Look closely, and Panglao reveals a quieter underwater world. Macro life is a particular attraction around the island, with small fish and crustaceans hidden among coral outcrops, sandy patches and reef walls.
Panglao lies off the southwestern end of Bohol. The southern dive sites at BBC House Reef and Alona are around 10–15 minutes by boat from NOVA Beach Resort. Shallow coastal reefs lead to slopes, intricate walls and sandy seabeds.
Diving is available for both resort guests and visitors staying elsewhere.
Underwater Inspiration
The underwater photographs shown on this page were taken around this island. Marine-life encounters are not guaranteed.
Following the sheltered coast
Depending on wind direction, it may be possible to travel by road to the sheltered side of Panglao and dive from the beach. When southerly winds or typhoon-related conditions prevent boats from operating directly in front of NOVA Beach Resort, the northwestern coast may offer an alternative.
This option depends on conditions. Dive sites and activities may be changed or cancelled because of weather or sea conditions. Marine life sightings cannot be guaranteed.
01 · Arco
Arco
Site photo to be addedA vertical opening begins at around 3 m. Looking up from the seabed at about 20 m, you may see sunlight streaming through at the right time, creating an atmospheric underwater scene. Passage through the opening may be possible when there is no current. The surrounding walls shelter a variety of marine life, rewarding a slow, careful look.
02 · BBC House Reef
BBC House Reef
Site photo to be addedDirectly in front of Bohol Beach Club, this bright site features white sand scattered with coral outcrops. A submerged car serves as an artificial reef and attracts colourful fish. Small marine life is plentiful, making this a good place to observe local species such as spinecheek anemonefish and blue-girdled angelfish at an unhurried pace.
03 · Alona Beachfront
Alona Beachfront
Site photo to be addedJust off Alona Beach, a small drop-off begins at around 5 m, with a sandy seabed extending offshore below it. One of the site’s distinctive attractions is an area filled with spaghetti garden eels and splendid garden eels, offering a scene rarely found at the other sites described here.
04 · Gakang
Gakang
Site photo to be addedAt the tip of Panglao’s reef, a gentle slope supports abundant branching and table corals, interspersed with sea fans and mushroom-like soft corals. Water movement may help these corals thrive. Anthias and butterflyfish add colour throughout the reef.
05 · Pungtod
Pungtod
Site photo to be addedThis site combines a short drop-off with rocky terrain. Moorish idols sometimes gather in impressive schools, while extensive stands of hard corals, including branching corals, flourish here. Good water circulation may play a part. The sunlit shallows are especially beautiful.
06 · Doljo
Doljo
Site photo to be addedOn the northern side of Panglao, the reef falls away into a steep drop-off reaching roughly 30–40 m. Colourful soft corals cover the wall, accompanied by schools of Purple Beauty and Melanesian anthias. Barracuda may also appear when the current brings favourable conditions.
07 · Momo
Momo
Site photo to be addedOn Panglao’s northwestern side, Momo is sheltered from southerly winds and is particularly popular with divers during the typhoon season. At around 5 m, branching corals on the sand shelter pajama cardinalfish and other cardinalfish. Beyond them, a gentle drop-off is home to anthias, damselfish and other tropical fish. Its generally calm conditions also make it suitable for dive training.
08 · Napaling
Napaling
Site photo to be addedA dramatic wall descends to around 40 m, with several fissures and recesses to look into along the way. Small squat lobsters, affectionately known in Japan as “Robocon”, occupy holes in the wall like residents of an apartment block. It is a rewarding site for anyone who enjoys looking for shrimps, crabs and their relatives.
09 · Kalipayan
Kalipayan
Site photo to be addedSandy pockets along the drop-off offer opportunities to observe twinspot gobies and dancing gobies closely. Batfish may also be found sheltering in the shadows of the rocks.
Stay & Dive with Panglao
The 2-Day Diving Package includes two diving days, four Panglao dives in total and either 2 or 3 nights of accommodation. The 3-Day Diving Package includes three diving days, six Panglao dives in total and either 3 or 4 nights of accommodation. Both include two dives per diving day. The price of each package is the same for either of its included night options.
There is no discount for the shorter stay and no accommodation supplement for the longer stay within the included night options.
Diving on the arrival day is subject to arrival time, boat schedules, and safety conditions. Please discuss your preferred schedule with us when making your reservation.
Balicasag or Pamilacan excursions may be arranged as optional substitutions when conditions allow. View stay & dive packages and excursion options →
Panglao north-side two-dive rate →
Plan Your Stay or Dive
Planning diving only or a stay with diving? Send us your preferred dates, diving area and number of divers. We will review your request, check availability and arrangements, then reply with the available options and final price.
Submitting a request does not confirm your booking.