Five Amazing Dive Sites in Bohol for Beginners

Dive sites in Bohol, particularly near Panglao Island where many resorts are located, are perfect for beginners because of their shallow depths, beautiful coral walls, and gentle slopes. Here are 5 spots where newbies can practice their diving skills and experience plunging down a wreckage, fish sanctuaries, and a site known as the "Hole in the Wall".

1. Balicasag Fish Sanctuary
Located southeast of Bohol is Balicasag Island, home to a stretch of great dive sites that include Balicasag Fish Sanctuary. Established by the local community as a protected marine area, the sanctuary features a number of various fish species such as silver jack, bigeye trevally, midnight snappers, and sweetlips. Here, beginners can measure their buoyancy control for wall diving, since the site has a depth of 3 to 35 meters. The area is also ideal for snorkeling since the reefs are shallow.

2. Arco Point
Another easy dive site for newbies is Arco Point, which is situated just 12 minutes by boat from the southern portion of Panglao Island. This amazing dive site is called by many as “Hole in the Wall” because it features a small cave composed of soft and hard corals. Surrounding the cave are snake eels, cuttlefish, mantis shrimps, mackerels, and the giant frogfish. Since the wall is made up of fragile coral, passing through the hole is discouraged especially for inexperienced divers. The better way is to dive around it since the depth of the site is only from 4 to 27 meters.

3. Habagat Wreck
Also located south of Panglao Island is Habagat Wreck. This dive site ranging from 8- to 35-meters deep is an exciting spot for beginners because they can easily reach the wreck that sunk around year 2000. To put their fundamental diving skills to the test, there's an S-shaped wall and a slope a few feet from the wreckage. The area is also great for underwater photography, since the S-shaped wall has an overhang of colorful corals.

4. Doljo Point
Just minutes from various Panglao Island accommodations like the Bohol Bee Farm, Doljo Point offers a range of beautiful marine life such as big sea fans, bucket sponges, leather corals, manta rays, and barracudas. This dive spot is ideal for beginners learning to control diving into deeper depths because it can go as far as 40 meters. On some occasions, whale sharks may appear at lower levels.

5. Crystal Sanctuary
If there's one diving spot in Bohol advisable for newbies, it has to be Crystal Sanctuary. Its shallow depth of 3 to 25 meters makes it easy for those divers feeling out their equipment for the first time. In addition, the sanctuary has imposed restrictions to keep them on the safe distance. The Crystal Sanctuary is the closest dive spot from Alona Beach and other Panglao Island resorts.

The 5 Ws to a Hassle-Free Holiday in Bohol, Philippines

A getaway in a Panglao Island resort beckons you to discover the natural beauty and captivating charm of Bohol, Philippines. Gifted with exquisite surroundings and a rich history and heritage, this tropical destination shows you how a supreme holiday must be experienced. To help you have a worry-free vacation here, take note of important travel information about the locale.

Where to stay
Nothing comes between you and the stunning beach at the South Palms Resort. This luxurious hotel lets its guests experience the tranquility of a private seaside haven by giving them their own exclusive stretch of beach. A stay in this Panglao accommodation doesn't stop with the scrumptious food offerings, spa treatments, or gorgeous outdoor pool. Each of its rooms and villas promises comfort with its spacious living spaces and complete set of sensible amenities.

What to visit
Begin your Bohol adventure by visiting the most famous attraction that defines the province — the Chocolate Hills. Despite the damage caused by a strong earthquake last 2013, this iconic spot remains a wonderful masterpiece of nature. These hills, which number no less than 1,200, are very uniform in shape. Their height ranges between 30 to 50 meters high. They are covered with grass that turns chocolate brown at the end of the dry season, hence the name of the place. Plenty of tour operators and guides will be happy to bring you to the hills, either as part of a day tour or a separate trip.

What to enjoy
Needless to say, do not forget to include in your itinerary the Loboc River Cruise. Sail along the scenic and winding view of the Loboc River while dining on board on one of the town's native floating restaurants. Regularly, visitors pay around PHP450 for a relaxing ride and filling lunch. Cruises start near the historic Loboc Church at the town proper.

What to see
Experience an eye-to-eye encounter with the Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta) at the Tarsier Sanctuary. Located at the town of Corella, which is just 10 km north of Tagbilaran City, this haven aims to conserve and preserve the habitat of these threatened species. Entrance fee is PHP50 per person. With that you get a guided tour inside the sleeping site where the tarsiers rest during the day.

Where to eat
After a long day of sightseeing, replenish lost energy by enjoying a delightful dinner at the Oceanica Seafood Restaurant. This on-site restaurant of South Palms Resort serves mouthwatering seafood dishes. It is open daily from 6 am to 10:30 pm. Once you tasted Oceanica's specialties, you'll know that it is a great decision to choose this Panglao Island resort as your temporary abode.