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Dive centre · Panglao · Philippines

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Big Blue Divers

Explore the vibrant reefs of Balicasag Island and Pamilacan with a PADI 5 Star dive centre in the heart of Panglao.

What sets this centre apart

  • PADI 5 Star dive centre affiliation
  • Small group diving for personalised attention
  • Excursions to Balicasag and Pamilacan Islands
  • Barbecue lunch provided on boat trips
  • Full range of PADI training courses
  • Night diving opportunities available
  • Well-maintained rental equipment
  • Includes breakfast and snacks on board
Un banc de carangues forme un tourbillon sous la surface de l'eau

Big Blue Divers about the centre

Located on the island of Panglao in Bohol, Big Blue Divers Bohol serves as a gateway to some of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the Philippines. The centre is positioned to provide easy access to the region's most celebrated reefs and marine life hotspots.

Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or seeking experienced guidance for recreational dives, the centre focuses on delivering safe and well-organised outings. Their operations are built around a professional approach to local diving, ensuring that every trip is planned with the specific characteristics of the site in mind.

The club and its team

As a PADI 5 Star dive centre, Big Blue Divers Bohol operates with a high standard of training and safety. The team consists of certified PADI instructors who focus on providing personalised attention to their divers.

They prefer working in small groups, which allows for more precise guidance and a better experience for both novice and experienced divers. The atmosphere is designed to be friendly and community-oriented, making it easy for solo travellers or groups to integrate into the diving environment.

The centre at a glance

Affiliation
PADI
Certification level
5 Star
Website available in
English
Night diving
Yes
On board
eau, snacks, café, thé, barbecue, bananes, pâtisseries
Address
Kalipayan Road, Danao, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
Official website
bigbluedivers.ph

Courses on offer

A full range of PADI courses is available at the centre, catering to every stage of a diver's progression. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or work through the PADI Open Water Diver and PADI Scuba Diver programmes.

For those looking to advance their skills, the centre offers the PADI Adventure Diver and PADI Advanced Open Water Diver courses. More experienced divers can pursue the PADI Rescue Diver certification, while the Emergency First Response course is also available to ensure comprehensive safety training.

The boats

The centre organises boat excursions to various sites, including Balicasag and Pamilacan Islands. During these trips, passengers are provided with refreshments such as coffee, tea, snacks, and pastries, with a barbecue lunch served on board during full-day outings.

Equipment and gases

The centre maintains well-maintained equipment for its divers. For those who prefer not to carry their own heavy kit, rental options are available to ensure you have everything required for your dives.

Dive sites with Big Blue Divers

Balicasag Island is a premier reef site known for its flourishing coral gardens and high density of marine life. You can expect to encounter green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), sharks, and large schools of barracuda in these turquoise waters.

Pamilacan Island offers unique opportunities for observing larger pelagics, including dolphins (Delphinidae) and whales. The reefs here are home to a wide variety of species, from clownfish to nudibranchs and various octopus.

Dakit-Dakit and Spanish Tower are excellent sites for divers looking to see abundant marine life. These locations are particularly noted for their presence of turtles, schools of jack (Carangidae), and various nudibranchs.

And some of the dive sites the centre runs.

Balicasag IslandPamilacan IslandPanglao IslandDakit-DakitSpanish TowerDoljo

Marine life around Panglao

The reefs around Panglao are teeming with life, particularly around the coral structures. You will regularly see various reef fish, including surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), rabbitfish, and colourful butterflyfish (Chaetodon). Large schools of jack (Carangidae), trevallies, and sardines (Sardina pilchardus) often move through the water, providing a dynamic experience.

Larger animals are a staple of the area, with green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) frequently spotted near the reefs. Divers may also encounter sharks, barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), and various species of grouper (Epinephelus).

For those with an eye for detail, the macro life is exceptional. The sites host a variety of colourful nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), octopus, and various species of shrimp (Caridea). You can also find ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), frogfish (Antennarius), and scorpionfish tucked away amongst the reef structures.

Diving conditions

The diving in this region is characterised by calm, clear waters around Panglao Island. While specific seasonal conditions vary, the area is known for its vibrant reefs and reliable marine encounters.

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