Bohol and Surrounding Islands
Bohol
Bohol lies southeast of Cebu in the central Philippines and is approximately a one hour fifty minute flight from Manila. Apart from its worldfamous Chocolate Hills (1268 perfectly coneshaped hills), the main attraction of Bohol is that it is a tropical haven of natural beauty and home of the Tarsier, the big-eyed insect-eating monkey regarded as the oldest mammal now inhabiting the earth. Day excursions can easily be added to your diving holiday in this region. Bohol is also known for its pristine sand beaches and great diving attractions. There are three main areas of interest to divers staying on Bohol.
- Pangalao Island and Alona Beach
- are known for their quiet beaches as well as the diving. The diving is varied with good coral gardens near the surface ideal for snorkeling, but the main attractions are the steep walls with caves, overhangs and crevices harboring teeming fish and invertebrate life. Around the small offshore islands are strong currents where you can see large schools of fish and big pelagic species such as Manta Rays, Hammerhead Sharks and even Whale Sharks.
- Balicasag Island
- is located southwest of Duljo Point with great diving areas and beaches. The island can be considered a microcosm of some of the best diving in the Philippines. On the south side of the island there is a marine sanctuary, with vertical walls and strong currents that host healthy marine life and plenty of pelagic visitors. Hammerhead Sharks and Whale Sharks can be seen here in December and January.
- Cabilao Island
- is located to the southwest of Pangangan Island and is also known for some of the best diving in the Philippines. It is famous for its sightings of Hammerhead Sharks in the deeper water off the Northwest point.
