Bohol (Panglao)
Pristine Reefs, Incredible Macro, and Topside Adventure
What Makes Bohol Special
Bohol is the thinking diver’s destination. While famous for the Chocolate Hills (stunning limestone formations visible from above), the real magic lies underwater. Pristine coral reefs teem with life, macro enthusiasts find endless nudibranchs and critters, and the island itself offers culture, food, and adventure. Bohol is less crowded than Cebu’s famous sites, but equally rewarding. You get world-class diving with a side of authentic Philippine island experience. Day trips to the hills, zip-lining, and local cuisine round out your stay.
Diving Highlights
Balicasag Island
Depth: 10-40m | Level: Beginner to advanced
The crown jewel. A marine sanctuary with pristine hard corals, schools of jacks and barracuda, eagle rays, and sea turtles. The wall plunges dramatically. Morning dives offer the clearest visibility. Both shallow and deep sites available on the same island.
Cathedral Cave (Balicasag)
Depth: 15-35m | Level: Intermediate to advanced
A dramatic underwater cave system with cathedral-like formations. Soft corals, anemones, and small reef fish fill the cavern. Entry and exit through sunlit passages. One of Bohol’s most sought-after dives.
Cabilao Island
Depth: 12-40m | Level: All levels
Off the beaten path. Excellent macro dive site with nudibranchs, seahorses, pipefish, and tiny crustaceans. Less crowded than Balicasag. Slower current, ideal for photography and observation.
Reef Wall Drift Dives
Depth: 15-30m | Level: Intermediate
Multiple drift dive sites along the island’s edges. Colorful coral gardens, schooling fish, giant trevally, and occasional sharks. Current pushes you along scenic walls for the full duration of your dive.
Macro/Night Dives
Depth: 5-18m | Level: All levels
Dedicated macro sites perfect for camera enthusiasts. Nudibranchs in every color, tiny crabs, shrimp, and gobies. Night dives reveal nocturnal hunters and bioluminescent organisms.
Resort & Accommodation
Philippine Fun Divers operates a modern beachfront resort on Panglao Island. Clean, well-appointed accommodations with excellent dive shop services.
Deluxe Room
Modern air-conditioned room with hot water, private bathroom, and direct beach access. Comfortable bed, mosquito net, and fan backup. Suitable for couples and individuals.
Rate: PHP 5,000/night
Breakfast: PHP 350 (included with dive packages)
Family Room
Larger suite with two separate sleeping areas, suitable for small families or groups. Shared living space, modern amenities, and beachfront views.
Rate: PHP 7,500-8,500/night
Breakfast: Included
All rooms include access to the dive shop and daily boats to Balicasag and other sites.
Getting There
- Option A: Fly to Bohol (Panglao Airport) — Direct flights from Manila and Cebu (1 hour from Manila)
- Option B: Ferry from Cebu — Fast ferry to Bohol (1.5-2 hours), then drive to Panglao (30 min)
- Drive/transfer to Panglao Island (20-30 minutes from airport or ferry)
- Arrive at Philippine Fun Divers resort
Transfer from Cebu (including ferry): PHP 8,000 for up to 4 passengers
Sample 3-Night Itinerary
Fly to Panglao or take ferry from Cebu. Transfer to Philippine Fun Divers resort (30 min). Check in. Afternoon orientation dive on the house reef. Welcome dinner with dive guide briefings. Early night to prep for Balicasag dives.
Morning dive: Balicasag Island (wall dive with jacks, turtles, and rays). Lunch. Afternoon excursion: Helicopter or jeepney tour of the famous Chocolate Hills (one of the Philippines’ wonders). Sunset dinner at a local restaurant. Evening optional night dive.
Morning dive: Cathedral Cave (Balicasag). Brunch at resort. Afternoon: Macro dive at Cabilao Island or optional reef wall drift. Sunset relaxation on the beach. Farewell dinner celebrating your dives.
Pricing Guide
| Service | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single dive (recreational) | PHP 2,200 | Includes guide and equipment |
| Dive package (10+ dives) | PHP 2,100/dive | 5% savings with package |
| Deluxe room | PHP 5,000 | Per night |
| Family room | PHP 7,500-8,500 | Per night |
| Breakfast | PHP 350 | Included with multi-dive packages |
| Balicasag boat (full day) | PHP 3,000 | Up to 4 divers |
| Chocolate Hills helicopter tour | PHP 4,500 | Per person |
Ready to Explore Bohol’s Pristine Reefs?
Build your custom Bohol itinerary with diving and island adventure. Our trip builder pairs you with the perfect dive operator and accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Balicasag Island suitable for all levels?
Yes. The shallow end (10-18m) is perfect for beginners. Advanced divers can explore the deep walls (35-40m). Most divers do 2-3 dives at Balicasag due to its variety. Guides structure dives by experience level.
How long is the boat ride to dive sites?
Balicasag Island: 15-20 minutes. Cabilao: 30-40 minutes. Most boats leave at 6:30 AM for early morning visibility and return by 11:30 AM. Afternoon dives also available.
Can I do the Chocolate Hills tour without diving?
Yes! Many non-diving guests visit Bohol for the hills alone. Helicopter tours run daily (weather permitting). Jeepney tours are also available and more budget-friendly.
What’s the visibility like?
Excellent: 20-40m on most days. Early morning dives (6:30 AM departure) typically have the clearest visibility. Afternoon dives still offer 15-25m. Occasional current can reduce visibility but also brings nutrients for vibrant coral.
Is Bohol crowded?
Less crowded than Cebu destinations. Balicasag is popular but less congested than Moalboal. Cabilao is rarely visited—perfect for a quieter macro dive. Still very accessible for all divers.
What should I bring?
Certification card, dive log, passport, sunscreen, light clothing. Bring a camera—the macro here is phenomenal. A GoPro or underwater camera is highly recommended for nudibranchs and critters.
Can I do non-diving activities between dives?
Absolutely. Zip-lining, ATV tours, snorkeling, beach hopping, and local markets are all available. Philippine Fun Divers can arrange activities. Many guests do a morning dive, then explore the island in the afternoon.
Photos & Gallery
