When you visit Balicasag Island in the Philippines, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to do snorkelling or scuba diving there. It is a small island located off the coast of Panglao, which is located off the main island of Bohol.
It is well-known for the exceptionally clear waters of its oceans, the vitality of its coral reefs, as well as the variety and profusion of its marine life. This encompasses marine mammals such as dolphins and Whale sharks, as well as abundant sea turtles and many types of tropical fish. It is widely considered to be amongst the Philippines' most spectacular spots for snorkelling and scuba diving.Â
I am in a unique position to comment on this topic given that I have the good fortune to own a home on Panglao Island, not far from the breathtaking Alona Beach. All that you will read below is based on my own experiences. It is very remarkable here in Bohol, and you would be correct in saying that #Itsmorefuninthephilippines.
We departed on our first exploration of Balicasag from the stunning Bellevue Hotel. 45 minutes later, after having sailed through 4-5 pods of wild dolphins we were swimming with sea turtles in the clearest topaz seas. It's truly awe-inspiring.
There is a wide variety of snorkelling that can be done on Balicasag Island, and it is ideal for snorkellers of all different ability levels. You may swim alongside sea turtles and tropical fish as they graze on seagrass in the shallow waters that surround the island.
The waters are also home to an abundance of tropical fish. Because of this, snorkellers of any age will find it to be an amazing spot to float around and soak up this underwater paradise.
The "House Reef," which is only a few feet from the shore, and the "Dolphin House," which is where friendly dolphins are frequently observed, are two of the most popular sites to go snorkelling.Â
Moreover, Balicasag Island is an absolute must-dive destination. There are scuba diving spots scattered around the entire island that are suitable for divers of varying levels of competence.
The "Black Forest" is a site that should not be missed by divers due to the intricate coral structures and abundant marine life that can be discovered there.
On the other hand, the "Wall" and "Canyons" sites are appropriate for more experienced scuba divers since they include a magnificent vertical drop-off and unusual underwater canyons, respectively.Â
As I went snorkelling on Balicasag Island, I had the opportunity these witness spectacular drop-offs from above. That is a sensation quite similar to being dropped off the edge of a cliff.
From topaz waters that are 5–10 meters deep, filled with coral, fish, and sea turtles, and so on, and then all the way down to the mysterious black depths.
The marine sanctuary of Balicasag is home to hundreds of different species of fish, as well as hard and soft corals, sea urchins, starfish, and cucumbers.
The most commonly seen species of fish include damselfish, parrotfish, butterfly fish, and angelfish. But, larger marine animals like sea turtles, reef sharks, and even manta rays have also been noticed on occasion.
In addition to this, at the dive site of Lila on the island of Bohol, you have the opportunity to dive and swim with Whale Sharks pretty much every day of the year.Â
Bohol offers Whale Shark snorkelling and diving opportunities as well, which is a really thrilling and one-of-a-kind experience that provides a window into the world of these wonderful creatures.
I will honestly add that for me, this was something that belonged on my bucket list, since I was a very young child, I have watched innumerable shows on NatGeo and the like, many of which have focused on whales and sharks, and Whale Sharks.Â
To be able to snorkel with Whale Sharks in Bohol was definitely something that needed to be checked off my bucket list. I always had the impression that swimming with Whale Sharks could only be done in Oslob, Cebu. But, no!!!
The trip to Lila Whale Shark from my home on Panglao takes approximately half an hour to an hour by car. Hence, if you are staying in one of the beautiful resorts or hotels in Panglao, this amazing trip is less than an hour away from where you are staying. It is also a must in addition to your trip to Balicasag.
In conclusion, snorkelling in Balicasag, Bohol is an experience that is guaranteed to leave you in wonder of the beauty and diversity of the underwater environment.
Snorkelling here is an experience that should not be skipped if you want the chance to see majestic sea turtles, schools of brilliantly colored fish, dolphins, Whale Sharks, and other amazing marine life.
There are numerous snorkelling spots in Balicasag and Bohol that are suitable for people of all levels of experience, so it doesn't matter if you're a seasoned pro or just getting started. Do it!!!
How do you go to the island of Balicasag?
Arrive to the Panglao International Airport by aeroplane. The Philippines are serviced by a number of major airlines, including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and Scoot; however, in order to get there, you will need to "bounce through" either Manila or Cebu. There is also the option of taking a flight to Cebu and then transferring to a ferry that will take you to Tagbilaran, Bohol's capital city.
Direct transportation from the airport to Tagbilaran or your chosen place to stay is available in the form of buses, tricycles, and vans.
On Panglao's Alona Beach, you have the opportunity to make the necessary preparations for a boat journey to Balicasag Island. Or, you may make travel arrangements at virtually all resorts and hotels. This was something that we did on our very first trip to Balicasag Island, and we did it directly from The Bellevue Resort.
Travelling by boat from Alona Beach to Balicasag Island, the trip usually takes between 30 and 40 minutes to complete. A top-tip is to rent a GoPro (if you don't have one) on Balicasag for your own underwater keepsake of your experience.