Introduction

In the heart of the Philippines, the island of Panglao is situated in the province of Bohol. Panglao is a tropical haven renowned for its breathtaking coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and a scuba diving experience that is nothing short of extraordinary, with easy access, diverse dive sites, and a rich aquatic ecosystem. Panglao is conveniently accessible for both domestic and international travelers, several daily flights landing at the Bohol-Panglao International Airport. From there, a swift transfer takes you to the island's charming resorts and dive centers. One of the island's most renowned dive spots is the world-famous Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary. Here, you'll encounter vibrant coral gardens teeming with a kaleidoscope of marine species, including clownfish, angelfish, and majestic sea turtles. The azure waters around Balicasag also boast exhilarating wall dives, where you can peer into the abyss while spotting barracudas, manta rays, and even the elusive whale shark. If you prefer macro photography, the muck diving sites around Panglao's shores reveal a hidden world of critters and rare species. Frogfish, seahorses, and colorful nudibranchs can be found camouflaged amongst the sandy substrates, delighting photographers and naturalists alike. In addition to its underwater wonders, Panglao offers a laid-back atmosphere on land, with pristine beaches, lush jungles, and cultural attractions to explore during your surface intervals.

Travel facts

Diving type

Destination

easily accessible

bargain destination

Diving level & type

for beginners

for advanced divers

shore diving

liveaboard

Diving Characteristics

pelagics

lots of fish

lots of corals

interesting underwater scenery

Other activities

attractive natural spots

gastronomy

night life

beach

snorkeling

Diving Sites

• 

  Kalipayan Wall

  rating : 3.5

  depth : 30 m
  description :
  
  Diving on a vertical structure between 8 and 25 m, with a magnificent vertical wall at the end of the dive. Numerous small caves. Schools of lutjans, moray eels and sea snakes in the open water. 2 cuttlefish, 4 small baracudas, mantis and nudibranchs. Very nice corals near the surface, but it's also worth spending some time between 20-25 metres down.
  
  
• 

  Kalipayan wreck

  rating : 3.5

  depth : 20 m
  description :
  
  Diving along a wall with lots of dead coral. Very large octopus at 20 m. Large frogfish. Scorpion fish near the surface. Very nice reef at 4-5 metres.
  
  
• 

  Royal Garden
  
     [Balicasag] 

  rating : 3.5

  depth : 20 m
  description :
  
  The return journey by boat is very bumpy, with virtually no visibility.
  
  
• 

  Garden eel

  rating : 3.0

  depth : 30 m
  description :
  
  Vertical structure, but not really a nice wall. Nice corals. Several schools of spanish mackerel, sole and reef fish. Lots of anemones with clownfish, some very aggressive. Mantis shrimp.
  
  
• 

  Kalipayan wall

  rating : 2.5

  depth : 20 m
  description :
  
  Diving between 5 and 15 metres along a wall, below which is a sandy bottom. Lots of lionfish (including two swimming in the water). Several schools of juvenile fish. Nice dive above the wall at 3 metres.