Pamilacan Island Dive Sites
Diving at Pamilacan Island: A Hidden Gem in Bohol’s Dive Scene
Pamilacan Island, located off the coast of Panglao, Bohol, offers an exceptional diving experience for both novice and experienced divers. Known for its pristine reefs, vibrant marine life, and the tranquility of its remote location, Pamilacan has become a hidden gem for divers who seek an off-the-beaten-path destination. While the dive sites around Balicasag Island are world-renowned, Pamilacan offers a more relaxed atmosphere with equally impressive underwater landscapes.
Here, we’ll dive into the details of the five dive sites around Pamilacan Island, each offering its own unique blend of underwater beauty and biodiversity.
1) Dakit-Dakit
One of the most popular dive sites around Pamilacan, Dakit-Dakit is an underwater paradise teeming with marine life. The name “Dakit-Dakit” refers to the small rocky outcrops that break the surface, but the real treasure lies below. This site is famous for its beautiful coral formations, large gorgonian sea fans, and a rich variety of fish species.
Divers can expect to encounter schools of fusiliers, snappers, and jacks swirling around the reef, while critters like nudibranchs and frogfish hide in the coral crevices. The healthy coral reefs provide shelter to marine creatures of all sizes, making it an excellent spot for underwater photographers. With a depth range of 10-25 meters, Dakit-Dakit is suitable for both beginners and more experienced divers who enjoy leisurely drift dives along the reef wall.
2) South
South Pamilacan is a dive site that perfectly showcases the island’s biodiversity. Known for its sloping coral reef, this site offers a variety of hard and soft corals, sponges, and an abundance of marine life. The sloping nature of the reef allows for easy access, starting at shallow depths of 5 meters and gradually descending to around 30 meters, making it suitable for divers of all skill levels.
The vibrant reef is home to various reef fish, including butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish, while larger predators like barracuda and trevally can sometimes be seen patrolling the waters. South Pamilacan is also a fantastic place to encounter green sea turtles as they glide gracefully through the water or rest on the reef, making this dive site a favorite for turtle enthusiasts.
3. Sanctuary
The Sanctuary dive site around Pamilacan Island is one of the island’s most protected and well-preserved areas, making it an absolute must-visit for eco-conscious divers. The vibrant coral garden found here is brimming with life, offering some of the most spectacular coral formations in Bohol. The sanctuary is a designated marine protected area, which means fishing is prohibited, allowing marine life to thrive undisturbed.
This site is perfect for divers who appreciate the smaller details of the underwater world. Expect to see a variety of macro life, including pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and pipefish. The calm and clear waters of the sanctuary make it an ideal dive site for beginner divers or those who enjoy relaxed, shallow dives, with depths ranging from 5 to 20 meters. The lack of strong currents also makes this site great for underwater photography, allowing divers to take their time and capture the beauty of the reef.
4. Spanish Tower
The Spanish Tower dive site gets its name from an old watchtower on Pamilacan Island that dates back to the Spanish colonial period. While the historical site on land is a draw for visitors, the underwater landscape is just as captivating. This dive site is known for its impressive coral walls and the large pelagic species that are often spotted here.
The walls are adorned with a mix of hard and soft corals, sponges, and sea fans, providing shelter for smaller marine creatures like shrimps, crabs, and small reef fish. However, the real excitement comes from the occasional sightings of larger pelagics such as manta rays, eagle rays, and even whale sharks during certain times of the year. The currents at Spanish Tower can be a bit stronger, making it ideal for more advanced divers who enjoy drift diving. The dive site’s depth ranges from 10 to 35 meters, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration.
5. North
The North dive site of Pamilacan Island offers a unique mix of coral gardens, sandy patches, and stunning drop-offs that attract a diverse range of marine life. Starting at around 10 meters, the sandy bottom gradually slopes into deeper waters, making it an ideal spot for spotting bottom-dwellers like stingrays, garden eels, and cuttlefish. The coral formations here are less dense than at other sites, but the marine life remains abundant and diverse.
The beauty of the North dive site lies in its variety. On one dive, you could be drifting over a sandy plain filled with life, while on another, you could be exploring a series of coral bommies surrounded by schools of reef fish. The occasional passing of larger fish, such as trevallies and barracuda, adds an element of excitement to this otherwise peaceful dive. The North site is suitable for divers of all levels, though more experienced divers will appreciate the deeper sections and occasional drift.
Why Dive Pamilacan Island?
While Balicasag Island often takes center stage as Bohol’s premier diving destination, Pamilacan Island offers an equally rewarding experience with fewer crowds. The combination of stunning coral reefs, clear waters, and abundant marine life makes it a hidden treasure for those seeking a quieter, more intimate diving adventure. Pamilacan’s dive sites are ideal for macro photographers, turtle lovers, and those looking to encounter larger pelagic species.
Additionally, Pamilacan’s relaxed atmosphere and unspoiled beauty make it a perfect destination for divers who want to explore beyond the more popular tourist spots. Whether you’re drifting along coral walls or exploring the vibrant coral gardens, Pamilacan provides a diverse underwater landscape that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Conclusion
Diving at Pamilacan Island offers a unique and unforgettable experience, from its diverse dive sites to its rich marine life. Whether you’re an experienced diver looking for thrilling drift dives or a beginner eager to explore Bohol’s underwater world, Pamilacan has something for everyone. At Sierra Madre Divers, we offer guided dive trips to Pamilacan Island, ensuring that you get the most out of your dive experience. Join us as we explore the hidden wonders of Pamilacan, one of Bohol’s best-kept secrets.