Balicasag Island

Island Small marine sanctuary famed for dive sites

Small island off Panglao, Bohol, Philippines. Balicasag is a marine sanctuary with coral gardens and abundant fish species; frequent day-trip snorkeling and diving departures run from Panglao and Tagbilaran.

Balicasag Island is a small island off Panglao in Bohol, Philippines, best known for its marine environment and reef diving.

Snorkelling and scuba diving are the main draws, with coral gardens and reef slopes that attract sea turtles and a variety of reef fish. Day trips from the Panglao/Tagbilaran area bring most visitors for short visits and boat-based dives.

The island is administratively part of Bohol province and functions primarily as a conservation-minded tourism destination rather than a large settled community.

Balicasag sits off the southwestern coast of Bohol, within the Central Visayas region, and is approached by small passenger boats from nearby Panglao and Tagbilaran.

Marine life: Common sightings include green sea turtles and varied reef fish around the coral gardens surrounding the island.
Access: Frequent day trips operate from nearby Panglao and Tagbilaran, making it a popular half-day excursion.

How to Get to Balicasag Island #

Balicasag Island lies off Panglao (Bohol). The usual route is to fly into Bohol-Panglao (Tagbilaran/Panglao) or arrive in Tagbilaran City, then take road transport to Alona Beach (Panglao) or Tagbilaran seaport. From Alona Beach or Tagbilaran, hire a motorized banca to Balicasag; the boat crossing is a short trip (generally around 15-30 minutes depending on vessel and sea conditions).

Tips for Visiting Balicasag Island #

Best time: arrive at Balicasag first thing in the morning when sea conditions are calmest and visibility is best for spotting turtles and schooling fish.
Entrance/jump-off: most visitors travel from Panglao (Alona Beach) or Tagbilaran-book a Balicasag day trip from Alona Beach where most reputable operators depart.
What most people miss: ask to be dropped at the sanctuary's established snorkeling sites (turtle areas and the gorgonian wall) and expect a small marine-sanctuary fee-request a shorter, focused trip to avoid crowded multi-island circuits.