Bohol Dive Travel Guide: Panglao, Balicasag, Pamilacan, Anda & Cabilao

Over the years, I’ve spoken to many travelling divers — and most arrive with set agendas based on the big highlights of the region and a limited amount of time. My advice? Stay local. Don’t try to cover too much ground. With a little research and planning, you’ll be surprised by what’s out there waiting to be discovered.

The Philippines can be a challenging country to move around in. Sure, you can fly into the main hubs — but beyond that, travel quickly becomes time-consuming. For visitors on a shorter stay, it’s something worth considering when planning your itinerary.

Weather: Understand the Seasons

That’s why the Bohol dive travel guide is such a great example of keeping it local — perfect for divers spending two to three weeks in the region who want to experience world-class diving, unwind, and enjoy the stunning scenery this part of the world has to offer.

The Visayas is not just a fantastic place to dive — it's also the perfect region to slow down and truly enjoy the experience. Sometimes there’s more to dive travel in Bohol than just getting wet.

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Check out my YouTube channel for real dive footage from across the Central Visayas — showing true underwater conditions, reef life, and what to expect when you dive here yourself.

Bohol Itinerary - Collection of images from sites across the route, incluidng Cabilao, Pamilacan, Balicasag, Anda and Panglao.
Images Taken: 2023 | 2024 | 2025

The Details – The Bohol Dive Trip

This trip is supported by a series of five dedicated dive articles that explore each site in depth. It’s designed to link the locations in a logical sequence and is best suited to divers spending two to three weeks in Bohol — experiencing its fantastic diving, visiting local attractions, and most importantly, having a great time both in and out of the water.

On trips like this, accommodation and diving go hand in hand — and it’s essential to book well in advance. With some compromise, Panglao usually has options available, even during peak times like Christmas and Easter. But in places like Anda and especially Cabilao Island, choices are far more limited. Cabilao, in particular, has only three to four suitable properties catering specifically to dive travellers, so securing your spot early really matters.

If you’re staying in a dedicated dive resort, booking your dive schedule is less problematic. I normally communicate my plans ahead of time, and in most cases have found the resorts to be very flexible once you arrive — often adding night dives or extra dives as the trip unfolds. This is especially true in Anda and Cabilao, where walk-in guests are rare.

Panglao, on the other hand, can be more challenging. Dive operations typically run on a first-come, first-served basis, and boats can get booked well in advance — especially for trips to Balicasag. If you're set on diving specific sites or want to avoid last-minute scrambling, it's worth contacting your chosen dive shop ahead of time to reserve your spot.

Diving Bohol – Balicasag Island: Blackfin Barracuda and Jackfish at Black Forest; Green Turtles often spotted in the seagrass meadows.

Bohol Dive Guide: Itinerary Map – Click each map pin to explore location highlights and access full dive articles.
Map Source: John Hawkins | Leaflet | 2025

The Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival: Most visitors fly into Panglao Airport from Manila, though some arrive via Cebu and take a fast ferry to Tagbilaran Port. Staying on Panglao — particularly in the Alona or Danao areas — gives you easy access to the island’s main dive centers, along with Alona Beach’s restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Day 2 – Settle In: Most people have had a long trip, so it makes sense to spend the day relaxing and enjoying your resort. It’s a good time to organise your gear, confirm any arrangements, and visit your dive operator to finalise your schedule and check for any last-minute changes.

Day 3 to 4 – Dive Panglao: Two full days of diving from Panglao. Most operators run three-dive boat trips — typically two dives at Pamilacan or Balicasag Island, followed by a third on the Panglao reefs, such as the Danao Wall. Night dives are optional and usually depart around 6PM. (6 - 8 Dives)

Trip Note: It’s advisable to hire a vehicle for the journeys between Panglao – Anda, Anda – Cabilao Island, and Cabilao Island – Panglao. Public transport is available along these routes but can be problematic, time-consuming, and not necessarily cost-effective. Vehicles are readily available if booked in advance, with rates starting at ₱1,600 per day (2025).

Day 5 – Travel to Anda: Travel across Bohol to Anda via the island’s Soutern Circumferential Road — a scenic coastal route that takes around 3 hours. If you leave early, it’s possible to stop at a few attractions along the way, such as the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella or the Loboc River.

