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Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary (Balicasag, Panglao)
Best time to visit
Go early, around 7:00–10:00, for calm seas, clearer water and fewer boats. Dry season November to April gives the best visibility.
Budget tips
Park and snorkeling fees are roughly PHP 150–300 per person, snorkel set rental about PHP 150–300, and a shared banca from Panglao runs around PHP 1,200–2,500 split among passengers; expect to pay on arrival in cash. Save by joining a group boat, bringing your own snorkel gear, and splitting boat costs with other travelers.
Recommended for
Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, Wildlife photographers, Couples, Small groups and families
Plan your visit
3-4 hours
About
Hitre informacije: Coral gardens pulse with neon colors and host hawksbill and green turtles that glide like slow-moving kites. Snorkelers often spot dense schools of snapper and batfish, and underwater visibility commonly reaches 15–25 meters on calm days.
Vrhunci: A predictable congregation appears at dawn, with up to 200 long-snouted needlefish and swirling sardine shoals gathering within 10 meters of the surface, turning the water into a living mirror. Volunteer rangers in wooden bangkas tally 30–50 turtle sightings each month during high season on waterproof logbooks, and painted buoys mark the no-take zones that keep the fishy bustle thriving.
Insider tips
- Book a morning boat from Alona Beach to beat crowds and enjoy the calmest water.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a thin rash guard for sun protection and to avoid harming coral.
- Ask guides to stop at Turtle Point and the coral garden for the best photo opportunities, surface slowly and keep 2–3 meters from turtles.
- Carry small bills for local fees and tips, and bring a waterproof phone pouch for quick underwater shots.
Practical info
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