Balicasag Island is located in the central Philippines just southwest of Bohol Island and is reputed to be one of the country’s top dive spots. The visibility, coral and abundance of fish here are incredible.
The island is ringed by the 50-meter wide Panglao Reef, where there are numerous excellent dive sites. The best of these are Turtle Point, a large gathering of caves off the eastern side of the island. They are around 70m down and contain many turtles. The Cathedral Wall is another favorite dive site on Balicasag Island; here you’ll see sponges, reef fish, and big jacks.
One of the best things about diving on Balicasag Island is the abundance of black coral forest, which is a rarity at this depth. As for the beaches on Balicasag Island they are your typical soft, white sandy coral type.
The cost of diving in Balicasag Island is cheap, making it even busier. In fact, it is a bit overcrowded with divers to the detriment of the coral.
Getting There & Away
Tagbilaran has an airport (Tagbilaran Airport), receiving flights from both Manila and Cebu - flight times are around 1 hour and 20 minutes respectively. Balicasag Island is connected to Bohol Island near Tagbilaran City by bridge, while boats run to Panglao on the southwest from Tagbilaran in 45 minutes.