with schools of tuna, snappers, groupers, mackerel and surgeonfish. Dolphins and pilot whales can also be viewed from the distance. Scuba World Bohol dive center is a stroll away. Dives are US$ 25 per person inclusive of tanks, weights, boat and divemaster. Additional charges apply for extra equipment. We also offer courses from open water to divemaster level. ISLANDS IN BOHOL
CABILAO ISLAND
A small island of Lo-on, Bohol. It is 1 hour 20 minutes boat ride by banca from Mactan Island, Cebu. Diving in the area is centered in front of the light house. PANGLAO ISLAND
The north and western section of the reef are noteworthy, with a reef platform that is relatively narrow and shallow (15-20ft/5-6m) that has an edge terminating into perpendicular submarine cliffs, plunging down to depths 100-170 ft/33-56m. The reef is thickly covered with hard and soft corals, branching table, sacrophyton and lobophyton varieties. Near the cliff are schools of tuna, mackerel and surgeonfish. At 90-100 ft/30-33m depths are big snappers, groupers, and an occasional black-tip sharks. Farther seawards are schools of dolphins and pilot whales. BALICASAG ISLAND
A sandy shell coral line beach surrounds the island, which in turn, is fringed by a narrow reef shelf, 30-165 ft/10-55m wide. The shelf, which is 15-25ft/3-8m deep, terminates into a perpendicular underwater down to depths beyond 250ft/83m on the north and northwest face of the reef, the top of the submarine cliffs are covered with the hard coral while lower levels are covered with sponges and gorgonians. A thriving fish community is found around the cliff area. Here, jacks, mackerel and barracudas are seen in abundance. On the south and southwest portions of the shelf are wider and grades down to 60-70ft/20-23m. The slope is covered with wide patches of hard and soft coral. The submarine cliffs are indented with caves and overhangs where large groupers, napoleon wrasses and snappers hide. PAMILACAN ISLAND
Located in the eastern side from Panglao Island, the Island has strong currents which is great for drift diving. The Island has a gradual slope of white sands and isolated corals but is known for its big Napoleon wrasse and large pelagic fishes. CERVERA SHOAL
This site is 15 minutes ride by banca from Pamilacan Island, this area has an abundance of corals and is famous for its sea snakes and different colors of frog fish DULJO POINT
This is the furthest most tip of Panglao Island. The dive site is a long 80ft/26m wall stretch from Napaling to the tip most of Duljo, facing Tagbilaran City. Diving is very good especially during the south monsoon winds because of its strategic location. Just recently, a school of hammerhead sharks have been sited in the area.
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