T

his marine protected area is
popular with every dive
operator in the area. Day boats
galore show up from Panglao and
also Cabilao and even Dauin. There
is a dive operator and hotel on the
island too. And little bancas selling
trinkets and jewelry zip from dive
boat to boat. This is a busy place so
always use a safety sausage and
surface with care or go up close to

the guide. Balicasag’s marine

sanctuary status has helped it to

flourish. Despite the volume of

divers, neither marine life species

nor coral growth has diminished.

It has pretty blue waters with sandy

flats running to deep drop-offs.

94) Black Forest

Icons:

Location: East side of Balicasag

Depth: 15-130 ft. (4-40m)

The site is named for large black

coral stands but best part of the dive

is not deep but in the shallows

where turtle grass grows. This area

is a sea turtle meeting, breeding

and feeding area. It has large tracts

of sandy grasses and clear waters.

Many turtles from young to very old

can be found feeding on the

shallow sea grasses so the dive can

Balicasag

Scenic Balicasag

94

95

Balicasag