Balicasag Island
Balicasag Island 3-Dive Trip: Explore One of Asia’s Best Dive Sites
Join us on a full-day diving adventure to the stunning Balicasag Island, one of the most renowned dive destinations in the Philippines and across Asia. Known for its incredible marine biodiversity, Balicasag Island is a protected marine sanctuary that offers divers the chance to explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter sea turtles, and dive among schools of jackfish and barracudas. This trip is perfect for certified divers looking to experience the best that Panglao and the surrounding waters have to offer.
Trip Overview
The Balicasag Island 3-Dive Trip departs daily by bangka boat from Alona Beach at 8:45 AM and returns around 2:30 PM. You’ll enjoy 2 dives at Balicasag Island and a third dive at a local site closer to Alona Beach on the return journey. As Balicasag Island is a protected marine sanctuary, each diver is permitted to do a maximum of 2 dives at the sanctuary, ensuring the preservation of the island’s delicate ecosystem.
- Departure: 8:45 AM
- Return: 2:30 PM
- Dives: 2 dives at Balicasag Island, followed by 1 dive on the return near Alona Beach
Note: As Balicasag Island is a highly regulated marine sanctuary, it only allows 150 divers per day. We highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot on this exclusive dive trip.
Onboard Amenities
During the trip, we provide coffee, tea, water, and light snacks to keep you refreshed between dives. While lunch is not included, you are welcome to bring your own lunch for the surface interval between dives.
Small Group Diving
To ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience, we maintain a divemaster to diver ratio of 1:4, providing personalized attention to each diver. This trip is for certified divers only, and booking is subject to availability, so be sure to consult with us in advance.
Pricing for Balicasag Island 3-Dive Trip
Our dive trips are designed to offer excellent value, with all-inclusive pricing that covers everything you need for a worry-free day of diving.
2 Dives Trip with Own Equipment: ₱3,900/trip
Includes: boat, dive guide, tank, weights, local dive fees, and tax.3 Dives Trip with Own Equipment: ₱5,000/trip
Includes: boat, dive guide, tank, weights, local dive fees, and tax.2 Dives Trip with Rental Equipment: ₱4,150/trip
Includes: boat, dive guide, tank, weights, local dive fees, and tax. Rental equipment includes BCD, regulator, mask, wetsuit, booties, and fins.3 Dives Trip with Rental Equipment: ₱5,250/trip
Includes: boat, dive guide, tank, weights, local dive fees, and tax. Rental equipment includes BCD, regulator, mask, wetsuit, booties, and fins.
Dive Sites at Balicasag Island: Marine Sanctuary Highlights
Balicasag Island is famous for its five distinct dive sites, each offering something special to divers of all levels. The island is surrounded by sloping reefs and dramatic walls that drop down to depths of 40 meters or more, providing the perfect environment for a variety of marine species.
Marine Life at Balicasag Island
The Balicasag Marine Sanctuary is home to a rich array of marine life, making it a bucket-list destination for divers and snorkelers alike. One of the highlights of diving here is the large number of sea turtles that inhabit the reef, often seen swimming gracefully through the water or resting on the coral.
In addition to turtles, the sanctuary is known for schools of jackfish and barracudas, which can often be seen swirling around the dive sites. Divers may also encounter frogfish, moray eels, and an abundance of both soft and hard corals.
Whether you’re an underwater photographer, a macro enthusiast, or someone who enjoys wide-angle diving, Balicasag Island has something for everyone.
Balicasag Island Dive Sites
Each of the dive sites at Balicasag offers a unique experience, making the island a top destination for repeat diving trips.
- Black Forest: Famous for its black coral and teeming marine life, this site is known for large schools of jackfish and barracudas.
- Rudy’s Rock: This site features stunning coral formations and plenty of macro life, making it a favorite for underwater photographers.
- Sanctuary: As the name suggests, this protected area is home to a diverse range of species, including sea turtles and colorful reef fish.
- Cathedral: A dramatic underwater structure perfect for exploring crevasses and swim-throughs.
- Diver’s Heaven: A must-dive site for anyone visiting Balicasag Island, known for its biodiversity and crystal-clear waters.
Why Choose Balicasag Island for Diving?
- World-Class Diving: Recognized as one of the best dive sites in Asia, Balicasag Island offers stunning underwater landscapes and a rich variety of marine life.
- Marine Sanctuary: As a protected marine reserve, the island’s coral reefs are in pristine condition, providing a biodiversity hotspot that few other places can match.
- Convenient Day Trip: Located just a short boat ride from Alona Beach, you can enjoy a full day of diving without having to venture too far.
- Exclusive Experience: With only 150 divers allowed per day, a dive at Balicasag Island is an exclusive and intimate experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or someone looking for your next unforgettable dive destination, Balicasag Island offers a unique blend of stunning coral reefs, large marine species, and breathtaking underwater topography.