Plongée à Balicasag — Philippines

Balicasag Island is a tiny marine sanctuary off Bohol's Panglao coast, famous for its resident jackfish tornado — a swirling column of thousands of big-eye jacks. The island's walls drop steeply from a shallow reef flat, offering dramatic profiles in clear water. Daily diver limits protect the reef, but the small size means the best sites can feel busy.

Score
69.3
Visibilité
15–35m
Température
26–30°C
Meilleurs mois
November, December, January
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World Class
Intermediate
Balicasag
PhilippinesSoutheast Asia
69.3

SCORE

9.5167°N

123.6833°E

Balicasag Island is a tiny marine sanctuary off Bohol's Panglao coast, famous for its resident jackfish tornado — a swirling column of thousands of big-eye jacks. The island's walls drop steeply from a shallow reef flat, offering dramatic profiles in clear water. Daily diver limits protect the reef, but the small size means the best sites can feel busy.

Philippines' Marine Sanctuary Icon

Visibility15–35 m
Temperature26–30°C
Max Depth40 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$65
Best MonthsNovember, December, January, February
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML82.0CH78.0VIS78.0SV55.0TMP85.0DA72.0OP72.0TS35.0GT62.0VAL82.0CRD50.0SP80.0

Marine Life

82.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
75
Megafauna Encounters
72
Reef Fish Abundance
90
Macro Life
68
Endemic Species
62
Marine Life Diversity
82.0
Coral & Reef Health
78.0
Visibility & Conditions
78.0
Dive Site Variety
55.0
Water Temperature
85.0
Depth & Access
72.0
Operator Quality
72.0
Topside Experience
35.0
Getting There
62.0
Value & Cost
82.0
Crowding
50.0
Social Proof
80.0

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Great news for traveling couples and families — this is a budget-friendly destination with plenty of affordable topside activities to keep non-divers happy while you explore below the surface.

Activities for Non-Divers

dolphin watching toursnorkelingbeach relaxation

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Balicasag lighthouse

Non-Diver Score

3/10

Dedicated dive destination — not ideal for non-divers.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifenone

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber80 km — VISCOM Hyperbaric Chamber, Cebu
Nearest Hospital20 km

No facilities on island; boat transfer to Panglao then ferry to Cebu for chamber

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Sierra Madre Diving

PADI

4.7
200 reviewsNITROX

Balicasag Island Dive Resort

PADI

4.5
150 reviews