Top 10 Must-Dive Sites for Certified Divers in Bohol
If you were to ask a group of seasoned divers to describe Bohol, you would get ten different answers. Some would rave about the dizzying schools of jackfish. Others would whisper about the tiny, camouflaged frogfish hiding in the sand. Still others would describe the sensation of flying along a vertical wall that drops into the abyss.
They would all be right.
Bohol is not a “one-note” destination. It is a kaleidoscope of underwater landscapes, offering everything from adrenaline-fueled drift dives and massive schools of fish to serene coral gardens and hidden macro treasures. For the certified diver, this variety can be overwhelming. With so many reefs to choose from, where do you even start?
At Sierra Madre Divers, we have logged thousands of hours exploring these waters. We know every crevice where a moray eel hides and exactly when the currents are right for the perfect drift. To help you plan your ultimate dive itinerary, we have curated our definitive list of the Top 10 Must-Dive Sites in Bohol.
Whether you are a newly certified Open Water Diver or a seasoned Tec explorer, these are the sites you cannot afford to miss.
1. Black Forest (Balicasag Island)
The Main Event: The Jackfish Vortex
If there is one dive site that put Bohol on the global map, it is the Black Forest. Don’t let the name fool you; it isn’t dark. It is named for the abundance of Antipathes (black coral) bushes that grow on the deeper slopes, which actually appear white, yellow, or rusty-orange underwater.
This site is famous for one spectacular reason: the massive school of Bigeye Trevally (Jackfish). We aren’t talking about a few hundred fish; we are talking about thousands. They form a towering, living wall that often swirls into a mesmerizing “tornado” formation. Swimming into the eye of this vortex, with silver bodies flashing all around you, is a humbling and unforgettable experience. Combine this with the resident schools of barracuda and the sloping reef teeming with life, and you have the quintessential Bohol dive.
- Best For: Wide-angle photography and seeing “the big stuff.”
- Depth: 8m – 40m (25ft – 130ft).
2. Rico’s Wall (Balicasag Island)
The Main Event: The Turtle Sanctuary
Just a short boat ride from Black Forest lies Rico’s Wall, arguably the most reliable place in the Philippines to swim with sea turtles. This site is a protected sanctuary, and the Green and Hawksbill turtles here have thrived under that protection.
The dive typically starts on a shallow plateau covered in sea grass and coral heads—the turtles’ dining room. It’s common to see five, ten, or even more turtles on a single dive, some as large as coffee tables, resting on the ledges or grazing peacefully. As you drift over the edge, the reef drops into a stunning vertical wall covered in soft corals. The contrast between the relaxed interactions on the plateau and the dramatic drop-off makes this a favorite for divers of all levels.
- Best For: Turtle encounters and relaxed wall diving.
- Depth: 5m – 35m+ (15ft – 115ft).
3. Napaling Reef (Panglao North)
The Main Event: The Sardine Run
For years, divers thought they had to travel to other islands to see a “Sardine Run.” Not anymore. Napaling Reef on Panglao’s north coast has become world-famous for its massive, resident school of sardines.
The density of this school is hard to comprehend until you are in it. Millions of tiny fish move as a single organism, creating shifting shapes that block out the sun. But the real thrill is the hunt. You will watch Trevally and Mackerel darting into the ball at lightning speed, causing the sardines to explode in a unified panic—the sound of which you can actually hear underwater. It is a high-energy, National Geographic-style experience that is accessible even to beginners.
- Best For: The spectacle of the bait ball and predator action.
- Depth: 5m – 25m (15ft – 80ft).
4. Spanish Tower (Pamilacan Island)
The Main Event: History and Pelagics
Named after the ruins of an 18th-century watchtower on the shore, this site offers a wilder, more rugged diving experience. Pamilacan Island sits closer to the deep open ocean, and the Spanish Tower site reflects that.
The wall here is craggy and textured, filled with small caves and overhangs where huge Scorpionfish and Moray Eels hide. But you should spend half this dive looking into the “blue.” This is prime territory for passing pelagics. Schools of chevron barracuda often hang in the current, and lucky divers have spotted Eagle Rays and even Manta Rays cruising past. It feels more untamed than Balicasag, with a sense that anything could swim by.
- Best For: Pelagic encounters and a “wild” reef feel.
- Depth: 10m – 30m+ (30ft – 100ft).
5. Dakit-Dakit (Pamilacan Island)
The Main Event: The Adrenaline Drift
For the Advanced diver who loves a ride, Dakit-Dakit is the playground. Located on an exposed point of Pamilacan, this site is defined by its currents.
