Bohol Scuba Diving

Calibao Island is arguably the most popular of the dive sites of Bohol, and in particular the island is well known amongst divers as a prime destination for scuba diving with Hammerhead sharks. The hammerheads are most commonly sighted just after sunrise or before sunset, and although you may get to see them slightly earlier, the best time of the year to see them is December through to June. There are a number of excellent dive sites on Calibao Island, and there is a good variety of marine life and coral cover throughout the region. Barracuda, jacks, tuna and mackerel are regularly sighted here, as are large colonies of both ribbon and garden eels.

There are numerous excellent dive sites in the waters surrounding Panglao Island and Balicasag Island. In particular, the marine sanctuary Balicasag Island is home to a huge variety of corals including sea whips, table, leather and soft corals. The marine life is prolific with large shoals of banner fish, moorish idols, fusiliers, lionfish and wrasse, found throughout the region. Be warned though, there can be strong currents in this region, so do make sure that you take on board the advice and guidance provided by the local dive operators and guides.

Slightly further east of Panglao Island lies the stunning dive site at Pamilican Island (literal trans. Resting Place of the Mantas). As suggested in the name, this site provides an excellent opportunity to sample one of scuba diving's most impressive sights, and the clear waters of Pamilican Island provides a good opportunity to dive with the large manta rays which inhabit the dive site. The wall that drops away from the reef top here is covered with a large variety of hard and soft corals, as well as a number of scattered bommies. Large dogtooth tuna, napoleon wrasse and jacks are just some of the wide range of marine life that can be found in the waters surrounding Pamilican Island.