Day 6 to 8 – Dive Anda: The southern coastline of the Anda Peninsula offers a great range of dive sites, stretching from Anda Town down to Basdio. With three days here, you'll have enough time to dive the highlights without feeling rushed — and still enjoy a bit of time to experience the local area.(9–11 dives)

Day 9 – Travel to Cabilao: Depart Anda and head inland through Alicia, Sierra Bullones, and Carmen — a scenic route that cuts across the interior of Bohol. This leg is a great chance to visit the Chocolate Hills, which lie just outside Carmen. From there, continue west toward Sandingan Island, where you can arrange a bangka transfer across to Cabilao. Vehicles must be left at the Sandingan Island pier — local residents have land available for parking at a small cost.

Day 10 to 12 – Dive Cabilao: The main dive sites and three dive resorts are located on the west side of the island. It’s a quiet place to enjoy relaxed diving, slow afternoons, and some of the best sunsets in Bohol. (6–7 dives)

Day 13 – Return to Panglao: The journey back to Panglao usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, but it’s worth giving yourself a bit of extra time. Aim to be back by around 2PM — enough time to check in, return your hire car and call in to your dive shop.

Day 14 to 15 – Final Dives Panglao: Use your last two days to revisit your favorite sites — it’s always worth going back to Balicasag Island — or explore more of the Panglao reef dives. Some of my personal favorites are over at Doljo and Napaling. (3–6 dives, depending on final day flight times)

Day 16 – Bohol Wrap-Up & Departure: Time to head out. After your final dives in Panglao, today is for travel — whether you're flying out of Panglao Airport, connecting via Cebu, or extending your stay elsewhere.

Bohol Trip – Beautiful Beaches of Pamilacan Island and Its Graceful Green Turtles

Final Thoughts on Diving Bohol

Bohol is the kind of place that rewards staying put — not just for the diving, but for the pace of life it offers in between dives. This itinerary is built on real experience and designed to help you make the most of your time without overreaching. Whether you follow the full 16 days or adapt it to suit your schedule, the combination of Panglao, Balicasag, Pamilacan, Anda, and Cabilao offers some of the best diving in the Philippines — all within reach, and all worth doing properly.

Frequently Asked Questions – Bohol Dive Trip

How many dives can I expect to do on this trip?
Across the full 16-day itinerary, most divers will log between 24 and 32 dives depending on conditions, operator availability, and whether they include night dives or optional shore dives. The breakdown in the itinerary gives a realistic dive count for each location.

Do I need to book dive trips in advance?
Yes — it makes sense to pre-book. The dedicated dive resorts in Cabilao and Anda usually have in-house dive centers and are often flexible on a day-to-day basis if you're staying with them. However, Panglao operators typically run on a first-come, first-served basis, so booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Is this itinerary suitable for beginner divers?
Definitely — most sites in Panglao, Anda, and even Cabilao offer gentle conditions with good visibility and manageable currents. However, sites like Pamilacan and Balicasag may require better buoyancy control on certain days, so beginners should talk with their chosen dive operator first.

Can I do this itinerary in fewer days?
Yes — with some planning, you can shorten your stay at one or two locations (for example, spending two nights in Anda instead of three), and make the most of travel days by adding morning dives before moving on. A 10–12 day version is realistic without losing the essence of the trip.

How do I get from one dive location to the next?
Getting between Panglao, Anda, and Cabilao is easiest by private vehicle. Public transport is available but can be time-consuming and unpredictable. Most divers rent a car or arrange private transfer — especially since hauling dive gear and reaching places like Sandingan Pier requires flexibility and timing.

Are there detailed guides for each dive location?
Yes — this itinerary is supported by dedicated dive articles for Panglao, Balicasag, Pamilacan, Anda, and Cabilao. Each one provides in-depth information, videos, dive site descriptions, photos, and personal insights based on real dives. Links are included throughout the itinerary or can be found on the main diving hub page.

The Philippines Has More to Share

You may be considering the Philippines as a long-stay option — or even a place to retire. It’s not just about choosing the right location, but learning how to navigate change, settle into a new rhythm, and embrace a different way of life. Click through to our Living in the Philippines Hub and Filipino Society Hub to get a closer look at what life is really like here.

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