Diving in Balicasag Island, Bohol Philippines

Balicasag island is a mere speck on the map of central Philippines, lying some 60 kms to the southwest of Panglao island, off the southwest tip of Bohol. With a total land area of 25 hectares, 1.5 hectares There's a local community of about 100 families, many of whom make a living from collecting rare shells and selling them to tourists on the beach. Some of the best diving sites are located around Balicasag Island. Its crystal clear waters provide a window to the bounty of corals and aquatic animals in the area. On the south portion of Balicasag is a protected marine reserve reaching up to 400 meters of ocean space. This sanctuary has a steer vertical wall of hard and soft corals and generally has strong underwater currents. During the months of December and January, some clownfish, lion fish, barracuda, dolphins, sea green turtle & hawksbill sea turtle, huge coral formations, whale sharks can be spotted. In the dives, a school of jackfish may accompany you while groupers unhurriedly swim down below and other common tropical sea life.