What Is Balicasag Island? A Comprehensive Guide to Diving, How to Get There, and Hotels
What is Barikasa Island like?
Explaining the Appeal of Diving
Balicasag Island is located in Bohol Province, Philippines,Off the southwestern coast of Panglao IslandIt is a small island floating in the [...].
sea turtleAs a place where you can see colorful fish,From divers around the worldIt's gaining popularity!
In this column, we'll cover everything from the appeal of diving to how to get there and choosing a hotel,A Comprehensive ExplanationI will do so.
◆For those who want to check the entrance fee and the best time of year to visit
◆For those who are having trouble choosing a dive shop or hotel
◆For those who want to enjoy diving and snorkeling on Barikasa Island
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Cebu Island.
The Charms of Barikasa Island
Barikasa Island is surrounded bySurrounded by marine protected areasIt is an island rich in natural beauty. Spectacular underwater scenery stretches out right off the coast.
Not only diving, but also,Even when snorkelingThat's what makes it so much fun!
Things to Enjoy Around Barikasa Island☆
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The Ocean Where You Can Encounter Sea Turtles
Barikasa Island is known as a place where you can encounter sea turtles.Shallow AreaBut sometimes you can see them swimming, and even among divers,PopularityIt is.
Watching sea turtles swim leisurely is truly moving.No doubt about itIt is!
Can You Spot a Sea Turtle!?
▼Click here for recommended tours in Cebu▼
Crystal-clear waters and an abundance of fish
The water around the island is crystal clear, allowing you to see the underwater scenery far into the distance. Colorfultropical fishThe sight of them swimming in schools is also a delight.
Even if you're new to diving,...You'll be able to fully enjoy the underwater world!
Exceptional clarity☆
▼We also recommend diving tours on Cebu Island!▼
About Diving Tours on Cebu Island
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Coral reefs designated as protected areas
The waters around Barikasa Island are a marine sanctuary (marine sanctuary) is protected.
For this reason, coral reefsIn good condition and with plenty of fishIt is!
To protect these rich seas, the localRules and mannersLet's have fun while following the rules.
Things to Enjoy Around Barikasa Island☆
▼Click here for recommended tours▼
When is the best time of year?
It has high transparency, andThere are few boat cancellationsThat's why it's ideal for diving.
If you already know when you'll be traveling, be sure to contact the shop as soon as possible!
How to Get to Barikasa Island
To get to Barikasa Island,Panglao IslandIt's common to take a boat from there!
Since there are no direct flights from Japan,Connecting Flightwill be required.
If you plan your route in advance, everything will go smoothly on the day of the trip.
Things to Enjoy Around Barikasa Island☆
▼Click here for recommended tours▼
Getting to Bohol Island from Japan
From Japan,Manila and CebuThe standard procedure is to take a connecting domestic flight to Panglao Island.
・Tokyo (Narita/Haneda) to Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport): About 4 to 5 hours
・Manila to Bohol-Panglao International Airport: About 1 hour and 30 minutes
◆Route via Cebu Island (if you also plan to sightsee in Cebu)
・Tokyo to Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport): About 5 hours
・Cebu Port to Tagbilaran Port, Bohol (ferry): About 2 hours
From the airport to Alona Beach on Panglao Island, you can take a taxi or other means of transportationAbout 20 minutes or soIt takes about 45 minutes from the port!
From Alona Beach to Balicasag Island
Travel by Boat
Many people go diving or island-hopping from Panglao IslandTake a tourThe company is doing so.
Operations may be subject to change depending on the weather, so be sure to check before you leave.
Estimated Island Entry Fee (Environmental Use Fee)
Since Barikasa Island is a marine protected area, on the island...Island Entry Fee (Environmental Use Fee)is required.
*There may be a daily limit on the number of visitors allowed on the island.
*As of October 2026
Is it included in the tour, or do I need to arrange it locally?Do I need cash?Let's make sure to check this in advance.
On Barikasa Island,
Top 3 Popular Diving Spots
On Barikasa Island,To divers around the worldWe have a great selection of popular diving spots!
Here, we’ll introduce three of the most popular ones.
Levels and ObjectivesFeel free to explore and find your favorite spots.
▼We also recommend diving tours on Cebu Island!▼
About Diving Tours on Cebu Island
Learn More
Black Forest
The Black Forest is,Black CoralIt is a diving spot where they grow in clusters.
The sight of black coral spreading out like a forest is something you won't find anywhere elseYou don't see that very often.. Since this is a deep area, divingFor those with experienceI highly recommend it!
◆ Tides: Strong currents at times
◆Level: Intermediate to Advanced
◆Highlights: Black coral, schools of giant trevally and barracuda, banded bannerfish, red snapper, slender fusiliers, golden fusiliers, damselfish, and anthias, among others
Cathedral
A cathedral, as the name implies,CathedralLandscapes like this are the highlights of the area. The scenery created by the coral and fish is truly a work of underwater art.
