Balicasag Island
A small coral island off Panglao's southwest coast. Sea turtles are abundant within the marine reserve, and its coral wall is one of the Philippines' best-known dive sites.
Balicasag Island lies about 6 km from Panglao. It is a flat coral island less than 2 km in circumference, surrounded by a protected marine reserve. Along its outer reef, the coral drops steeply near shore to form a coral wall tens of meters deep. Soft and hard corals, schools of fish and jackfish storms draw divers. Snorkelers in the shallows often encounter green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles feeding in the seagrass. The classic outing is an island-hopping tour. Leave Alona Beach on a bangka boat around 6 a.m. First, search for spinner dolphins in the waters between Panglao and Pamilacan Island. Then snorkel at Balicasag for about 1 to 2 hours. Have a grilled seafood lunch on the island, and visit Virgin Island in the afternoon. Entering the reserve requires an environmental or snorkeling fee. Snorkeling must be led by a licensed local guide, and most of the area is restricted to designated zones. Do not touch or chase the turtles, and do not step on the coral. Trips may be canceled in high winds and waves.
Opening hours
Depends on the sailing schedule; usually departs early morning
Nearby sights
- Virgin Island
- Panglao Church
- Alona Beach
- Napaling Reef
- Dumaluan Beach
- Bohol Bee Farm
- Hinagdanan Cave
- Dauis Church