Top 7 Dive Sites in Bohol for Certified Divers
Bohol is known for its iconic Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and laid-back island vibes—but for certified divers, it’s the underwater world that truly steals the show. With a mix of drift dives, coral walls, macro havens, and pelagic encounters, Bohol offers something for every diving style and experience level.
Whether you’re a returning visitor or planning your first fun dive in the Philippines, here are 7 top dive sites in Bohol that promise unforgettable marine life, beautiful seascapes, and that perfect mix of relaxation and excitement.
1. Balicasag Island – The Crown Jewel of Bohol Diving
What to Expect:
Balicasag Island is Bohol’s most famous dive destination for a reason. Located about 30 minutes by boat from Panglao, this marine sanctuary is surrounded by dramatic drop-offs, turtle-filled coral gardens, and deep reef walls.
Why Certified Divers Love It:
- Home to massive schools of jackfish and barracuda
- Frequent sightings of green and hawksbill turtles
- Excellent wall diving with both macro and wide-angle opportunities
- Strong but manageable drift conditions for intermediate to advanced divers
Dive Tip:
Best explored on a two-dive trip in the morning. Book in advance—permits are limited to protect the reef.
2. Doljo Point – Bohol’s Macro Wonderland
What to Expect:
This north-facing site off Panglao offers gentle slopes, sandy bottoms, and coral heads rich with critter life. It’s a favorite among photographers and divers who love the “weird and wonderful.”
Why Certified Divers Love It:
- Excellent for spotting nudibranchs, frogfish, ghost pipefish, and ribbon eels
- A favorite for night dives
- Calm conditions make it accessible year-round
Dive Tip:
Bring a dive light or macro lens—you’ll want to get close!
3. Napaling Point – The Sardine Run and Steep Reef Walls
What to Expect:
Just a short ride from Alona Beach, Napaling Point is home to Bohol’s own sardine run—a swirling bait ball of thousands of sardines that stick close to the reef.
Why Certified Divers Love It:
- Reliable sardine sightings, often year-round
- Vertical wall that drops to 40+ meters, lined with soft corals and sea fans
- Common sightings of scorpionfish, pufferfish, and reef sharks
Dive Tip:
Perfect for a relaxed dive day with exciting photography opportunities.
4. Arco Point – The Natural Tunnel Dive
What to Expect:
Also known as “The Hole in the Wall,” this site features a natural limestone tunnel that certified divers can swim through at around 12 meters. It’s one of the more unique geological features in the area.
Why Certified Divers Love It:
- A fun swim-through for confident divers
- Good mix of reef fish, lionfish, and schooling snapper
- Often visited as part of a local 2-dive day trip
Dive Tip:
Bring a flashlight and good buoyancy—it’s narrow, but safe with proper guidance.
5. Habagat Wreck – Bohol’s Artificial Reef Adventure
What to Expect:
A purpose-sunk wreck that has developed into an impressive artificial reef, the Habagat Wreck is a haven for schooling fish, nudibranchs, and the occasional stingray.
Why Certified Divers Love It:
- A great intro to wreck diving for newer divers
- Swarming schools of fusiliers, jacks, and sweetlips
- Located in a protected bay, so conditions are usually calm
Dive Tip:
Excellent for photographers—go slow and explore every nook.
6. Kalipayan – A Classic, Relaxed Reef Dive
What to Expect:
Located just a few minutes by boat from Alona Beach, Kalipayan is one of Bohol’s most accessible and beginner-friendly sites—but don’t underestimate it! It’s teeming with life and ideal for fun dives.
Why Certified Divers Love It:
- Easy, enjoyable dive for a relaxing day
- Excellent coral cover and reef fish density
- Great visibility and light make for vibrant underwater photos
Dive Tip:
Pair this with Arco Point or House Reef for a mellow two-dive itinerary.
7. Black Forest – Deep Drift Action and Coral Slopes
What to Expect:
Another Balicasag gem, Black Forest features a gentle slope turning into a wall, with soft black corals lining the reef at deeper depths—hence the name.
Why Certified Divers Love It:
- Turtle sightings are almost guaranteed
- Excellent conditions for drift diving
- A good challenge for divers who enjoy a bit more current
Dive Tip:
Intermediate and advanced divers will get the most out of this dive when currents are moving.
Planning Your Fun Dives in Bohol
At Sierra Madre Divers, we offer daily fun dives to all of these sites and more. Here’s what you can expect from a typical fun dive trip with us:
- Professional dive guides who know where the best marine life hides
- Top-quality rental gear
- Small groups for more personalized service
- Flexibility to plan your dives based on interest: macro, wrecks, walls, or turtles
Want to dive more than once? Our multi-dive packages offer great value, and we’ll help you plan an itinerary that hits all your dream sites.
Is Bohol Good for All Certified Divers?
Absolutely. Whether you’ve just completed your PADI Open Water certification or you’re a seasoned diver with hundreds of dives, Bohol offers a diverse range of dive sites for every level.
- Beginner-friendly options like Kalipayan and Doljo
- Intermediate sites with drift conditions like Black Forest
- Photographer-friendly sites like Napaling and the Habagat Wreck
- Bucket-list dives like Balicasag Island for everyone
Ready to Dive Bohol’s Best?
The dive scene in Bohol is vibrant, diverse, and always evolving. Whether you want to explore underwater tunnels, photograph rare critters, or simply glide beside a turtle over a coral garden, there’s a perfect dive site here waiting for you.
Contact Sierra Madre Divers today to book your fun dives, get local recommendations, or ask about our dive and stay packages. Let’s make your next dive trip the best one yet.
