Diving in Bohol

Explore 149 dive sites in Bohol, Philippines. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Bohol

The warmest water temperatures in Bohol occur in May, averaging 30.2°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.9°C
  • February: 27.6°C
  • March: 28.3°C
  • April: 29.3°C
  • May: 30.2°C
  • June: 30.2°C
  • July: 29.8°C
  • August: 29.6°C
  • September: 29.7°C
  • October: 29.6°C
  • November: 29.3°C
  • December: 28.8°C

Marine Life in Bohol

Home to 148 recorded species including 140 reef fish, 4 seagrass & algae, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 sharks & rays, 1 sea cucumbers.

Dive Site Difficulty in Bohol

Bohol has 24 beginner, 1 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Bohol

Based on average water temperature of 29.2°C, currents 5 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Bohol

  • Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Taklong Island National Marine Reserve - Resource Reserve (IUCN Category Ib)
  • Sagay Marine Reserve - Resource Reserve (IUCN Category Ib)
  • Apo Island Protected Landscape & Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Island of Banaon, Basaan, Saac, Tambu, Bambanon Wilderness Area - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Baliangao Protected Landscape & Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Mangrove areas from Agio Point up to the Municipality of Cambuyao; Mangrove aras from Bo. Biabas to Bo. Ondol including Bo. Condary, and Juagdan except the Island of Tintiman Mangrove Wilderness area - Protected Landscape (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Tañon Strait Protected Seascape - Protected Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape & Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Aliguay Island Protected Landscape & Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Selinog Island - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Murcielagos Island Protected Landscape and Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Island of Panglao; Mangrove areas from the west of Loboc River to the municipality of Laya Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Protected Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Island of Budlanan, Bugatusan, Panga, Silo, Cabgan, Canconstino, tabaon, Maagpit, and Islet of Basihan, Bugatusan, Hayaan, Inanoran , and Poom Point East of Basihan Islet (Getafe Group of Island) (Clarin Group of Island) Wilderness Area - Wilderness Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary - Wildlife Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area (NOCWCA) - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Island of Catiil, Colangaman, Lomislis, Tagangdio, Tintinan, and islet of Pamasuan Wilderness Area - Wilderness Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Island of Pamusuan, Handayan, Majanay,,, Islets of Bonoon, Lapinig, Pinahon and Lapinig Chico, Mangrove areas east of Soom River Pangpang Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Mangrove Areas from Liangan River to Lipatan River of the Municipality of Lapayan Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Baclayon, Tagbilaran Bohol - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Dauis, Tagbilaran Bohol - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Tobias Fornier Marine Protected Area Networking - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • San Juan Siquijor - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Eastern Iligan Bay Marine Protected Area Network - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Bago, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Hinigaran, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Ilog, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Pontevedra, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • San Enrique, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Takbal-Bato Marine Sanctuary - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Valladolid, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Apale-Tolingon Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Cancandoy Reef Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Caroyocan Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Dumana Reef Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Himokilan Marine Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Naval Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Poblacion I Marine Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Sakay Point - Sitio Calipata-an Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Tagbibi Marine Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Tomakeen Daco Reef Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)

Getting to Bohol - Nearest Airports

  • Sibulan Airport (DGT), Dumaguete City - 43 km away, approx 62 min travel time
  • Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB), Cebu City/Lapu-Lapu City - 114 km away, approx 139 min travel time
  • Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD), Bacolod City - 121 km away, approx 147 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to go diving in Bohol, considering weather and underwater conditions?
The best time to go diving in Bohol, considering water temperatures, is during Month 5 (May) with an average of 30.23°C, Month 6 (June) at 30.22°C, and Month 7 (July) at 29.78°C. These months offer the warmest and most comfortable underwater conditions for divers. For more details on optimal diving times, visit our When to Dive guide.
What are the typical water temperatures, visibility, and current conditions like for diving in Bohol?
Typical water temperatures in Bohol during the peak months range from 29.78°C to 30.23°C, providing very warm and comfortable diving. The provided data does not specify typical visibility or current conditions for the dive sites in Bohol.
What specific marine life can divers expect to encounter in Bohol, including any unique or large species?
Divers in Bohol can regularly expect exciting encounters with large pelagic species like whale sharks and dolphins, which are highlighted as regular features. The region also boasts excellent biodiversity, particularly around Balicasag Island's dramatic walls and Panglao's house reefs, and offers opportunities to see turtles. Explore more about marine life in our marine life database.
Which are the top dive sites in Bohol, and what makes them stand out for different interests?
Bohol offers a diverse range of dive sites, with Balicasag Island's dramatic walls and Panglao's house reefs known for excellent biodiversity. Notable sites include Napaling Wall Dive for impressive wall diving, Fish Sanctuary for vibrant reef exploration, and Cars Dive or MS Jojo for wreck enthusiasts. Pinnacle sites like Cervera Shoal and Twin Peaks also provide unique underwater topography.
Is Bohol a good dive destination for beginner divers, or is it more suited for advanced experience levels?
Bohol is an excellent dive destination suitable for both beginner and intermediate divers, with no sites listed as advanced. There are numerous beginner-friendly sites such as Kuransoy Wall, Nindot Cantil, and Dive Spot Asia House Reef, alongside many intermediate options like Fish Sanctuary and Napaling Wall Dive. This variety ensures a great experience for divers of varying skill levels.
What are the best ways to get to Bohol for a diving holiday?
The provided data for Bohol does not include information on the best ways to get to the sub-region for a diving holiday. We recommend checking external travel resources for transportation details.
Are there any dive sites in Bohol known for strong currents or challenging conditions that divers should be aware of?
The provided data for Bohol does not specifically mention any dive sites known for strong currents or particularly challenging conditions. While many sites are classified as 'intermediate,' suggesting some experience is beneficial, none are explicitly noted for extreme conditions that divers should be wary of.
Does Bohol offer good opportunities for both macro photography and encounters with larger pelagic marine life?
Yes, Bohol offers excellent opportunities for both macro photography and encounters with larger pelagic marine life. Divers can regularly experience whale shark and dolphin encounters, making it ideal for pelagic sightings. The region's 'excellent biodiversity' at sites like Balicasag Island's walls and Panglao's house reefs also suggests a rich environment for diverse macro subjects. For more on marine life, visit our marine life database.