Drift Diving in Bohol: Where to Go and What to Expect
Bohol is rightfully famous for its vibrant coral gardens, impressive walls, and abundant marine life. But for the certified diver seeking an exhilarating, effortless, and often high-adrenaline experience, Bohol offers some of the best drift diving in the Philippines.
Drift diving is the art of flying underwater. Instead of finning against the current, you surrender to it, letting the natural flow of the ocean propel you along the reef. This technique allows you to cover vast distances, witness a constant parade of life, and experience the pure thrill of being carried by the sea.
However, drift diving requires respect, preparation, and the right location. Here is your essential guide to Bohol’s best drift sites, what you can expect to see, and how to master this exciting style of diving.
The Thrill of the Ride: Why Currents are Your Friend
The strong, consistent currents around Bohol’s smaller islands and exposed points are caused by the deep, nutrient-rich channels of the Bohol Sea. These currents are the lifeblood of the ecosystem:
- Nutrient Delivery: They constantly sweep plankton and food past the stationary reef life.
- Pelagic Magnets: They attract large, open-ocean species (pelagics) like barracudas, jacks, and manta rays, which feed in the flow.
- Effortless Diving: They do the work for you, conserving your air and energy while you focus on the spectacle.
Top Drift Dive Sites in Bohol
The primary destinations for world-class drift diving in Bohol are centered around two marine sanctuaries: Balicasag Island and Pamilacan Island.
1. Balicasag Island: The Classic Drift
Balicasag is Bohol’s most famous diving spot, and while it has sites with no current, its southern and eastern points offer some fantastic drifts.
| Site Name | Expected Current | What to Expect |
| Rico’s Wall | Mild to Moderate, often running north-south along the wall. | A spectacular, near-vertical drop-off covered in soft corals and large sponges. You will drift past massive schools of Jackfish that tornado in the blue, and guaranteed sightings of Green and Hawksbill Turtles resting on ledges. |
| Black Forest | Mild to Moderate. | Famous for its black corals (which are actually white/gold underwater). The drift here is gentle and focuses on the sloping reef. Look out for schooling sweetlips and triggerfish, and potential deeper-water sightings of Hammerhead Sharks (rarely). |
Drift Diving in Bohol: Where to Go and What to Expect
Bohol is rightfully famous for its vibrant coral gardens, impressive walls, and abundant marine life. But for the certified diver seeking an exhilarating, effortless, and often high-adrenaline experience, Bohol offers some of the best drift diving in the Philippines.
Drift diving is the art of flying underwater. Instead of finning against the current, you surrender to it, letting the natural flow of the ocean propel you along the reef. This technique allows you to cover vast distances, witness a constant parade of life, and experience the pure thrill of being carried by the sea.
However, drift diving requires respect, preparation, and the right location. Here is your essential guide to Bohol’s best drift sites, what you can expect to see, and how to master this exciting style of diving.
The Thrill of the Ride: Why Currents are Your Friend
The strong, consistent currents around Bohol’s smaller islands and exposed points are caused by the deep, nutrient-rich channels of the Bohol Sea. These currents are the lifeblood of the ecosystem:
- Nutrient Delivery: They constantly sweep plankton and food past the stationary reef life.
- Pelagic Magnets: They attract large, open-ocean species (pelagics) like barracudas, jacks, and manta rays, which feed in the flow.
- Effortless Diving: They do the work for you, conserving your air and energy while you focus on the spectacle.
Top Drift Dive Sites in Bohol
The primary destinations for world-class drift diving in Bohol are centered around two marine sanctuaries: Balicasag Island and Pamilacan Island.
1. Balicasag Island: The Classic Drift
Balicasag is Bohol’s most famous diving spot, and while it has sites with no current, its southern and eastern points offer some fantastic drifts.
| Site Name | Expected Current | What to Expect |
| Rico’s Wall | Mild to Moderate, often running north-south along the wall. | A spectacular, near-vertical drop-off covered in soft corals and large sponges. You will drift past massive schools of Jackfish that tornado in the blue, and guaranteed sightings of Green and Hawksbill Turtles resting on ledges. |
| Black Forest | Mild to Moderate. | Famous for its black corals (which are actually white/gold underwater). The drift here is gentle and focuses on the sloping reef. Look out for schooling sweetlips and triggerfish, and potential deeper-water sightings of Hammerhead Sharks (rarely). |
2. Pamilacan Island: The Advanced Challenge
Pamilacan is less crowded and more exposed than Balicasag. Its currents can be stronger and more unpredictable, making it a playground for the experienced, adventurous diver.
| Site Name | Expected Current | What to Expect |
| Dakit-Dakit | Moderate to Strong, often requiring negative entry. | This site is all about the thrill. You are carried along a sweeping point, offering the best chance in the area for Manta Ray or Eagle Ray encounters in the blue. The currents feed dense, healthy soft corals. This is the place to clip in with a reef hook and watch the show. |
| Spanish Tower Wall | Moderate, often manageable. | Fronted by the ruins of a historic Spanish fort, this deep wall is home to cruising schools of barracuda and trevally. The current helps you explore the wall’s many small grottoes and ledges without exerting energy. |
Essential Gear and Techniques for Drift Diving
Drift diving is safe and enjoyable, provided you follow the proper protocols and carry the correct gear.
| Component | Why It’s Essential | Technique Tip |
| Reef Hook | While not necessarily a necessilty, it allows you to secure yourself to dead rock or sand patches to stop the drift, relax, and watch the marine life without finning. | Always hook into a piece of dead rock or sand. NEVER hook into living coral! |
| DSMB/Safety Sausage | A brightly coloured inflatable marker you deploy during your 3-minute safety stop. | In strong currents, deploy this immediately upon starting your safety stop. This allows the boat to easily track you, even when you surface far from the drop-in point. |
| Positive Entry | Often used in strong currents (like at Dakit-Dakit). Divers quickly descend together, often carrying slightly less weight to maintain buoyancy control in the rush. | Discuss with your divemaster beforehand. Sometimes, a “negative entry” (descending immediately upon jumping in) is preferred to avoid drifting away on the surface. |
| Relaxation & Buoyancy | The core of drift diving is remaining horizontal and relaxed. Any finning against the current is a waste of energy and air. | Streamline your body and use your breath (buoyancy control) to adjust your depth, using tiny fin strokes only for minor adjustments. |
Safety is Key: Always Dive with a Pro
Never attempt a drift dive without a qualified local divemaster or instructor. The currents in Bohol can change direction and intensity rapidly. Sierra Madre Divers organizes and leads dives to these areas in a safe and fun manner!
Your professional dive guide will:
- Assess the Current: They check the current’s direction and speed before the dive.
- Plan the Exit: They communicate with the boat captain, who drops you in and tracks your bubbles from the surface, positioning the boat perfectly for your ascent.
- Lead the Way: They know the topography and the subtle signs of changing currents, ensuring a safe and exciting journey from start to finish.
Ready to trade your kick-fins for a cruise? Drift diving in Bohol is an incredible way to see the sheer abundance and dramatic landscapes of the Bohol Sea. Contact Sierra Madre Divers today to book your diving in Bohol.
