Bohol
Hong Kong divers' favourite Southeast Asia escape-turtles, coral, 30m visibility
Skill level
OW minimumBest season
March-June best · July-October typhoon season · November-February northeast monsoon affects some sites
Visibility
20-30m (peak season)
Typical length
5 nights 4 days / 6 nights 5 days
Why I take students here
Bohol is my top pick for Hong Kong students' "graduation trip" after OW certification. The reasons are simple: 3-hour flight, no visa, English-speaking, dense dive sites, enjoyable from OW level.
The Alona Beach area has resorts clustered together, with restaurants, convenience stores, and ATMs nearby. Students never feel isolated.
What I love most is the forgiveness this destination offers. Balicasag has so many turtles that even nervous divers will spot several. Pamilacan is a classic liveaboard site that's also accessible on day trips. Cabilao on the west side has varied topography that helps students grow.
I've taken over 30 Hong Kong students here. Nobody has regretted it.
What you'll see
The waters around Bohol are dense with marine life. You'll likely see signature species on almost every dive:
• Green sea turtles — Balicasag has near-100% sightings, often 5-10 turtles in one dive
• Hawksbill turtles — less common but high chance at Pamilacan
• Jack fish schools — Balicasag's classic wall dive showcases huge schools
• Parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish — vibrant reef staples
• Reef sharks (whitetip / blacktip) — occasional sightings at Cabilao
• Macro critters — nudibranchs, seahorses, frogfish — for the slow-paced
If we're lucky, May–June can bring whale sharks near Pamilacan — but no guarantees.
Key dive sites
Balicasag Island
Famous for wall dives encircling the island and one of the highest turtle densities in the Philippines. The three signature sites — Black Forest, Diver's Heaven, Royal Garden — each have their own character. A must for students.
Pamilacan Island
Further than Balicasag (about 45-minute boat ride) but with better visibility. Sharks, pelagic fish, and turtles are all regular sightings. A classic site for a double-tank dive.
Cabilao Island
A small island on the west side of Bohol, with the most varied topography: drop-offs, caves, walls. Recommended for AOW level (depths reach 30m+). Occasional hammerheads (seasonal).
Napaling Reef
Located on the north side of Panglao, accessible by both shore and boat. Famous for its sardine ball — dense swirling formations of sardines. Students are always stunned the first time they see it.
Anda
On the east side of Bohol, about 2 hours by car. Its main draw is macro photography — pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs in abundance. If you love photography, have AOW, and don't mind the travel, it's worth dedicating a day.
Real talk
Honest take — Bohol is not "paradise", it's "worth it".
• Visibility: peak season (March-June) 20-30m, but rainy season sediment can drop it to 10m.
• Conditions: most sites are calm, but Cabilao occasionally has current (students may feel it).
• Whale sharks: "possible" in May-June but not guaranteed — any dive shop "guaranteeing" them is lying.
• Accommodation: Alona Beach resorts are mid-tier (not Maldives), but clean, with WiFi, and restaurants nearby.
• Food: Filipino cuisine is meat-heavy with grilled fish and rice. Vegetarian / seafood allergies — let me know early.
• Flights: usually HK → Cebu → Tagbilaran, 5-6 hours total.
Manage expectations = enjoy the trip. Bohol gives you authentic Philippines diving — not an Instagram filter.
What a typical trip includes
A typical trip includes:
• 5 nights accommodation (twin share, Alona Beach area resort)
• 12 dives (with tanks, weights, boat fees, shore dive transfers)
• Daily breakfast
• Lunch on dive days (on the boat)
• Marine sanctuary fees
• Airport transfers (Tagbilaran Airport ⇆ resort)
• Chinese / English dive guiding by Nic
Specifics vary per trip
Next departure
Bohol 2026 Jun (DRAFT)
June 16, 2026
HK$8,000
View details →Ready to start your diving journey?
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