Pamilacan island, 45 minutes far away from Alona Beach, bigger than Balicasag, is known because in the past, big mantas use to stay around. As the name says in the native language, Pamilacan is “The place where the mantas are living”. Also, we can find whale sharks and dolphins swimming not far away from the beach. Not as well-known like Balicasag, Pamilacan is a dive place 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
• Rich presence of healthy hard and soft corals
• Common sightings include Unicornfish, Batfish, and Groupers near the wall
• With an experienced dive master, you may also spot:
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Frogfish
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Banded Pipefish
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A wide variety of Nudibranchs
• Occasional sightings of Manta Rays and Whale Sharks
• Dolphins may also be seen swimming near the wall
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
• Reef slopes filled with coral heads and soft corals
• Unique coral strings and delicate sea whips (Juceela fragilis)
• Schools of Napoleon Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), also known as Double-headed Maori Wrasse
• Occasional sightings of Barracudas, Batfish, and Manta Rays (Manta birostris)
• Whale Sharks are sometimes seen in these waters
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.
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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.
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