Interesting aquatic life, such as the infamous Green turtles makes for interesting dive buddies while in Bohol. The most strategic spring board lies in Panglao Island, where dive sites abound and there is a wide concentration of scuba diving resorts. Trips to the nearby islands of Balicasag, Cabilao and Pamilacan can be organized from Panglao, Bohol as well. Balicasag Island has long been considered one of the best dive spots in the country. Only 45 minutes away by boat from Panglao, the visibility is incredible, the coral cover is excellent and fish are abundant.
Large fish found here include barracuda, jacks, parrot fish and garoupa.
As the Philippine government runs Balicasag, the local coast guard has been tasked to protect this fish sanctuary. It's deep walls provide the perfect location for observing hammerhead sharks, schools of jacks, mackerel and tuna, and the ever playful dolphins loved by divers the world over . Land dwellers are greeted by the expanse of Cabilao's coral gardens. Divers and snorkellers alike can enjoy the site of lots of good soft, leathery and stony corals and an array of small fish, sea stars, sea cucumbers and sea urchins, anemones with resident clownfish, angelfish and the like. Located east of Balicasag island, Pamilacan is a haven for divers who enjoy drift dives with its sandy reef sloping at 45', sightings of coral heads, anemones, Napoleon Wrasse, schools of fusiliers, mackerel and barracuda.