Best Dive Spots in Panglao & Bohol
Bohol and Panglao are among the top diving destinations in the Philippines, with easy access to walls, reefs,
turtles, sardine schools and healthy coral. If you are staying in a private villa in Panglao or a villa in Bohol,
these dive spots can be reached as half-day or full-day trips with local dive operators.
Top Dive Sites Around Panglao & Bohol
Below is a selection of some of the most popular and rewarding dive spots in the area. Ask your chosen dive
center which sites are suitable for your certification level and the conditions on the day.
1. Balicasag Island – Black Forest
Google Map:
Link
One of the most famous dive areas in Bohol, known for steep walls covered in soft coral and sponges.
Frequent turtle encounters, schooling jacks and occasional barracuda make this a must-do from Panglao.
One of the most famous dive areas in Bohol, known for steep walls covered in soft coral and sponges.
Frequent turtle encounters, schooling jacks and occasional barracuda make this a must-do from Panglao.
2. Balicasag Island – Diver’s Heaven
Google Map:
Same island
A beautiful wall and slope combination with plenty of hard coral, reef fish and macro life.
Often used as a second or third dive on day trips from villas in Panglao.
A beautiful wall and slope combination with plenty of hard coral, reef fish and macro life.
Often used as a second or third dive on day trips from villas in Panglao.
3. Napaling Reef – Sardine Run
Google Map:
Link
Dramatic drop-off with huge schools of sardines swirling near the wall, plus nice reef sections on top.
Great for both divers and experienced snorkellers when conditions are calm.
Dramatic drop-off with huge schools of sardines swirling near the wall, plus nice reef sections on top.
Great for both divers and experienced snorkellers when conditions are calm.
4. Panglao House Reefs (Arco Point, Kalipayan, etc.)
Google Map:
Approx. area
A collection of sites just a short boat ride from Alona and surrounding areas, including Arco Point and Kalipayan.
Walls and slopes with plenty of reef fish, occasional turtles and nice macro subjects—ideal for easy half-day diving from your villa in Panglao.
A collection of sites just a short boat ride from Alona and surrounding areas, including Arco Point and Kalipayan.
Walls and slopes with plenty of reef fish, occasional turtles and nice macro subjects—ideal for easy half-day diving from your villa in Panglao.
5. Pamilacan Island
Google Map:
Link
Known for clear water, drop-offs and the chance to see pelagics like barracuda, tuna and, in season, larger visitors.
A great choice if you want a slightly more adventurous day out from Panglao or Tagbilaran.
Known for clear water, drop-offs and the chance to see pelagics like barracuda, tuna and, in season, larger visitors.
A great choice if you want a slightly more adventurous day out from Panglao or Tagbilaran.
6. Cabilao Island
Google Map:
Link
A quieter island west of Bohol, famous for steep walls, sea fans and good chances for larger fish in deeper water.
Usually done as a special day trip arranged with dive centers—perfect for experienced divers staying in villas in Bohol or Panglao.
A quieter island west of Bohol, famous for steep walls, sea fans and good chances for larger fish in deeper water.
Usually done as a special day trip arranged with dive centers—perfect for experienced divers staying in villas in Bohol or Panglao.
7. Anda Reefs (East Bohol)
Google Map:
General area
An emerging dive destination away from the main tourist spots, with healthy reefs and fewer boats.
Best combined with an overnight stay in a villa in Bohol or a small resort on the east coast.
An emerging dive destination away from the main tourist spots, with healthy reefs and fewer boats.
Best combined with an overnight stay in a villa in Bohol or a small resort on the east coast.
8. Local Wreck Dives near Panglao
Google Map:
Alona area
Several small wrecks and artificial structures around Panglao attract fish and make for fun, varied dives.
Availability and exact locations depend on the dive shop—ask locally which wrecks are currently being visited.
Several small wrecks and artificial structures around Panglao attract fish and make for fun, varied dives.
Availability and exact locations depend on the dive shop—ask locally which wrecks are currently being visited.
9. Alona Area House Reefs & Training Sites
Google Map:
Approx. area
Shallow, easy sites used for Discover Scuba Diving, refreshers and entry-level courses.
Ideal if you are new to diving and want to start your underwater journey close to your villa in Panglao.
Shallow, easy sites used for Discover Scuba Diving, refreshers and entry-level courses.
Ideal if you are new to diving and want to start your underwater journey close to your villa in Panglao.
10. Snorkel-Friendly Reefs for Mixed Groups
Examples: Shallow areas around Balicasag, Virgin Island and some Panglao house reefs
These are ideal if some of your group dives while others prefer to snorkel from the boat.
Check with your operator which trips work best if you are staying in a private villa in Panglao with family or friends.
These are ideal if some of your group dives while others prefer to snorkel from the boat.
Check with your operator which trips work best if you are staying in a private villa in Panglao with family or friends.
Planning Your Dive Days from a Villa in Panglao or Bohol
Staying in a villa in Panglao puts you close to most dive shops and boat departure points, while a
villa in Bohol can be a great base for combining diving with countryside and beach trips.
• Schedule dive days early in your stay in case you need to move trips due to weather
• Leave at least 18–24 hours between your last dive and your flight out of Bohol
• Ask your villa host which dive centers are reputable and convenient for pick-up
• Balance “dive days” with villa days by the pool, beaches and gentle island-hopping
With the right mix, Bohol becomes both an underwater playground and a comfortable home base where you return to your own private villa after every dive.
• Schedule dive days early in your stay in case you need to move trips due to weather
• Leave at least 18–24 hours between your last dive and your flight out of Bohol
• Ask your villa host which dive centers are reputable and convenient for pick-up
• Balance “dive days” with villa days by the pool, beaches and gentle island-hopping
With the right mix, Bohol becomes both an underwater playground and a comfortable home base where you return to your own private villa after every dive.