BOHOL

A good point to start is Panglao, a small island known for its quiet beach resorts and several dive sites. Trips going to the nearby islands of Balicasag, Cabilao and Pamilacan can be organized from here.

It is not advisable to go on your own. It is very difficult to find your way, even local drivers get lost, so don't be very excited...

You can find a nice snorkelling around the northwest and southeast coasts. This area is filled with lots of sea stars, sea snakes and corals. The area has been the center of seashell trade.

Another great place is the island of Balicasag. This small island lies about 10 km south-west of Panglao. It is surrounded by a coral reef for great diving and snorkelling. On the southern side is a 400m Marine Sanctuary which is protected and which local inhabitants know and respect. A great number of different sharks are seen from December to January.

Another island connected to the west coast of Bohol which has some of the best diving sites in the Philippines is the Cabilao Island. The sea surrounding the island is remarkably clear, very suitable for diving and snorkelling.

Cabilao is a great site for snorkelling although the some shallow parts have been destroyed by strong currents and typhoons. Amidst of this, Cabilao still ranks among the most beautiful islands in the Philippines.