Bohol is the best place for scuba divers that offers a range of dive sites to cater to all levels of experience. With its blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, Bohol is the best destination to explore and marvel at the amazing wonders of the ocean.

If you haven’t been to Bohol and want to learn more about its wonders, here’s a complete guide to scuba diving that shares the essential information you need to know!

Your Guide to Diving in Bohol Philippines

Best Seasons to Visit

Before you go diving, it is important that you choose the best time to visit for optimal diving conditions and visibility. Regularly check the weather forecast before going to Bohol and consider these periods:

January to April

The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, typically when the water is visible and no rain occurs.

May and December

These are months that signal the transition from dry and wet seasons respectively. Be mindful that weather can be unpredictable during these months.

June to November

This is usually the start of the wet season, so tides tend to be stronger which makes the water more murky and potentially unsafe.

Best Places to Stay

You will also need a place to stay for the night, so keep in mind how much money you are prepared to spend on your lodgings. Here are some of the best places to get some needed rest in Bohol:

- Save Money (₱240 to ₱900 per person) – If you need to stick to a budget, then stay at the Mad Monkey Backpacker Hostel in Sitio Daorong Boulevard, Panglao.
- Moderate Price (₱3,200 to ₱4,000 per person) – Do you want a nice place with air-conditioning and a pool? Then Manta Dream Dive Resort might be the place for you. This modest resort is situated in Anos Fonacier Circumferential Road, Panglao.

Luxury Experience (₱9,000 to ₱30,000 per person) – Previously known as South Palm Resort, now renamed Oceania has a spa, gym, and its own team of diving instructors.

Convenient Location (₱9,000 to ₱40,000 per person) – Henann Resort is the most convenient location due to it being within walking distance of many of the famed dive sites around Bohol.

18 Best Bohol Scuba Diving Spots

After planning out when to visit and where to stay, you can now explore the breathtaking underwater world Bohol offers, teeming with diverse marine life. Explore our list of the 18 best scuba diving spots, catering to various experience levels and dive preferences:

1. Balicasag Island

Balicasag Island is renowned for its pristine marine environment and excellent visibility, making it a top spot for Bohol diving. The island’s marine sanctuary ensures the preservation of its underwater beauty, making diving in Bohol, Philippines truly exceptional.

DID YOU KNOW: The island features several dive sites, including the Black Forest and Cathedral, known for their stunning coral gardens and abundant fish species. Divers can expect to see schools of jacks, barracudas, and an array of colorful reef fish.

2. Panglao Island

Panglao Island has many dive sites, each with its own unique selling points. Arco Point, known for its swim-through arches and tunnels, provides an exciting adventure for more experienced divers. Alona Beach, with its easy access and calm waters, is perfect for beginners and night divers. Panglao is a central hub for Bohol scuba diving, attracting divers from around the world.

3. Cabilao Island

Cabilao Island is a hidden gem for Bohol scuba diving, offering a tranquil experience away from the crowds. The island’s dive sites, such as the Lighthouse and Gorgonian Wall, are characterized by healthy coral reefs, sea fans, and large barrel sponges. The island’s protected status helps maintain its vibrant marine ecosystem, ensuring a rewarding experience for those diving in Bohol, Philippines.

FUN FACT: Divers can also encounter pygmy seahorses, frogfish, and a variety of nudibranchs which are colorful sea slugs.

4. Pamilacan Island

Pamilacan Island is a haven for those seeking encounters with large marine creatures, making it a standout destination for Bohol diving. Its dive sites, like Dakit-Dakit and Snake Island, are frequented by manta rays, whale sharks, and dolphins. The island’s waters are also home to extensive coral gardens and diverse fish populations. Pamilacan’s commitment to sustainable tourism ensures the conservation of its marine habitats, providing an unforgettable Bohol scuba diving experience.

5. Anda

Anda, located on the eastern coast of Bohol, is an emerging dive destination known for its macro life and unspoiled reefs. Anda’s laid-back atmosphere and smaller crowds make it an ideal spot for a peaceful diving getaway. Anda offers pristine conditions and rich marine biodiversity for those seeking a unique Bohol scuba diving experience.

DID YOU KNOW: Dive sites such as Wonder Wall and Paradise Garden boast vibrant corals, critters like ghost pipefish, and numerous anemones.

6. Balicasag Marine Sanctuary

Balicasag Marine Sanctuary is one of the top dive sites in Bohol, offering incredible biodiversity and protected marine life. Divers can explore Turtle Point, known for its frequent turtle sightings, and Sanctuary Wall, home to vibrant corals and reef fish. The sanctuary’s conservation efforts have resulted in thriving underwater ecosystems.

7. Napaling

Napaling offers a unique diving experience with its vertical wall dives and coral-covered slopes. This site is particularly known for its large sea fans, soft corals, and diverse marine species. The clear waters provide excellent visibility, enhancing the diving experience and making it a highlight of Bohol scuba diving.

FUN FACT: Divers can expect to see schools of fusiliers, snappers, and the occasional reef shark so observe them at a safe distance.

