Balicasag Island in Bohol Philippines – Diver’s Paradise

Balicasag Island in Bohol is a small, round island located off the southwestern coast of Panglao Island in Bohol, Philippines. It is known for its excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities due to its diverse marine life and beautiful coral reefs.

How To Reach Balicasag Island?

Balicasag Island is accessible via a short boat ride from Panglao Island, which is connected to Bohol. Visitors typically start their journey from Alona Beach, where numerous boat services offer day trips to Balicasag. The ride takes about 30 minutes, providing travelers with stunning views of the surrounding sea.

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Marine Sanctuary

One of the island’s main attractions is its marine sanctuary, which is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The sanctuary is a haven for divers and snorkelers, offering an up-close look at colorful coral reefs and a wide variety of marine species. Common sightings include schools of jackfish, sea turtles, and an array of tropical fish.

Best Diving Sites in Balicasag Island Bohol

The best diving sites in Balicasag Island, Bohol, include:

1. Balicasag Marine Sanctuary: Known for its 200-meter drop-off, teeming with marine life, and visibility that can reach up to 20-40 meters depending on the season.
2. Black Forest: Features a steep slope that runs off 40 meters deep, with an abundance of marine life, including black corals, groupers, barracudas, and more.
3. Turtle Point (also known as Rico’s Wall): A coral garden on a plateau from 7 to 12 meters deep, followed by a 35-meter drop-off, where friendly resident sea turtles can be found.
4. Divers Heaven: A dive site with incredible coral formations and plenty of green turtles.
5. Cathedral: Another popular site with coral formations and green turtles.
6. Rudy’s Rock: A dive site with coral formations and marine life.

These sites offer a range of diving experiences for both beginners and experts, with depths ranging from 5 to 50 meters.

Beach Activities

Apart from diving and snorkeling, Balicasag offers visitors the opportunity to relax on its pristine white sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere near the water. The tranquil setting of the island provides an ideal escape from the fast-paced city life, allowing visitors to unwind and rejuvenate in nature’s beauty.

Environmental Efforts

Balicasag Island is strongly dedicated to the preservation of its precious natural resources. The local community, in collaboration with numerous organizations, takes proactive steps to participate in conservation activities aimed at safeguarding the island’s fragile ecosystems. Tourists are urged to engage in responsible tourism practices, such as reducing their environmental footprint and adhering to the community’s guidelines to show respect for the environment.

Balicasag Island Tour

The tour offers a fantastic opportunity to witness dolphins in their natural habitat, engage in snorkeling activities to discover the vibrant underwater world and wander along the pristine white sand beach of Balicasag Island. This stunning location, renowned for its diverse marine life, promises an unforgettable experience for those who appreciate nature and seek thrilling adventures.

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Conclusion of Balicasag Island in Bohol Philippines

Balicasag Island is a treasure in Bohol that offers an unforgettable experience for those who venture to its shores. Whether you are diving into its vibrant underwater world or simply soaking up the sun on its pristine beaches, Balicasag promises a slice of paradise that you won’t soon forget. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What marine species can be seen in Balicasag Island Bohol?

A: Balicasag Island in Bohol is known for its rich marine biodiversity. Here are some marine species you can commonly see around the island:

1. Turtles: Various species of sea turtles, including the green and hawksbill turtles.
2. Reef Fishes: Clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish, surgeonfish, and butterflyfish.
3. Corals: A wide variety of hard and soft corals.
4. Jacks and Trevallies: Schools of bigeye trevally and other jackfish.
5. Barracudas: Often seen in schools.
6. Nudibranchs: Many colorful species of these sea slugs.
7. Moorish Idols: Easily recognizable by their unique shape and coloration.
8. Groupers: Various species of groupers can be spotted in the deeper areas.
9. Eels: Moray eels hiding in crevices.
10. Crustaceans: Shrimps, lobsters, and crabs.

Diving or snorkeling around the island offers a great chance to see these species up close in their natural habitat.