Log This Dive

Black Forest

Black Forest in Bohol is one of those sites we always try to hit, especially if we’ve got new divers along or someone who just wants an easy, rewarding dive. It’s not about huge pelagics here, though you do sometimes get a surprise visitor cruising by. Instead, we love it for its sheer density of smaller reef life, all tucked into the corals and sandy patches. Drop in and you’re immediately surrounded by chromis, the Twinspot and Dark-fin varieties darting everywhere. Get closer to the reef and the real show begins. We always find Pictus Blennies bobbing their heads out of tiny holes, and a good eye can spot the incredibly camouflaged pygmy gobies – Blackbelly, Moorea, and Stobbs' are all regulars here. Look for Horned Squirrelfish lurking in the shadows and Blue-finned Rock Cod parked in crevices. The corals themselves are healthy and colourful, creating perfect hideouts for Scarlet and Blue-scaled wrasses. Keep an eye on the sandy areas for Banded Goatfish sifting through the substrate, and you might even stumble upon a cowry slowly making its way across a rock. It’s a photographer’s dream if you’re into macro, and a fantastic place for newer divers to practice buoyancy while still being completely engrossed. Come at slack tide for the easiest conditions; a bit of current just brings more fish out.