Experience the jewel of the Philippines, Balicasag Island, for spectacular diving: a marine adventure in harmony with nature conservation.
Balicasag Island, located in the province of Bohol in the Philippines, is a popular destination for tourists and diving enthusiasts from all over the world because of its beautiful marine ecosystem and rich nature. With its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, this small island, designated as a Marine Protected Area, promotes sustainable tourism that respects the environment. Sea turtles, colorful coral reefs and a variety of fish inhabit the waters, providing a spectacular diving experience for beginners and advanced divers alike.

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 a few representative dive sites.

Black Forest |
The Black Forest is a unique site with an underwater floor covered in black coral and can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced divers alike. It is home to many colorful fish and small marine creatures, making the experience feel like walking through a tropical underwater garden. |
Cathedral |
This dive site features a large drop off with an overwhelming view of the coral reefs and seabed that stand like a wall. This is a dynamic site where you can see sea turtles, large schools of fish and sometimes schools of barracuda and is suitable for intermediate and advanced divers. |
Sanctuaries |
The Sanctuary, as the name suggests, is a protected marine area where sea turtles, napoleon fish and large barracudas can be observed. The coral reefs are also abundant, making this a place where visitors can enjoy beautiful seascapes. For the sake of the environment, diving and snorkeling here is done with special care, and tourists are encouraged to get in touch with nature. |
Sea turtle observation that can also be enjoyed by snorkeling
On Balicasag Island, you have the chance to see sea turtles and many other marine creatures not only while diving but also while snorkeling. Sea turtles can be seen swimming even in the shallow waters of the island, making this activity especially recommended for snorkeling beginners and families with children. Using rental equipment and joining a guided tour is a safer and more reliable way to observe sea turtles.

However, sea turtle viewing is dependent on the natural environment, so you may not see turtles on every visit. Depending on sea conditions and time of day, sea turtles may not appear, but you will be able to enjoy other abundant marine life and beautiful coral reef scenery. It is important not to expect too much, but to enjoy the experience as it is in its natural state.

Reservations required for diving.
Since Balicasag Island is designated as a nature reserve, reservations are required to enjoy diving. Especially during the high season (dry season), dive sites tend to be crowded, and the number of divers allowed on the island per day is limited. Reservations are generally made through dive shops on and off the island and can be made online or in advance locally. Tourists are strongly encouraged to use local dive shops. This will allow them to enjoy diving safely while receiving advice on island regulations and environmental protection. Local shops can provide a wide range of assistance, from renting necessary equipment to providing guide services.

In addition, from a conservation standpoint, diving on Balicasag Island must be accompanied by a local guide to ensure the safety of tourists and the protection of the environment. Local guides have a wealth of knowledge and can take you to the best spots around the island, so even beginners can enjoy diving with ease.
Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism
Visitors to Balicasag Island are also expected to cooperate with environmental protection. When visiting the island, it is important to observe the following rules
Do not touch corals or organisms |
Touching coral and marine life can cause damage, so avoid touching living things while diving or snorkeling. Coral reefs are very fragile and even the slightest contact can cause damage. |
Always take your trash with you. |
There are limited garbage disposal facilities on the island and tourists are required to take their own garbage home. Special care should be taken to avoid the impact of plastic waste on marine life. |
Safe fin kicking |
Fin kicks help you move smoothly underwater but use proper technique as you may accidentally touch coral reefs or marine life. It is important to have fun while protecting the environment. |

Ecotourism on Balicasag Island emphasizes coexistence with nature and requires tourists to be willing to help protect the island's beautiful natural environment. Through such efforts, the island's ecosystem is protected, and its natural beauty is preserved for future generations.
Attractions for diving and sightseeing in Balicasag Island
Balicasag Island, with its rich marine ecosystem, is a protected area where tourists can enjoy the island's attractions in a sustainable way. Through diving and snorkeling, encounters with sea turtles, coral reefs and colorful fish await, but the experience is not always what one would expect when dealing with nature. Nevertheless, the overwhelming natural beauty of Balicasag Island will provide unforgettable memories to all who visit. When you visit the jewel of the Philippines, Balicasag Island, enjoy its natural attractions to the fullest while maintaining an awareness of environmental conservation.
Balicasag Island Package
This is the plan of Balicasag Island. You can see sea turtles with high probability!
Island Tours (snorkeling) |
2,300 pesos/person (*for 2 or more people) +150-peso entrance fee |
• The tour will be held for a minimum of two people. (It is possible for one person to go on the tour if there are other guests.) • (The tour can be conducted for one person if there are other guests. • Departure time: 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. • Duration: 4 hours (time may vary depending on sea conditions and other factors) • Meals are not included. • Boats and cars will be mixed with other passengers. • The boat tour fee is free for children 0-5 years old, and 70% of the indicated price for children 6-12 years old. • Sea turtles are wild creatures and may not be seen. • We will not go ashore on Balicasag Island. |
Fun dives |
2 dives 5,250 pesos/person + 150 peso entrance fee |
• Equipment rental fee not included. • Sea turtles and bigeye jacks are wild creatures and may not be seen. Please understand that you may not be able to see sea turtles and snappers. • A sea entry fee of 100 pesos/day is charged for the entire island of Panglao, including the Alona area and Panglao North. This fee is separate from the entry fee for Balicasag Island. Entry fees may also be charged in other areas. The fee may be raised suddenly by the local government. • Balicasag Island Note: A sea entry fee of 150 pesos per person per day and a camera fee of 250 pesos per person per day will be charged. • Maximum of 2 dives per day according to the rules. • C-card images (both sides) are required for reservations. • There is a limit to the number of people who can enter the island by the local government, and reservations are required (150 people on a first-come, first-served basis). Please make reservations as early as possible, as there is a limit to the number of participants. Even if you make a reservation early, we may not be able to accept your reservation due to the limited number of people. • We will not be able to accommodate requests for Balicasag Island. Please understand that we cannot accommodate requests for Balicasag Island. |
For other trial diving and activities around Mactan Island, click here !
Reservations and Inquiries
EMERALD GREEN DIVING CENTER Bohol
Phone number: +63 998-983-8387
Address: Sitio Daurong,, Danao, Panglao Island, Bohol (in Blue Water Panglao)
Inquiries can also be made through the “Reservations & Inquiries” link below. (Please send us your name and e-mail address.)
Enter your "Name", "E-mail address", "Desired booking date", "number of people", "Contact Number" and in the “Inquiry” box, please enter your desired course, pick-up and drop-off locations (hotel, school, etc.), etc.
The dive store will contact you directly by e-mail.