Baluarte - Bohol

Baluarte, we think, is one of Bohol’s more understated sites, often overshadowed by its flashier neighbours. But spend some time here, really slow down, and you’ll find it rewards a patient eye. We love to drop in and drift along the wall, letting the current do the work. The corals aren't as dense as some other spots, but what's there feels robust, well-established. Our favourite part is the sheer density of the smaller stuff. We’ve found Giant Squirrelfish staring out from every crevice, their eyes like little red lamps in the dim light. Keep an eye out for the Enigmatic Moray, perfectly camouflaged against the rock, and the tiny Flaming Blennies darting in and out of their holes. We often spot Bandcheek Wrasse zipping past, and if you’re lucky, a Sculptured Mitten Lobster peeking out from under a ledge. We always dedicate a good chunk of our dive to the shallower sections, around 10-15 metres, where the light plays beautifully off the reef and the concentration of species like the Northern Bicoloured Triplefin is fantastic. It’s a site that really suits macro photographers or anyone who enjoys a deliberate, unhurried dive, where every few minutes reveals something new and wonderful if you just stop and look closely.

Location
Bohol, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
9.079643, 123.267235

Marine Protected Area: Apo Island Protected Landscape & Seascape

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Bohol

Nearest Dive Centres to Baluarte

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Baluarte

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