When the tide is running, this becomes a high-speed drift dive. You don’t swim; you fly. You’ll glide past large coral heads adorned with vibrant soft corals that bloom in the nutrient-rich flow. The current brings the hunters, so expect to see Dogtooth Tuna and Spanish Mackerel patrolling the reef edge. It’s an exhilarating, rollercoaster of a dive that ends all too quickly.
- Best For: Drift diving and strong currents.
- Depth: 10m – 30m (30ft – 100ft).
6. Doljo Point (Panglao North)
The Main Event: Deep Walls and Giant Fans
Located on the quiet northwestern tip of Panglao, Doljo (pronounced Dol-ho) Point is a hidden gem that many divers miss. It shouldn’t be missed.
The topography here is spectacular. The wall drops vertically into the abyss (well past recreational limits), making it a favorite for our Tec divers. The defining feature of Doljo is the size of the marine life. You will find massive Gorgonian sea fans the size of a car door and Giant Barrel Sponges that have been growing for decades. The visibility here is often exceptional, and because it is less visited, the coral health is pristine.
- Best For: Deep diving, spectacular corals, and quiet sites.
- Depth: 10m – 40m+ (30ft – 130ft+).
7. Arco Point / “The Hole in the Wall” (Panglao)
The Main Event: The Swim-Through
Arco Point is famous for a unique geological feature: a vertical tunnel known as the “Hole in the Wall.”
You typically enter the tunnel at about 8 meters and exit at around 18 meters (or vice versa). Inside the short tunnel, you can spot soldierfish and sweepers hanging in the darkness. But Arco is more than just a tunnel; it’s a macro paradise. The wall surrounding the exit is home to Frogfish, Nudibranchs, and Snake Eels. It’s a fun, interactive dive that offers great photo opportunities.
- Best For: The tunnel feature and macro photography.
- Depth: 8m – 25m (25ft – 80ft).
8. Diver’s Heaven (Balicasag Island)
The Main Event: The Perfect Aquarium
True to its name, this site feels like diving in a high-definition aquarium. Located on the cathedral-like slopes of Balicasag, Diver’s Heaven is often done as a second dive due to its excellent light and moderate depth.
The site is a mix of wall and slope, covered in brown daisies coral and colorful sponges. The fish density here is staggering—clouds of purple Anthias, Red-tooth Triggerfish, and Pyramid Butterflyfish swarm the reef. It is a chaotic, colorful, and joyous dive site that reminds you exactly why you love the ocean.
- Best For: Colors, fish density, and relaxing dives.
- Depth: 10m – 30m (30ft – 100ft).
9. Cervera Shoal / “Snake Island”
The Main Event: The Sea Snake Colony
This is a sunken plateau (a shoal) located between Pamilacan and Panglao. It is locally known as “Snake Island,” and it lives up to the name.
The site is famous for its resident population of Black-banded Sea Kraits. It is not uncommon to see 10, 20, or even more of these graceful, black-and-white snakes hunting in the reef or swimming to the surface to breathe. While they are highly venomous, they are incredibly docile and peaceful if respected. The current here can be strong, but watching the snakes hunt effortlessly in the flow is a unique behavior you won’t see elsewhere.
- Best For: Sea snakes and unique behavior.
- Depth: 10m – 25m (30ft – 80ft).
10. Kalipayan / “Happy Wall” (Alona Beach)
The Main Event: The Night Dive
You can’t visit Bohol without doing a night dive, and Kalipayan is the perfect spot for it. Located very close to Alona Beach, this wall is vibrant by day but transforms completely after sunset.
Under the glow of your torch, the “Happy Wall” comes alive with critters. Crabs, shrimps, cuttlefish, and octopus emerge to hunt. The site is also famous for finding large Frogfish and flamboyant nudibranchs. It is a calm, easy dive that delivers massive rewards for those willing to get in the water after dark.
- Best For: Night diving, macro, and training.
- Depth: 5m – 20m (15ft – 65ft).
Ready to Tick These Off Your List?
Reading about these sites is one thing; drifting along the wall at Balicasag or staring down a sardine bait ball at Napaling is another.
At Sierra Madre Divers, we specialize in crafting the perfect itinerary to ensure you hit the best sites at the right times. Whether you want to hunt for macro critters at Arco Point or feel the rush of the current at Pamilacan, our team is ready to guide you.
Contact us today to book your dive package and let’s start checking these top 10 sites off your bucket list!
