Explore Cabilao
Cabilao, a charming island near Bohol's north coast, beckons divers with its stunning underwater landscapes. The island is encircled by coral reefs that dramatically descend to depths of about 50 meters/164 feet, making it a prime spot for wall diving. This diving haven caters to all skill levels, offering shallow areas for beginners and deep walls for the more experienced. In the shallower zones, divers can explore seagrass meadows and vibrant coral formations, home to intriguing creatures like stone fish and harlequin ghost pipefish.
For those who venture deeper, the walls of Cabilao reveal a thrilling array of marine life. Pelagic species such as barracudas, dogtooth tunas, and giant trevallies glide by, while frogfish, large groupers, and snappers add to the spectacle. The presence of sea snakes and napoleon wrasses further enriches the diving experience. With a mix of shore and boat diving opportunities, Cabilao's diverse environments ensure a memorable underwater journey, making it a must-visit destination for diving enthusiasts.
Dive Activity
Diving in Cabilao
Cabilao, a stunning island in the Philippines, is a hidden gem for dive enthusiasts, offering a mix of vibrant coral gardens and fascinating marine life. The Lighthouse Reef is a popular shore dive, known for its enchanting night dives where divers can witness the mesmerizing dance of bioluminescent plankton. The site is a haven for macro photography, featuring unique critters like pygmy seahorses and ornate ghost pipefish.
For those seeking wreck dives, Cabilao provides liveaboard diving options, allowing exploration of deeper sites like the historic wrecks off Panglao Island. These trips offer a balanced experience, combining the convenience of shore dives with the adventure of liveaboard excursions. With its diverse underwater landscapes and marine biodiversity, Cabilao promises unforgettable diving encounters.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Cabilao
Cabilao Island, nestled in the Bohol Sea, is a prime diving destination known for its rich marine biodiversity. The island's vibrant coral reefs host a variety of reef fish, including the ubiquitous clownfish and butterflyfish. Divers can also encounter parrotfish and angelfish, which are common in these waters. Seasonal highlights include sightings of blacktip reef sharks and green sea turtles. These are more likely to be encountered from March to June, when water temperatures range from 26°C–30°C/79°F–86°F, offering ideal conditions for these species to thrive. Occasionally, eagle rays can also be observed gliding through the deeper waters, especially near the drop-offs.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
124 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
36 Sightings
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Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins
Hawksbill Turtle
22 Sightings
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Alamy-National Geographic Creative
Leatherback Turtle
9 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
7 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
104 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 12
iStock/cinoby
Lionfish
59 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3000
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch
55 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
37 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
36 Sightings
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The best Months to dive in Cabilao
Cabilao offers excellent diving conditions throughout the year, with water temperatures ranging from 27°C to 30°C/81°F to 86°F. This makes it suitable for diving all year. However, the best time for diving is from November to May, when the seas are calm and visibility is optimal, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet. From June to October, the southwest monsoon can bring stronger winds and currents, slightly affecting diving conditions. Despite this, diving remains possible, though visibility might decrease to around 20 meters/66 feet. Divers should be aware of these seasonal changes when planning their trips.