8. Doljo House Reef

Doljo House Reef is an easily accessible dive site located off Doljo Beach. Known for its calm conditions and diverse marine life, the reef is perfect for beginners and night dives. Divers can explore the colorful coral gardens and spot a variety of fish species. The reef’s proximity to shore makes it a convenient choice for those staying on Panglao Island, solidifying its status in Bohol scuba diving.

9. Habagat Wreck

The Habagat Wreck is a fascinating dive site featuring a sunken vessel that has become an artificial reef. Covered in corals and home to various marine species, the wreck attracts divers looking for something different. The site can be for beginners orlong-time divers that offers a unique underwater adventure. Diving in Bohol Philippines at the Habagat Wreck has a blend of both history and marine life exploration.

DID YOU KNOW: The boat sunk 35 meters deep into the ocean where you can find lionfish and batfish around the area.

10. Calamay Dive Site

Calamay Dive Site offers an excellent mix of coral reefs and sandy slopes. This site is known for its macro life, including nudibranchs, shrimps, and crabs. Divers can also spot larger species like groupers and triggerfish. The site’s relatively shallow depth makes it ideal for long, relaxed dives, making Calamay a favorite for Bohol diving.

11. Turtle Point

Turtle Point, located near Balicasag Island, is a hotspot for turtle sightings. The site features a sloping reef with numerous hard and soft corals, providing a perfect habitat for green and hawksbill turtles. Divers can enjoy close encounters with these gentle creatures as they feed and rest on the reef.

FUN FACT: The clear waters and diverse marine life make Turtle Point a favorite among underwater photographers and Bohol scuba diving enthusiasts.

12. House Reef of Cabilao

The House Reef of Cabilao offers easy access and excellent diving conditions, making it ideal for all levels of divers. The reef is home to a variety of corals, reef fish, and critters like nudibranchs and shrimps. Night dives here reveal a different side of the reef, with nocturnal creatures like octopuses and crabs coming out to hunt. The House Reef is also a great spot for underwater macro photography.

13. Kalipayan Dive Site

Kalipayan Dive Site, also known as Happy Wall, is located near Alona Beach on Panglao Island. The site features a gentle slope covered in hard and soft corals, leading to a vertical wall drop-off. The easy conditions and vibrant marine environment make Kalipayan a great dive for beginners and experienced divers alike.

DID YOU KNOW: Expect to see a variety of marine life like parrotfish, angelfish, and moray eels in Happy Wall dive site.

14. Anilao Dive Site

Anilao Dive Site, not to be confused with Anilao in Batangas, is a lesser-known gem in Bohol. The site features a mix of coral gardens, sandy patches, and rocky outcrops. Divers can explore the vibrant corals and encounter critters like frogfish, seahorses, and nudibranchs. The site’s relatively shallow depth and calm conditions make it suitable for all levels of divers, offering a unique Bohol scuba diving experience.

15. Sanctuary Dive Site

Sanctuary Dive Site, located near Panglao Island, is a protected area that offers rich biodiversity and pristine underwater landscapes. The site features a variety of coral formations and sponges. Divers can spot a wide range of marine life, from small reef fish to larger species like groupers and rays. The protected status of the sanctuary ensures the preservation of its vibrant marine ecosystem, making it a top choice for Bohol diving.

FUN FACT: If you go deep enough, it is possible to spot the rare black corals growing from the ocean floor. They look like ghostly, translucent, or colored plants that thrive 10 to 400 meters below the ocean.

16. Deep Wall

Deep Wall, located off Panglao Island, is a dive site for more experienced divers. The site features a steep drop-off that descends into the deep blue, covered in colorful corals and sea fans. Divers can encounter pelagic species like tuna, barracudas, and the occasional shark. The dramatic underwater topography and rich marine life make Deep Wall an exciting dive site, perfect for those seeking adventure in Bohol scuba diving.

17. Rudy’s Rock

Rudy’s Rock, named after a local dive guide, is a unique dive site featuring a large underwater rock formation. The site is home to a variety of marine species, including scorpionfish, lionfish, and moray eels. Rudy’s Rock is also known for its vibrant corals and excellent visibility, making it a must-visit for those diving in Bohol Philippines.

DID YOU KNOW: Divers can explore the crevices and overhangs of the rock, discovering hidden marine life.

18. Neptune’s House

Neptune’s House is a dive site located near Panglao Island, featuring a combination of sandy slopes and coral formations. The site is known for its healthy coral reefs and diverse marine life, including reef fish, nudibranchs, and crustaceans. The clear waters and relatively shallow depth make Neptune’s House a great site for underwater photography. The location’s calm conditions are suitable for divers of all experience levels, making it a staple in Bohol scuba diving.

Bohol Is A Diver’s Paradise!

Bohol’s diverse dive sites cater to all levels of diving expertise, from beginners to advanced divers. If you’re seeking vibrant coral gardens and encounters with large marine creatures, Bohol has something for everyone. Discover the underwater wonders within Bohol that make this destination a top choice for scuba diving in the Philippines.

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Bohol offers an unforgettable diving experience for enthusiasts from around the world. So book a fastcraft ferry trip now with SuperCat. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!

Your Complete Guide to Scuba Diving in Bohol Philippines