Cabilao - Visayas

Cabilao, off the southwest coast of Bohol, delivers solid diving, especially if you’ve got some dives under your belt. Our pick for the island is definitely Lighthouse, a site that starts shallow and then drops off. Keep an eye out for those schools of barracuda, often hanging out in the blue, and yes, the occasional hammerhead might cruise by in the deeper sections early in the morning. Even if the big stuff is shy, the reef itself holds plenty of interest, with nudibranchs and frogfish tucked into the corals. We’d suggest this spot for divers comfortable with a bit of current and keen on spotting pelagics.

Location
Visayas, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
9.900000, 123.783300

Marine Protected Area: 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

Best Time to Dive in Visayas

The warmest water temperatures in Visayas occur in January, averaging 27.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.8°C (air: 23.3°C)
  • February: 27.8°C (air: 23.3°C)
  • March: 27.8°C (air: 24.2°C)
  • April: 27.8°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • May: 27.8°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • June: 27.8°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • July: 27.8°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • August: 27.8°C (air: 24.9°C)
  • September: 27.8°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • October: 27.8°C (air: 24.4°C)
  • November: 27.8°C (air: 24.3°C)
  • December: 27.8°C (air: 23.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Visayas

Nearest Dive Centres to Cabilao

Marine Life in Visayas

Home to 577 recorded species including 463 reef fish, 24 sharks & rays, 21 hard corals, 19 sea snails & nudibranchs, 14 sea cucumbers, 9 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Cabilao

Based on average water temperature of 27.8°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for diving at Cabilao's dive sites?
At Cabilao, divers can explore deeper waters, especially when searching for hammerhead sharks off the northwest point. While specific typical depths for all sites are not provided, some sites like Lighthouse begin in the shallows. The exact depth for the Lighthouse site is currently unknown.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see when diving in Cabilao?
Divers exploring Cabilao can anticipate a rich variety of marine life. You may encounter impressive hammerhead sharks in deeper areas, along with vast schools of fish and an impressive array of macro critters. The dive sites, such as Lighthouse, are characterized as reef dives, indicating the presence of coral ecosystems.
Is Cabilao suitable for all levels of scuba divers, including beginners and advanced?
Cabilao Island is particularly recommended for more experienced divers due to its challenging conditions and deeper exploration opportunities. While some sites may start in the shallows, a known site like Lighthouse is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that while not exclusively for advanced divers, it might not be ideal for absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Cabilao for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Cabilao is not available in the provided context. For general guidance on dive seasons, you might consult our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are generally required to dive in Cabilao?
The specific scuba diving certifications generally required to dive in Cabilao are not detailed in the provided information. Given that it's recommended for more experienced divers, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent may be beneficial for exploring deeper areas.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Cabilao dive sites?
Details regarding the typical current conditions and visibility at Cabilao dive sites are not provided in the available data. Divers should always check with local dive operators for the most current conditions before planning their dives.