Bohol Island, the Philippines’ tenth largest, is a captivating coral island located about 70 kilometers from Cebu’s Mactan Island. Its beaches aren’t made of fine, powdery sand, but rather crushed coral that stays surprisingly cool even under the scorching sun. The sand, a dazzling white, beautifully contrasts with the water, painting a gradient from emerald green near the shore to deep azure in the distance. Let’s dive into what makes this island so incredibly charming:
Alona Beach: Where the Action Is
The bustling heart of Panglao Island, Alona Beach is a stretch of just under a kilometer. It is Bohol’s most famous beach and a launching point for diving adventures. Picture a long, white sand beach dotted with various-sized outrigger boats. Alona Beach has a variety of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Numerous dive shops, including five-star centers and locally run operations, cater to diving enthusiasts, making it a perfect base for exploring nearby dive sites.
The Magic of the Outrigger Boat
Strolling along the beach, soaking up the sun is a simple pleasure. For an extra dose of relaxation, indulge in a beachside “massage” where you can feel like a tropical god or goddess for a glorious hour. The outrigger boat. 
Pamilacan Island: A Tranquil Escape
Pamilacan Island is a prime dive spot in Bohol. It’s a haven where you might spot dolphins and whales. With few tourists, this island offers a peaceful setting, with opportunities for camping. The snorkeling and diving may not be as vibrant as Balicasag, but the tranquility here is unmatched. Explore a 200-year-old Spanish fort on the island’s northeast corner, which once served as a watch post. Pamilacan is roughly a 40-minute boat ride from Alona Beach. Nearby is the Snake Island dive site, a submerged hill with strong currents and abundant marine life.
Balicasag Island: A Diver’s Dream
Balicasag Island is not only one of Bohol’s top diving locations, it’s also regarded as one of the best in the Philippines and is under UNESCO protection. It’s a flat-topped coral island teeming with lush forests. Imagine looking down on the Balicasag Drop-off: a 3000-foot underwater wall. Snorkeling near the drop-off is an extraordinary experience; you’ll feel the contrast between the warm shallow waters and the cool depths of the drop-off. This creates unique light refractions at the meeting point of the warm and cold currents. From Alona Beach, you can charter a boat for dolphin watching, snorkeling at Balicasag, and island hopping to Virgin Island.
Diving into Balicasag’s Underwater Wonders
Black Forest
With visibility ranging from 15 to 30 meters and depths of 8 to 40 meters, the Black Forest dive site is a must-see. It’s famed for its extensive black coral formations at depths of 35 to 45 meters, a rare sight. Shallows offer views of groupers, scorpionfish, wrasses, and triggerfish, especially during the triggerfish breeding season. Large parrotfish are also common, creating sand as they munch on coral. The most captivating parts of this dive are below 15 meters, making it a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience.
Rico’s Wall
Rico’s Wall is a stunning “coral garden” with an average depth of 15 meters, reaching a maximum of 50 meters. This dive site is adorned with an array of colorful corals, starfish, sea lilies, and hydroids. You can find clownfish darting around their anemone homes and observe lionfish and moray eels in the crevices. Venture deeper along the wall, and you might encounter reef sharks. The eastern end connects to Rudy’s Rock.
Rudy’s Rock
Rudy’s Rock offers amazing marine life at around 15 meters, with depths from 3 to 35 meters. This site is known for green sea turtles and schools of jackfish that circle divers.
Cathedral
Cathedral starts with a dramatic cliff at five to six meters below the surface. The surrounding deep blue waters create a stunning visual. At 18 meters, divers can explore a coral- and algae-covered cliff, with lionfish and possible sightings of jackfish and barracuda. The best views are usually at depths below 30 meters.
Divers’ Heaven
Positioned between Black Forest and Cathedral, Divers’ Heaven lives up to its name. This site teems with colorful reef fish, including trumpetfish, red-toothed triggerfish, and schools of jackfish and barracuda. Brown daisy corals, sponges, and hawksbill turtles are also commonly spotted here. Most of the attractions are found at depths of 25 meters and above.
