Why December is a Magical Month to Dive in Bohol
While much of the world is digging out winter coats and bracing for snow, a different kind of magic is taking hold in Bohol. The air becomes a little cooler (by tropical standards), the humidity drops, and a palpable, festive energy begins to sparkle. December in the Philippines isn’t just a month; it’s a celebration.
This is the official start of the Amihan season, the northeast monsoon that brings the driest, sunniest, and most beautiful weather of the year. For divers, this is the opening bell for the absolute prime diving season.
If you’re dreaming of trading snow boots for scuba fins and a silent night for the gentle sound of the ocean, here’s why a dive trip to Bohol in December is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
The “Amihan” Arrives: Postcard-Perfect Weather
December marks the end of the rainy season and the triumphant return of the Amihan (northeast monsoon). But don’t let the word “monsoon” fool you; this is the one we wait for all year. It brings cooler, drier air, sweeps away the heavy humidity, and ushers in month after month of bright, sunny days.
You can expect blissfully comfortable daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F) and pleasant evenings. This is the “postcard-perfect” tropical weather you dream of—ideal for relaxing on the deck of our dive boat and enjoying your surface intervals under a clear blue sky.
Peak Season, Peak Visibility
The glorious weather on land is directly reflected underwater. The Amihan season is famous for bringing the best diving conditions of the year.
- Glassy, Calm Seas: The prevailing winds of the Amihan season typically leave the southern coast of Panglao—where Alona Beach and Balicasag Island are located—calm and sheltered. This means smooth, comfortable boat rides and easy, relaxing dives.
- Crystal-Clear Visibility: With the rains gone, the runoff from the land disappears. The ocean visibility in December truly begins to peak, often hitting a crystal-clear 30+ meters (100+ feet). This is when the magnificent walls of Balicasag feel the most epic, as you can hover in the blue and see the reef stretching out in every direction.
A Tropical Christmas: The Most Festive Vibe on Earth
You have not experienced Christmas until you’ve experienced Pasko in the Philippines. The Philippines is famous for having the longest Christmas celebration in the world (starting in September!). By December, the island is in full, joyous celebration mode.
You’ll see colourful parols (star-shaped lanterns) hanging everywhere, hear Christmas carols in the air, and feel an infectious energy of joy and hospitality. The celebration kicks into high gear with “Simbang Gabi” (a series of dawn masses) starting on December 16th, culminating in the “Noche Buena” feast on Christmas Eve.
Diving in December means you get the best of all worlds: world-class underwater adventures during the day and a unique, vibrant, and heartwarming cultural celebration at night.
The Return of the “Giants”
While our resident superstars—the sea turtles of Balicasag and the swirling schools of jacks and barracuda—are here all year, December marks the start of the season for some very special visitors.
- Schooling Hammerheads: For advanced divers, December is the beginning of the prime season to spot the elusive schools of Scalloped Hammerheads that are known to cruise the deep waters off nearby Cabilao Island.
- Whale Shark Season: This is also the traditional start of the natural whale shark migration season in the wider Bohol Sea. While the unethical feeding tours have been rightly suspended, this means the chances for a true, ethical, and breathtakingly rare encounter with a wild whale shark on its natural path greatly increase. These lucky, natural sightings are most common at sites like Pamilacan Island, where the currents bring in their planktonic food.
A Month of Two Halves: A Savvy Travel Tip
December offers two very different, but equally wonderful, travel opportunities:
- Early December: This is the ultimate “sweet spot.” You get all the benefits of the new peak-season weather, crystal-clear visibility, and the start of the festive buzz, but you arrive before the main holiday crowds. It’s the best of both worlds—peak conditions with shoulder-season peace.
- Late December (Christmas & New Year’s): This is the heart of the celebration! The island is busy, vibrant, and full of life. It’s an unforgettable time to be here, but be warned: you must book everything in advance. Flights, hotels, and dive trips (especially with a top-rated shop like ours) fill up months ahead of time.
Trade Your Winter Coat for a Wetsuit
A dive trip to Bohol in December is more than just a vacation; it’s a sensory feast. It’s the thrill of crystal-clear wall dives, the warmth of the tropical sun, and the unique, joyous spirit of a Filipino Pasko.
Ready to spend your holidays with us? Contact the Sierra Madre Divers team today to book your December dive adventure. We can’t wait to celebrate with you, both on and under the water.
