Bohol is said to be one of the best freediving sites in the Philippines.
As a local, every time I dive outside of Bohol, I gain a better perspective of how blessed Bohol is with great spots for freediving.
If you are a freediver who wants to dive in Bohol, here are the top spots for freediving around the island you can consider.
Just a reminder that most of these places are protected areas. And even if they are not, please DO NOT disturb the marine life and keep your distance. Use all-natural or reef-safe sunscreens as well. NEVER touch or step on any corals! DO NOT feed any of the fish! Please be mindful and help us keep our natural environment safe.
TOP SPOTS FOR FREEDIVING IN BOHOL
Napaling Point, Panglao Island
This is one of the most easily accessible diving spots in Bohol.
Commonly known for its sardine run, this place also has a variety of hard and soft corals and schools of fish around the area. Make sure to explore the stretch of the sea wall just a few meters from the coast.
Getting there
It is located just on the coast of Tangnan, so there is no need to ride a boat. You just need to go down the cliff and swim out.
You can access the area from different points. Most people go to Kalikasan Dive Resort, where you pay for day use and guide fees and rent equipment. Some people dive from Domingo Cafe or access local trails.
If it’s your first time in the area and you don’t have a local with you, I recommend going to Kalikasan since they will have a guide to assist and ensure your safety during the dive. You can ask them to take photos as well.
This place is usually crowded with snorkelers, freedivers, and scuba divers, so it’s best to go there during weekdays and early mornings or late afternoons.
Balicasag Island, Panglao
This is one of the most visited islets around Panglao.
You can find vibrant marine life and several sea turtles, especially at Turtle Point. You might also get a look at schools of jackfish and barracuda at around 10 meters deep, if you get lucky. Usually, you can find them beyond 15 meters deep. According to boatmen, they are usually sighted early morning.
It is usually crowded in the early morning, so consider going there later, although you will most likely miss dolphin sightings.
It’s also mostly crowded around the snorkeling area, which is where most tourists explore.
But you can go further, or explore different points around the Island, especially to explore the deeper parts. Ask your local guide for advice because the ocean current can be strong in some parts.
Getting there
You need to either join a group going on an Island-hopping tour or hire a private boat for your group. A local fee is also collected before your boat can depart for the island, if not included in your tour fee.
The latter is ideal if you are a group of freedivers since you will get the flexibility to go to other points of the island.
Typical island hopping packages include this island and dolphin watching.
Pamilacan Island, Baclayon
This is one of my favorite places to dive and stay the night.
This is a beautiful, peaceful Island with a community living on it.
Here’s a video of me in Pamilacan. Around the time I just started learning freediving.
Getting there
You will need to book through a travel agency or your hotel to do a Pamilacan Island Tour either as a joiner or on a private tour.
It is a less expensive option for traveling solo or in small groups, and ideally, if you spend the night, you can ride the public transport, which has a regular boat schedule at Baclayon Pier.
For accommodations, check Mary’s Pamilacan Cottages and Shirley’s Cottage.
Plane Wreck, Panglao Island
Wrecked Plane Point in Google Maps
This landmark is located off the coast of Oceanica Resort in Panglao. It serves as a great photo opportunity, and you can swim out to the location from the coast.
Getting there
Generally, you can add this area if you book an Island Hopping tour.
What we usually do is enter the Oceanica Resort and swim out from there. While there is no fee to access the plane wreck, there is a PHP 500 consumable entrance fee when going to the resort.
If you do this, make sure the tide is high, or else you will walk to the deeper part. Which you won’t like because of all the sea urchins.
The swim to the buoy also takes a while – at least 15 minutes if the sea is calm.
If you don’t want to DIY, you can also book a freediving experience HERE.
Bonus
The town of Anda, I think, is underrated when it comes to freediving. Mostly because going there is inconvenient, and you need to plan your trip yourself, do more research, and likely connect with locals.
Freediving here is not only great because of the marine life, but it’s also not crowded. Most of the time, it will be just your group diving on a site.
You’ll need to rent an outrigger boat through a scuba dive shop, or book through the resort you are staying at, or day use (this is how I’ve done my dives). You can probably rent a boat through the town’s Tourist Information Center.
I saw some turtles and a variety of corals there. They also have beautiful white sand beaches.
And you should not miss the cave pools either. Where you can get really cool underwater shots.
There are still a lot of spots around Bohol that I want to explore! Maybe soon, especially the northern part, where there are many islets.
Planning on freediving in Bohol?
If you have any questions, feel free to comment them on here!
The Boholana 