The Sea Snakes Of Bohol
The waters of Bohol are home to an incredible variety of marine life, from vibrant coral reefs to fascinating macro creatures and majestic pelagic species. Among these diverse inhabitants, one group of marine animals often sparks both awe and apprehension—sea snakes. Sleek, fast-moving, and often seen weaving through the reef, sea snakes are among the most misunderstood creatures in the ocean.
At Sierra Madre Divers, we frequently encounter these fascinating reptiles on our dives. Despite their reputation, sea snakes are not aggressive and rarely pose any danger to divers. In fact, observing them in their natural habitat is an incredible experience that highlights the unique biodiversity of Bohol’s reefs.
Let’s explore the sea snakes of Bohol, debunk common myths, and learn how to safely and respectfully appreciate these remarkable marine creatures.
Meet the Sea Snakes of Bohol
Sea snakes belong to the family Elapidae, the same family as cobras, and are fully adapted to life in the ocean. Unlike their land-dwelling relatives, sea snakes have evolved unique adaptations that make them perfectly suited for underwater life.
Common Species Found in Bohol
- Banded Sea Krait (Laticauda colubrina)
- The most commonly seen sea snake in Bohol, recognized by its black and white bands.
- Semi-aquatic, meaning it comes to shore to lay eggs.
- Non-aggressive and often observed near reefs, hunting small fish and eels.
- Black-Banded Sea Krait (Laticauda semifasciata)
- Similar in appearance to the banded sea krait but with darker markings.
- Prefers deeper reef structures and is less frequently seen near shore.
- Spine-Bellied Sea Snake (Hydrophis curtus)
- A true sea snake, meaning it spends its entire life in the water.
- More streamlined with a laterally compressed tail for efficient swimming.
- Often found in sandy and seagrass areas, searching for fish and crustaceans.
These species play a crucial role in Bohol’s marine ecosystem, helping control fish populations and maintaining balance within the reef.
Debunking Myths About Sea Snakes
Despite their impressive adaptations, sea snakes are often feared due to misunderstandings about their behavior and venom. Let’s clear up some common misconceptions:
Myth 1: Sea Snakes Are Aggressive
- Fact: Sea snakes are naturally shy and will avoid humans whenever possible. They may approach divers out of curiosity, but they are not aggressive and rarely bite unless provoked or handled.
Myth 2: Their Venom Makes Them Extremely Dangerous to Divers
- Fact: While sea snakes are highly venomous, their venom is primarily used for subduing prey—not for defense. Bites to humans are extremely rare, and most occur when fishermen accidentally entangle them in nets.
Myth 3: Sea Snakes Are Just Like Land Snakes
- Fact: Sea snakes have evolved specifically for life underwater. They have paddle-like tails for swimming, nostrils that close underwater, and lungs that extend almost the entire length of their body, allowing them to stay submerged for long periods.
Myth 4: They Can’t Breathe Underwater
- Fact: While sea snakes still need to surface for air, they are highly adapted to aquatic life and can absorb oxygen through their skin, allowing them to stay submerged for extended periods.
Where and How to Spot Sea Snakes in Bohol
Sea snakes can be found throughout Bohol’s dive sites, often weaving through coral structures or gliding over sandy bottoms in search of food. If you want to spot them, here are some of the best places and conditions:
Best Dive Sites for Sea Snakes
- Balicasag Island – Known for its healthy reef systems, Balicasag is a great place to spot banded sea kraits hunting in crevices.
- Pamilacan Island – With deeper waters and strong currents, Pamilacan attracts pelagic sea snake species that roam the open ocean.
- Doljo Point – A great site for macro life, Doljo Point also sees occasional visits from spine-bellied sea snakes searching for small fish.
- House Reefs in Panglao – Even close to shore, banded sea kraits are often seen moving between rocks and coral heads.
Tips for Observing Sea Snakes Safely
- Keep a Respectful Distance – Like all marine life, sea snakes should be observed without interference. Avoid reaching out or chasing them.
- Stay Calm and Move Slowly – Quick movements can startle them. If a sea snake approaches, stay still and allow it to move on its own.
- Do Not Attempt to Touch or Handle – Even though they are docile, sea snakes should never be touched. Handling can stress them and increase the risk of a defensive bite.
- Watch Their Behavior – If a sea snake is surfacing for air, allow it space to breathe before continuing your observation.
The Importance of Protecting Sea Snakes
Sea snakes play a vital role in the marine ecosystem. As predators, they help regulate fish populations and maintain reef balance. However, they face several threats, including:
- Habitat Destruction – Coral reef degradation and pollution impact their natural hunting grounds.
- Accidental Capture – Sea snakes often get caught in fishing nets and may not survive if not released promptly.
- Misunderstanding and Fear – Due to fear, some sea snakes are unnecessarily killed, even though they pose little danger to humans.
As divers, we have a responsibility to respect and protect all marine life, including sea snakes. By promoting awareness and ethical diving practices, we can help ensure that these incredible reptiles continue to thrive in Bohol’s waters.
Embrace the Wonder of Bohol’s Sea Snakes
Far from being creatures to fear, sea snakes are fascinating, beautiful, and essential to the health of the reef. Seeing them in their natural environment is a privilege and a reminder of how diverse and complex our oceans are.
At Sierra Madre Divers, we encourage all divers to approach marine life with curiosity and respect. Next time you’re diving in Bohol, keep an eye out for these mysterious creatures—you might just gain a newfound appreciation for them!
Ready to explore Bohol’s underwater world? Book a dive with Sierra Madre Divers and experience the magic of the marine ecosystem firsthand!
