Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Balicasag and discover a vibrant underwater world!

Bohol ・ 2025-11-13 ・ 0 comments

Balicasag Island, situated in Bohol Province, Philippines, is a world-renowned destination for tourists and diving enthusiasts alike, celebrated for its stunning marine ecosystem and vibrant natural beauty. Its crystal-clear waters teem with diverse marine life, making it a paradise for both beginner and experienced divers. Designated as a Marine Protected Area, Balicasag Island champions sustainable tourism that respects and preserves the environment. Visitors can encounter sea turtles, colorful coral reefs, and a rich variety of fish, creating an unforgettable underwater adventure.

Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Balicasag and discover a vibrant underwater world!

How to get to Balicasag Island?

The most common way to get to Balicasag Island is via Panglao Island, which has an airport on the island of Bohol. Panglao Island is accessible by direct flights from Manila, the capital of the Philippines, making it a convenient location for both domestic and international travelers. Visitors can also take a ferry from Cebu to Bohol Island and upon arrival, they will be transferred by car from Tagbilaran Port to Panglao Island. By boat, it takes about 30-45 minutes to reach Balicasag Island from Panglao Island.

Tours to Balicasag Island are often offered as day trips for diving or snorkeling, and tourists can book tours in advance for a smooth visit. Boats usually depart from the main beach resorts on Panglao Island and provide transportation to Balicasag Island.

Balicasag Island Features and Diving Spots

Balicasag Island is known for its beautiful coral reefs and rich marine ecosystem, and there are several dive sites scattered around the island. The entire island is a protected area, allowing visitors to enjoy marine experiences with minimal impact on the environment. Here are some list of diving spots.

Black Forest	The Black Forest is an exceptional dive site, where the seafloor is draped in black coral. Ideal for both novice and experienced divers, it is teeming with colorful fish and fascinating marine life, offering the feeling of wandering through a lush tropical underwater garden.
Cathedral	This dive site boasts a dramatic drop-off, offering breathtaking views of coral reefs and a seabed that rise like a wall. A dynamic and exciting location, it is home to sea turtles, large schools of fish, and occasionally barracuda. This site is ideal for intermediate and advanced divers seeking an unforgettable underwater adventure.
Sanctuary	The Sanctuary is a protected marine haven where you can encounter sea turtles, Napoleon fish, and majestic barracudas. Its vibrant coral reefs create breathtaking underwater landscapes, making it perfect for diving and snorkeling. Activities are conducted with care to preserve the environment, allowing visitors to enjoy and connect with nature responsibly.

Sea turtle watching that can be enjoyed while snorkeling

At Balicasag Island, you don’t need to be a diver to encounter sea turtles and a variety of marine life — snorkeling offers plenty of opportunities as well. Even in the shallow waters around the island, you can often see sea turtles swimming gracefully, making this activity perfect for beginners and families with children. By joining a guided tour with rental equipment, you can enjoy a safe and reliable experience while observing these magnificent creatures up close.

Sea turtle sightings at Balicasag Island depend on natural conditions, so they cannot be guaranteed. Even if turtles don’t appear, you can still enjoy abundant marine life and stunning coral reefs. Approach the experience with an open mind and enjoy nature in its purest form.

Advance reservations are required for diving.

Balicasag Island is a designated marine protected area, so advance booking is required to enjoy diving. During peak season (the dry season), dive sites can become crowded, and the number of divers allowed on the island each day is limited. Bookings are typically made through dive shops on or off the island, either online or in person. We strongly recommend using a local dive shop, as they provide guidance on the island’s rules and environmental conservation practices, ensuring a safe and responsible diving experience. Local shops also offer a wide range of support, from equipment rental to professional guide services.

For environmental protection, diving at Balicasag Island requires a local guide to accompany every dive. This ensures both the safety of visitors and the preservation of the marine ecosystem. Local guides are highly knowledgeable and will lead you to the best spots around the island, allowing even beginners to enjoy diving with confidence and peace of mind.

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism

Visitors to Balicasag Island are encouraged to support environmental conservation. To help protect the island, please follow these important guidelines:

Please do not touch the coral or marine life to help protect the environment.	Touching coral and marine life can cause damage, so please avoid contact while diving or snorkeling. Coral reefs are particularly fragile and even the slightest touch can harm them. By keeping a safe distance, you help protect these delicate ecosystems for everyone to enjoy.
Please take all your trash with you to help keep the environment clean.	Waste disposal facilities on the island are limited, so visitors are required to take their trash with them. Special care should be taken with plastic waste, as it can have a serious impact on marine life.
Safe Fin Kicking	Fin kicking helps you move smoothly underwater, but if done incorrectly, it can accidentally touch coral or marine life. Using proper technique is essential to enjoy your experience while protecting the environment.

Ecotourism at Balicasag Island emphasizes living in harmony with nature, and visitors are encouraged to help protect the island’s beautiful environment. These efforts ensure that the island’s ecosystems are preserved, allowing its natural beauty to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Explore the Wonders of Diving and Tourism at Balicasag Island

Balicasag Island is a marine protected area renowned for its rich underwater ecosystems, offering visitors the chance to enjoy its beauty sustainably. Through diving and snorkeling, you can encounter sea turtles, vibrant coral reefs, and colorful fish. While nature doesn’t always guarantee perfect conditions, the island’s breathtaking beauty leaves every visitor with unforgettable memories. When visiting this Philippine gem, remember to respect and protect the environment while fully enjoying the wonders of its natural world.

Panglao Island Hopping by Southwest Tours

Half-day snorkeling and island adventure in Panglao’s crystal-clear waters

Tour Highlights

Snorkeling at Balicasag Marine Sanctuary with vibrant coral and tropical fish
Opportunity to see wild sea turtles (sightings not guaranteed)
Relax on picturesque sandbars for photos and leisure
Scenic boat ride between islands
Snorkeling gear provided

Tour Details

Departure Time: 7:00 AM
Duration: Approximately 4–6 hours (may vary depending on sea conditions)
Minimum Participants: 2 people

Important Notes

Virgin Island is temporarily closed from September 9, 2024, until further notice
No landing on Balicasag Island; focus is on snorkeling and sightseeing from the boat
Marine life sightings (turtles, fish) are dependent on nature and not guaranteed
Weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary
Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes

Pricing

Prices vary by group and package — check the latest rates on Click here.

What’s Included

Boat transfer and professional guide
Snorkeling mask, fins, and life vest
Lunch onboard or at a scenic stop
Safety briefing and equipment
Insurance (as per Klook booking)

Why Choose This Tour?

Short and manageable half-day tour
Experience the best snorkeling spots around Panglao
Professional guides and organized boat transfers
Ideal for travelers who want a quick, memorable tropical experience

Book your Panglao Island Hopping adventure now and dive into paradise!
Book Now

Escape to the turquoise waters of Panglao for a half-day island-hopping adventure. Snorkel among colorful coral reefs, spot tropical fish and sea turtles, and relax on scenic sandbars. Perfect for families, friends, or couples looking for a quick tropical getaway.