What Makes Cabilao Special
Cabilao Island is tiny—just 1 sq km—but the diving is legendary. Hammerhead sharks (seasonal), sea snakes, pristine walls, and untouched reefs make this a diver’s paradise. It’s off the beaten path in the best way.
No day-trippers. No tourism infrastructure beyond the resort. No crowds. Just divers, fish, and the ocean. This is for people who want to get away from the typical resort tourist experience.
Cabilao Island Resort is the only accommodation on the island—it’s your full world for your stay. Immersive, intimate, focused entirely on diving. You eat, sleep, and breathe the ocean here.
Best for: serious divers, those seeking solitude and authenticity, adventurers who value marine encounters over resort amenities. Not ideal for: non-divers, those wanting nightlife or shopping, or anyone uncomfortable with remote island living.
Diving Highlights
Hammerhead Sharks (Seasonal)
Cabilao is famous for schooling hammerheads. Peak season March-May. Sightings not guaranteed but when they appear, it’s extraordinary. These are wild encounters, not predictable. The adrenaline is real.
Pristine Walls
Deep vertical walls surrounding the island. Coral growth abundant, visibility typically excellent. Depth 5-40m+ available. Intermediate to advanced dives with dramatic underwater scenery.
Sea Snakes (Yellow-Lipped)
Venomous but not aggressive sea snakes are common at Cabilao. Fascinating encounters for underwater photographers and naturalists. Respect their space and they’re safe to observe.
Reef Fish & Marine Life
Healthy coral, dense populations of reef fish, occasional turtles and rays. Clean reefs with minimal human impact. The underwater environment is pristine and thriving.
Accommodation & Pricing (2026)
Cabilao Island Resort (Only option on island)
Room Rates (PHP per night)
Superior Room: PHP 5,600
Deluxe Room: PHP 6,500
Premier Room: PHP 8,000
Family Room: PHP 10,500
Extra bed: PHP 1,000
Diving & Activities
Fun Dive: PHP 2,000 each
Nitrox: PHP 300/dive
No commission on diving. Meals not included—budget for restaurant.
Transfers
Tagbilaran/Alona to resort: PHP 4,000 (1-6 pax, one way)
Anda to resort: PHP 7,500 (one way)
Getting There
Fly to Bohol: From Cebu or Manila (30 min-1 hour flight).
Transfer to port: Either Tagbilaran (south, PHP 4,000 transfer) or Anda (north-east, PHP 7,500 transfer).
Boat to Cabilao: 15-30 minute speedboat ride from port.
Remote but accessible. The journey reinforces how untouched this destination is.
Sample 4-Night Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Cabilao
Morning/Afternoon: Fly to Bohol. Transfer to port (Tagbilaran or Anda). Speedboat to Cabilao Island (15-30 min). Arrive island by early afternoon.
Afternoon/Evening: Check in, explore the tiny island, meet dive team. Sunset walk around resort. Dinner and acclimatization to island life.
Day 2: Hammerhead Hunt Day
Early Morning: 7:00 AM dive briefing. Two-tank dive specifically targeting hammerhead sites (if in season). Hopes high, expectations realistic.
Afternoon: Lunch at resort restaurant. Rest. Debrief from dive. Late afternoon optional reef dive or snorkel.
Evening: Dinner with fellow divers. Discuss the day’s encounters.
Day 3: Pristine Wall Dives
Early Morning: 7:00 AM breakfast and dive prep. Two dives on pristine walls surrounding the island. Explore different reef ecosystems each dive.
Afternoon/Evening: Relax, rest, eat. Optional sea snake snorkel or evening beach walk. Dinner and early rest for one more diving day.
Day 4: Final Dive & Departure
Early Morning: 7:00 AM final dive. Choose a favorite site or explore a new one. Savor the last underwater moments at Cabilao.
Midday: Lunch, pack up. Speedboat departure to port (2-3 PM). Transfer to airport for evening flight home.
Evening: Depart Bohol. Take memories of pristine reefs and rare shark encounters home.
4-Night Trip Cost Estimate (PHP)
Accommodation (3 nights)
Superior Room: PHP 16,800
Meals (est): PHP 3,000
Budget USD 350-450 pp for 3 nights accommodation + meals
Diving (6 dives)
6 Fun Dives: PHP 12,000
Nitrox (optional): PHP 1,800
Excellent value. No commission on diving.
Transport
Transfer to port: PHP 4,000-7,500
Flights (Cebu-Bohol): ~PHP 2,000-3,000
Total trip: ~PHP 40,000-50,000 pp
For Serious Divers Seeking Adventure
Cabilao Island is untouched, authentic, and focused entirely on marine encounters. For divers willing to leave comfort behind for genuine adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I definitely see hammerhead sharks?
No—but Cabilao offers better odds than most Philippines destinations. March-May is peak season. Success depends on season, luck, and current conditions. Come for hammerheads, celebrate finding pristine reef walls and sea snakes instead.
Is the island too remote? What about supplies?
The resort has a restaurant, basic supplies, and staff. It’s remote but not stranded. Bring medications you need and any personal items. No nightlife or shopping beyond the resort—that’s the point.
Are sea snakes dangerous?
Yellow-lipped sea snakes are venomous but not aggressive. Sightings are common; incidents are rare. Respect their space, don’t touch, and they’re fascinating to observe. Many divers consider sea snake encounters highlights.
What’s the weather like? Any seasonal issues?
December-May is dry season with calm seas. June-November is monsoon season—rougher, lower visibility. Typhoon season (July-Sept) means occasional closures. Plan Nov-May for best diving conditions.
What certifications do I need?
Open Water Diver minimum. Some dives suitable for OW; advanced walls and hammerhead sites benefit from AOW+ certification. Divers without advanced training can do fun dives on shallower reefs.
Can I combine Cabilao with other Bohol destinations?
Bohol offers other diving and attractions (Chocolate Hills, Panglao Island snorkeling). Easy to build a multi-day Bohol trip. Some combine Cabilao + Panglao snorkeling for mixed interests.
What should I pack?
Reef-safe sunscreen, underwater camera, medications, toiletries. Minimal clothes needed (hot tropical climate). Flip-flops, lightweight rain jacket. Dive gear available for rent locally. Pack light.
Is this destination good for beginners?
Better for experienced divers. Some beginner-friendly dives available, but the island’s specialty is advanced/technical diving and rare encounters. Beginners can join but won’t fully utilize the destination.
Photos & Gallery
