Dive Sites in Balicasag

Dive sites in Balicasag

Dive Sites of Balicasag Island

Balicasag Island is one of the most sought-after diving destinations in the Philippines, known for its pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life. Located about 30 minutes by boat from Alona Beach on Panglao Island, Balicasag offers several exceptional dive sites suitable for various skill levels. Each dive site is home to diverse marine species, making it a top choice for divers visiting Bohol.

1. Balicasag Marine Sanctuary

  • Depth Range: 5 – 25 meters (16 – 82 feet)
  • Distance from Alona Beach: Approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) or a 25-30 minute boat ride
  • Marine Life: A hotspot for turtles, the Balicasag Marine Sanctuary is known for its large populations of green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles. Divers will also encounter schools of jackfish, snapper, and occasionally barracudas. The coral formations are teeming with reef fish such as clownfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish.
  • Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
  • Description: The shallow areas of this site make it an excellent spot for both beginners and underwater photographers. The sanctuary is known for its vibrant corals and calm conditions, with good visibility year-round. Deeper sections of the site are suited for more experienced divers and offer the chance to see pelagic species.

2. Rico’s Wall

  • Depth Range: 5 – 40 meters (16 – 131 feet)
  • Distance from Alona Beach: About 6 km (3.7 miles), 25-30 minute boat ride
  • Marine Life: Known for its vertical drop-off, Rico’s Wall is home to an impressive range of marine life, including scorpionfish, lionfish, nudibranchs, and moray eels. Larger species like trevallies, tuna, and reef sharks may also be seen in the deeper waters.
  • Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
  • Description: This dramatic wall dive starts shallow, making it accessible to intermediate divers, but it plunges down to 40 meters, offering an exhilarating experience for advanced divers. The wall is adorned with hard and soft corals, providing a colorful backdrop for spotting macro life. Currents can vary, so it’s best for divers with some experience in drift diving.

3. Black Forest

  • Depth Range: 25 – 40 meters (82 – 131 feet)
  • Distance from Alona Beach: About 6 km (3.7 miles), 25-30 minute boat ride
  • Marine Life: The Black Forest is named for its dense growth of black corals, which cover much of the slope. Here, divers can expect to see a range of species, including schools of barracudas, trevallies, and jackfish. The area is also home to colorful anthias, wrasses, and the occasional sea turtle.
  • Skill Level: Advanced
  • Description: Known for its deeper depths, Black Forest is a dive site that requires more experience due to the strong currents and the need for excellent buoyancy control. The abundance of black corals and large fish make it a must-dive site for those seeking a more challenging experience.

4. Divers Heaven

  • Depth Range: 5 – 25 meters (16 – 82 feet)
  • Distance from Alona Beach: About 6 km (3.7 miles), 25-30 minute boat ride
  • Marine Life: One of the best spots to see the famous jackfish tornado, Divers Heaven is a haven for large schools of jackfish, snapper, and other pelagics. Green sea turtles are also frequently spotted here, along with a variety of reef fish, including butterflyfish, damselfish, and sweetlips.
  • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Description: This dive site lives up to its name, offering a paradise-like environment for divers. The shallow depths make it suitable for beginners, while more experienced divers can explore the deeper parts where currents bring in larger fish. Visibility is generally excellent, and the site’s coral gardens are stunning.

5. Cathedral Wall

  • Depth Range: 10 – 30 meters (33 – 98 feet)
  • Distance from Alona Beach: About 6 km (3.7 miles), 25-30 minute boat ride
  • Marine Life: Cathedral Wall is known for its overhangs and caves, where divers can spot moray eels, octopus, and lobsters. The wall is home to a variety of reef fish, along with passing pelagic species such as eagle rays and the occasional reef shark.
  • Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
  • Description: Cathedral Wall features steep drop-offs with beautiful coral formations. The overhangs and small caves are a highlight of this site, providing shelter for many species. This site is recommended for divers who are comfortable with wall diving and moderate currents.

Summary of The Diving of Balicasag Island

Balicasag Island offers an array of world-class dive sites suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore the vibrant marine sanctuary or an advanced diver seeking the thrill of a deep wall dive, Balicasag delivers. The diverse marine life and breathtaking coral formations make every dive here an unforgettable experience. Plan your dives with Sierra Madre Divers and enjoy some of the best underwater adventures Bohol has to offer.

Summary of the diving of Balicasag island
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