| Bohol Island is considered one of the most prominent and diverse diving destinations in the Philippines. Its key highlights include stunning and abundant Wall Dive coral reefs, as well as being home to a large population of Sea Turtles at dive sites around Balicasag Island. Furthermore, Napaling Reef is renowned as a dive spot for viewing the massive Sardine Run. Divers can visit and dive throughout the year, but the best time is from October or November through May. Generally, underwater visibility is excellent, averaging between 10-30 meters. | |
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General Info
Bohol Island is located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, with Tagbilaran City serving as the provincial capital and the main hub for accessing the island. However, the primary center for tourists and divers is Panglao Island, specifically the Alona Beach area, which hosts numerous dive shops and accommodations. Tourists can easily travel from Bohol Island to Panglao Island as they are connected by a bridge, making transit quick and convenient. Aside from diving activities, which are the main draw, Bohol also offers unmissable terrestrial attractions such as visiting the unique landscape of the Chocolate Hills, seeing the Philippine Tarsier—one of the world's smallest primates—in a sanctuary, or taking a scenic cruise along the Loboc River.
Getting There
Travel to Bohol Island is commonly done by flying into Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG), which is located on Panglao Island. There are no direct flights from Thailand, so connecting flights via a major city in the Philippines are necessary.
Travel from Thailand to the Philippines
Fly from Bangkok (BKK/DMK) to a main transit hub such as Manila (MNL) or Cebu (Cebu - CEB). Once you arrive in the Philippines, there are two main options for traveling to Bohol:
1. By Air (The most convenient option):
Route: Take a connecting domestic flight from Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB) directly to Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG).
Advantage: Saves the most time and offers the highest convenience, especially for divers with a lot of equipment.
2. By Fast Ferry (A popular option from Cebu):
Route: Fly into Cebu (CEB), then travel to Pier 1 in Cebu City to board a fast ferry (such as OceanJet) to Tagbilaran Port on Bohol Island. (Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours.)
Advantage: More economical than a connecting flight, and suitable for those who wish to visit Oslob or Cebu beforehand.
Travel within Panglao Island
Upon arrival at TAG Airport or Tagbilaran Port, transport to accommodations on Panglao Island (such as Alona Beach) can be arranged using taxis, pre-booked vans, or motorized tricycles (Tricycle), which are widely available. (It is advisable to agree upon the fare before beginning your journey).
Flight Info.
Recommended Flights from BangkokOutbound :
Cebu Air 5J 944 BKK-CRK 21:35-02:00+1, Cebu Pacific DG 6963 CRK-TAG 05:35-07:55
Return :
Cebu Air 5J 616 TAG-MNL 18:20-20:00, Cebu Air 5J 931 MNL-BKK 23:45-02:35+1
* Updated 19Nov2025
Overnight
The main accommodation area for divers is typically located around Alona Beach and the nearby vicinity on Panglao Island. Options range from hostels to dedicated dive resorts and luxury hotels.
If spending a night in Cebu: Should you choose to travel by fast ferry from Cebu or if your flight schedule requires an overnight stay, various accommodation types are available near the airport (Mactan Island) or within Cebu City before you continue your journey.
Emergency
As Cebu is the largest hub for transportation and medical services in the Central Visayas region, it hosts medical centers that provide Hyperbaric Chamber services, which are easily accessible from Bohol via fast ferry in case of emergency or for continued treatment.
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On Panglao Island (Bohol): Panglao Rural Health Unit (Located in Panglao, Bohol)
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In Cebu (Cebu): Maayo Well, Mandaue City, Cebu
