Panglao Balicasag Island Fun Dive

Dive Bohol's underwater jewel

Just off the resort island of Panglao in Bohol lies Balicasag, a tiny island ringed by a marine sanctuary that ranks among the best dive sites in the Philippines. This fun dive takes certified divers down its famous coral walls and gardens, into clouds of jackfish, past turtles and a kaleidoscope of reef life. With warm, clear water and dramatic drop-offs just a short boat ride from shore, Balicasag is the kind of place divers travel across the world to experience.

What you will see

Walls, coral and marine life

Balicasag's reefs plunge into steep walls draped with soft and hard corals, sponges and sea fans, patrolled by turtles, reef sharks, snappers and the island's celebrated swirling schools of jackfish and barracuda. The protected sanctuary status means the marine life here is dense and confident, and the visibility is often excellent - a diver's dream of colour and movement.

Fun diving made easy

This is a guided fun dive for certified divers, so a divemaster leads you to the best sites and handles the logistics while you focus on the experience. Whether you are a recent open-water graduate or a seasoned diver, Balicasag's mix of easy reef and dramatic wall offers something rewarding at every level.

The setting

Panglao is connected by bridge to Bohol in the Central Visayas, a hub of white-sand beaches and dive resorts. Balicasag lies a short boat ride offshore, protected as a marine sanctuary that has kept its reefs healthy and its fish abundant. The combination of accessibility and world-class diving is what has made the area a favourite among divers for decades.

Practical tips

You will need a recognised scuba certification (and ideally a logbook) for fun diving; confirm requirements when booking. Bring your certification card, swimwear and reef-safe sunscreen; rental gear is usually available if you do not have your own. Stay well hydrated and avoid flying within the recommended window after diving. Confirm what the trip includes - boat, tanks, weights, divemaster and sanctuary fees - and respect the no-touch, no-take rules that keep the reef thriving.

Who it is for

This dive is for certified divers of all levels who want to experience one of the country's premier underwater sites - solo divers, dive buddies and couples alike. Non-divers and beginners should look at snorkelling or a discovery dive instead. For anyone with a love of the underwater world, Balicasag is unmissable. Book through the GetYourGuide link on this page.