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BALICASAG ISLAND DIVE SITES Balicasag Island is surely one of the most spectacular dive spots in the Philippines. It is  located about 6 kms southwest of Panglao island, off the southwest tip of Bohol. Balicasag Island is just a 40 minute boat ride from Alona Beach, Panglao Island. Although not quite deserted, the form of the tropical island is flat and circular and is covered with palm trees and bougainvillea, and fringed by a corraline and sandy beach. There's a definite wilderness feeling about the place - which for many is part of the island's appeal. The size of the island is just 25 hectares and you can walk around it in 45 minutes. There's a local community of about 100 families, many of whom make a living from collecting rare shells and selling them to tourists on the beach. Balicasag Island Dive Resort, the island's only resort, is situated on the south side with only 20 traditional-style bungalows lining the beach.
Black Forest Location: Balicasag Island, Panglao, Bohol Distance: 10 km. from Alona Beach, approximately 30-40 min. boat ride with motor banca Composition: Steep slope Dive Experience Level: Easy Dive Site for Open Water Divers or higher Depth: 8 – 40 m. Snorkeling: Deep for Snorkeling Description: The site’s name is derived from the beautiful black corals at the end of a sloping bottom. Lots of coral heads at the shallow area. The black corals (Antipathes) are to be found at the depth of 35 – 50 meters. Also there are various numbers of anthias, rock cods groupers, scorpion fishes, squirrel fishes, parrotfish, wrasse, damsel fishes, anemone fishes, trigger fishes. With some luck you can find a large school of big mouth mackerels, Jackfish and barracudas. Chances are good to see turtles as well. Most interesting at 15-20 m. Not interesting below 40 m. Located at the southeast of Balicasag Island. Start the dive with the slope on the right shoulder. At the beginning, you may experience current against you which will change after approximately 20-25 min. The best time to dive here is during slack tide.
Cathedral or Royal Garden Location: Balicasag Island, Panglao, Bohol Distance: 10 km. from Alona Beach, approximately 30-40 min. boat ride with motor banca Composition: Wall dive Experience Level: Easy dive site for Open Water Divers or higher Depth: 3 – 45 m. Snorkeling: Very good for snorkeling Description: Among the overhangs are yellow bucket sponges, the walls have large and colorful sea fans. Barracudas and angler fish, snubnose drummer and off the wall the big mouth mackerels. Back to the wall you will see golden sergeant fish, mid night snapper, many pyramid butterfly fish, and the one-spot snapper. Located at the southwest side of the island. A nice wall with big over-hangs, ledges and gaps. On a bright day you will have beautiful light reflections inside the cathedral.
Divers Heaven Location: Balicasag Island, Panglao, Bohol Distance: 10 km. from Alona Beach, approximately 30-40 min. boat ride with motor banca Composition: Steep slope dive Experience Level: Easy dive site for Open Water Divers or higher Depth: 8 – 30 m. Snorkeling: Good for snorkeling towards the shore at shallow depth Description: A wall dive with various overhangs and usually some currents in the area. The wall is the home to wonderful corals and besides the numerous small caves. Many gold band fusilier, big mouth mackerel, mid night snapper, red tooth trigger fish, and of cause turtles. Most interesting at 15-25 m. At the ledge of the reef you can see great corals such as brown daisy coral, and some big bucket sponges. Start the dive with the steep slope on the left shoulder moving towards Cathedral in north-west direction. Depending on current you may start your dive towards Black Forest, slope on your right shoulder.
Resort Wall & Sanctuary Location: Balicasag Island, Panglao, Bohol Distance: 10 km. from Alona Beach, approximately 30-40 min. boat ride with motor banca Composition: Wall dive Experience Level: Easy dive site for Open Water Divers or higher Depth: 3 – 35m Snorkeling: Good for snorkeling. The reef top is very shallow and a lot of stuff to see. Description: The deep drop-off wall right in front of the resort is an excellent sight for diving. The favorite attraction is the large school of silver jack’s. They seem to be accustomed to divers already because often you can find yourself within this huge school of fish. There are superb sea fans and a proliferation of coral reef fishes - including dozens of lionfish and scorpion fish, midnight snappers and different kinds of sweetlips. Composed of a straight wall with many caverns and over-hangs. Back to Scuba Diving Packages Bohol Dive Map
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