Pamilacan Island, located just 45 minutes from Alona Beach and larger than Balicasag, is historically known as a place where majestic mantas used to gather. In fact, its name in the native language means “the place where the mantas are living.”
Today, Pamilacan is less crowded than Balicasag but offers equally stunning diving opportunities with vibrant reefs and rich marine life. On the way to the dive site, divers are sometimes fortunate enough to encounter Whale Sharks or pods of Dolphins swimming alongside the boat — a magical start before even descending into the water.
A hidden gem of Bohol, Pamilacan is truly a dive spot you can’t miss.
Explore Pamilacan ·
Explore Pamilacan ·
Explore Pamilacan ·
Explore Pamilacan ·
Interest
• Most interesting at 10–20m
• Not interesting below 35m
Dive Direction
• Start the dive with the wall on your left shoulder
• Head from north to south-west
Description
• The wall begins at 5 meters and continues to around 35 meters
• From 5 to 10 meters: A vibrant coral garden with both soft and hard corals
• Below 10m: Small caves and grottoes invite exploration — bring a dive light to look for hidden marine life
• Entry point: In front of the historic Spanish tower on Pamilacan Island
• Dive path leads toward the marine sanctuary
Marine Life
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Rich presence of healthy hard and soft corals
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Frequent encounters with Unicornfish, Batfish, and Groupers near the wall
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Signature residents: Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas), the most emblematic species of this dive site, often seen gracefully gliding or resting on coral ledges
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With an experienced dive master, you may also spot Frogfish, Banded Pipefish, and a wide variety of colorful Nudibranchs
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Occasional sightings of Manta Rays and Whale Sharks
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On the way to the dive site, pods of Dolphins are sometimes seen swimming alongside the boat
Interest
• Most interesting at 10–30m
• Not interesting below 35m
Dive Direction
• Start the dive with the slope on your right shoulder
• Follow the direction from south to south-west
Description
• Start the dive at around 25 meters and gradually ascend to 10–15 meters
• Great drift dive, suitable for two dives
• First dive: Begin in front of the small rocky island with a tree in Pamilacan Island
• Second dive: Start just before the exit point of the first dive, heading toward the sanctuary
• Important: Do not enter the sanctuary — diving inside is not allowed
Marine Life
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Reef slopes filled with coral heads and soft corals
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Unique coral strings and delicate sea whips (Juceela fragilis)
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Graceful Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) often glide through the reefs, feeding on seagrass and resting among corals
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Colorful yet elusive Sea Snakes, common in tropical waters, can sometimes be spotted weaving between coral formations
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Occasional sightings of Barracudas, Batfish, and Manta Rays (Manta birostris)
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A paradise for macro lovers: countless species of Nudibranchs, including Chromodoris, Nembrotha, Hypselodoris, Glossodoris, and Phyllidia, bringing flashes of bright blue, yellow, purple, and orange across the reef
Interest
• Most interesting between 15–35 meters
• Not interesting below 35 meters
Dive Direction
• Start the dive with the slope on your right shoulder
Description
• Often a strong drift dive — conditions may vary
• Monitor your NDL carefully, as the average depth is deeper than usual
• This is an underwater shoal with the top at 8 meters
• Safety stop must be performed in open water — use a marker buoy and drift at 5 meters for 3 minutes
• The reef has been affected by past dynamite fishing but is slowly recovering
• Frequently used as a second dive following Pamilacan Island
Marine Life
• Common sightings include:
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Black-White Banded Sea Snakes (Laticauda colubrina)
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Turtle-Head Sea Snakes
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Moray Eels such as:
• White-Eyed Moray (Siderea thyrsoidea)
• Starry Moray Eel (Echidna nebulosa) -
Various Nudibranchs
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Small reef fish
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Some corals and large bucket sponges
• The top of the shoal is densely populated with sea urchins — precise buoyancy control is essential
Dive Experiences for Everyone
From first-timers to rescue divers, we offer personalized dive plans, small groups, and patient instructors to ensure every dive is safe, exciting, and unforgettable.
Discover Bohol’s Top Dive Sites
Explore world-class locations like Balicasag and Pamilacan with our expert local guides. Expect vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and visibility that’ll leave you speechless.
Top Gear. Zero Stress. Pure Fun.
Dive with confidence using our well-maintained equipment, friendly logistics, and flexible scheduling. Just show up—we’ll handle the rest, including the smiles.