Cars dive - Bohol

Bohol’s ‘Cars’ dive site isn’t about pristine coral, it’s about atmosphere and exploration. We love the eerie silhouette of the sunken cars, mostly old Volkswagen Beetles, resting on the sandy bottom. Dropping down, you feel a real sense of history. The site dates back to the Second World War, though exactly how these specific vehicles ended up here is still a local mystery, which adds to the intrigue. The cars themselves are surprisingly intact, enough to peek inside some of the windows and imagine their journey to the seabed. Our favourite spot is usually around the engine blocks and wheels, where the marine life concentrates. Look for the tiny Pudgy Pygmygobies clinging to the metal, and the flashes of Black Angelfish darting in and out of the shadows. There’s something special about seeing familiar objects transformed into miniature reefs. It’s a relatively shallow dive, making it accessible for most divers who are comfortable with wreck penetration, even if just to peer into the cabins. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light filtering through the water really enhances the site’s unique character.

Location
Bohol, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
9.180950, 123.265205
Type
wreck

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 Cars dive

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 Cars dive

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