Top Skills Every Diver Should Master Before Visiting Balicasag Island
Balicasag Island is the crown jewel of Bohol diving. It is the place that calls to divers from every corner of the globe. They come for the promise of green sea turtles grazing on the seagrass, the dizzying vertical walls adorned with soft corals, and the world-famous “tornado” of schooling jackfish.
But Balicasag is not a swimming pool.
It is a dynamic, open-ocean environment where conditions can change rapidly. The walls plunge to depths well beyond recreational limits, and the currents that feed the marine life can turn a leisurely drift into a high-speed express ride.
To truly enjoy Balicasag—to feel relaxed, safe, and capable of getting that perfect shot—you need more than just a certification card. You need mastery of your core skills.
At Sierra Madre Divers, we want every guest to have the dive of a lifetime. Here are the top skills we recommend brushing up on before you giant stride into the waters of Balicasag.
1. Precision Buoyancy Control: The Art of the Hover
If there is one skill that defines a “good” diver at Balicasag, it is buoyancy.
Why it matters here: Balicasag is famous for its steep walls. At sites like Rico’s Wall or Cathedral, the reef top sits at 5-8 meters, but the wall drops vertically to 40, 50, or even 60 meters deep.
- The Danger: Without precise control, it is easy to inadvertently drop too deep while staring at a turtle, blowing through your no-decompression limit. Conversely, a rapid, uncontrolled ascent from depth can be dangerous.
- The Protection: Balicasag is a strictly protected Marine Sanctuary. Touching the coral is forbidden. Good buoyancy ensures you can hover close to the wall to see the macro life without ever crashing into the delicate fans or centuries-old sponges.
The Fix: Consider taking the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy specialty with us on your first day. We will fine-tune your weighting and breathing so you can hover motionless like a Zen master.
2. Drift Diving Comfort: Going with the Flow
Balicasag is almost always a drift dive. The currents are what bring the nutrients that feed the massive schools of fish.
Why it matters here: At the Black Forest dive site, the current can range from a gentle nudge to a strong “washing machine.”
- The Mistake: Many inexperienced divers try to fight the current, swimming against it to get back to a spot they missed. This is a losing battle that leads to exhaustion and empty tanks in minutes.
- The Skill: You need to learn how to surrender to the flow. This means using your fins only for steering and positioning, not for propulsion. It involves reading the reef to find “eddies” (calm spots behind coral heads) where you can rest and watch the fish go by.
The Fix: Listen carefully to your Sierra Madre dive guide’s briefing. They will tell you exactly which way the current is moving and how to position yourself.
3. Air Consumption Management
You want your dive at Balicasag to last. There is nothing worse than having to ascend after 30 minutes because you are low on air, while the rest of the group is still watching the jackfish.
Why it matters here: The excitement of the jackfish school, combined with the depth (often 20-30m) and the current, can cause your breathing rate to spike.
- The Skill: Focus on slow, deep, rhythmic breathing. Long exhalations are key to removing CO2 and keeping your heart rate down. Streamline your gear so you create less drag in the water, which reduces the effort needed to move.
The Fix: If you are known to be an “air guzzler,” consider taking the PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) course. While it doesn’t reduce air consumption, using a larger tank (15L) is an option we can provide upon request to ensure you get maximum bottom time.
4. Finning Techniques: The Frog Kick
The standard “flutter kick” (up and down) is fine for open water, but on a wall or near a sandy bottom, it can cause problems.
Why it matters here: When you are swimming along a wall, a flutter kick directs water downwards—potentially kicking the coral below you or kicking sand into the face of the diver behind you.
- The Skill: Mastering the Frog Kick. This technique propels water backwards rather than downwards. It gives you more thrust with less effort and keeps your fins away from the delicate reef. It also allows for much easier turning and maneuvering in tight spots.
The Fix: Ask your Sierra Madre instructor to critique your kick style during your check-out dive. A few small adjustments to your leg position can make a massive difference in your efficiency.
5. Situational Awareness: The “Head on a Swivel”
Balicasag is a popular destination. You will likely be sharing the water with other dive groups.
Why it matters here: It is easy to get distracted by a massive turtle or the mesmerizing movement of the sardine ball. If you tunnel-vision on the animal, you might drift away from your group or drift into another group’s path.
- The Skill: You need to develop a “passive awareness” cycle. Look at the fish, then look for your buddy, then check your depth, then check your air. Repeat. Always know where your Sierra Madre Divers guide is—they are your lifeline to the boat.
6. Marine Life Etiquette: The Passive Approach
We dive to see the animals, but how we approach them determines the quality of the encounter.
Why it matters here: The turtles at Balicasag are used to divers, but they will still bolt if you chase them.
- The Skill: Learn the art of the passive approach. Never swim directly at an animal. Instead, swim parallel to it and let it come to you. Avoid sudden movements.
- The Rule: Never, ever touch. Not the turtles, not the coral, and not the fish. Observing with your eyes (and camera) keeps the animals safe and ensures they remain relaxed for the next diver to enjoy.
Ready for the Big Show?
Balicasag is an underwater wonderland, but it demands respect. By mastering these skills, you transform from a passenger into a pilot. You will feel safer, see more, and enjoy every second of the drift.
If you feel a bit rusty, don’t worry. Book a Scuba Refresher with Sierra Madre Divers at a calm local site like Alona Beach before your scheduled Balicasag trip. We will help you knock the rust off your buoyancy and finning skills so you are 100% ready for the main event.