If you're lucky,sea turtleIt's the perfect spot for those who love taking photos—you might even spot some interesting subjects there!
◆Tide: Almost none
◆Level: Beginner to Intermediate
◆Highlights: Green sea turtles, underwater formations (curtain of light, arches), clownfish (including the orange-spotted clownfish and the white-striped clownfish), garden eels, and black-striped ribbon gobies, among others
Can You Spot a Sea Turtle!?
▼Click here for recommended tours in Cebu▼
Divers' Heaven
Divers' Heaven is a sheer cliff that rises like a wallTopography and Abundant Fish StocksThat's what makes it so appealing!
As you'd expect from a name that includes "Heaven,"Highly SatisfactoryYou can enjoy diving.
School of FishIf you're looking for an experience where you feel surrounded by nature, be sure to check it out.
◆Tide: Almost none
◆Level: Intermediate
◆Highlights: Drop-off terrain (overhangs and natural rock openings), Yubieda-hama coral, schools of Kaburaya damselfish, and more
How to Choose a Diving Shop or Tour
To get to Balicasag Island, you can go through a dive shop on Panglao Island’sIt's common to go there on a tourIt is.
There are many shops on Panglao Island, offering a wide variety of goods. Choose the one that's right for you, andRest assured.Let's enjoy the ocean!
▼We also recommend diving tours on Cebu Island!▼
About Diving Tours on Cebu Island
Learn More
Points to Consider When Choosing a Store
◆Guiding Experience
◆Japanese Language Support
◆Equipment Rental Status
◆Diving Participant Limits
word of mouthIt’s a good idea to check the information on the official website as well for peace of mind!
Feel at ease with a Japanese-speaking guide☆
▼Click here for recommended tours▼
Average Prices for Diving Tours
Rates.Time of year, stores, and what's includedIt depends on .
Lunch, equipment rental, and the entrance fee to the protected area might be included,Check in AdvanceLet's do that.
Hotels and Accommodations on Barikasa Island
If you're planning a trip to Balicasag Island, you have the option of staying at a resort on the island itself or on Panglao Island.
Once you understand the characteristics of each,To suit your travel styleLet's choose!
Baricasa Island & Dive Resort
Barikasa Island & Dive Resort is,The only one on the islandIt is a diving resort.
Cottages line the beach, andIt also features a diving centerThe company has been
We recommend this to anyone who wants to spend their stay diving to their heart's content amid the island's peaceful atmosphere!
Resort Overview
◆Directions: About a 15-minute walk from Barikasaag Island Public Beach
Should we stay on Balicasag Island or Panglao Island?
◆ Panglao Island: Convenient, with plenty of restaurants and shops
Diving-FocusedIf you're looking for a beach getaway, why not consider Balicasag Island? And if you'd like to do some sightseeing as well, why not consider Panglao Island?
Just a short trip from Panglao Island!
▼Click here for popular tourist attractions on Bohol Island▼
Things to Do Around Barikasa Island
Recommended Activities
There are plenty of activities to enjoy around Barikasa Island besides diving.
For those who love the ocean,An Irresistible LineupIt is.
Combine these activities with your diving to make the most of your tripEven More ComprehensiveLet's do it!
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Cebu Island.
Whale Shark Snorkeling
Snorkeling with whale sharks takes place in southern Cebu,Oslob...is famous!
Since it takes a long time to travel from Panglao Island,Day TripIt is common to use [...].
Early Morning DepartureSince this often happens, be sure to leave some wiggle room in your schedule.
▼Click here for our recommended whale shark tours▼
About Whale Shark Tours on Cebu Island
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Landing on Sumilon Island
Sumilon Island is a small island off the coast of Oslob in southern Cebu.
A view of a vast white sandbarIt's very popular, and many people visit it in combination with the whale shark tour in Oslob.
After landing on the island,LeisurelyLet's enjoy a stroll on the beach!
▼Click here for recommended Sumilon Island tours▼
River Cruise
Right nowRapidly Gaining PopularityThis is a one-day itinerary that lets you fully experience the island of Bohol.
Japanese GuideWe'll pick you up at your hotel and handle all English-language communication on your behalf—from arranging ferry tickets to assisting you with boarding.
Bohol Island isEven if you're a first-timer,The biggest draw is that you can participate with peace of mind!
▼Click here for recommended river cruise tours▼
About the Bohol Island Day Trip
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Diving on Balicasag Island
The island is accessible only by sea, and you’ll take a boat from Alona Beach on Panglao Island. While it’s possible to arrange a boat on your own, you may be required to pay an entrance fee or be accompanied by a guide.
Many people choose shop-organized tours because they're so easy to arrange.
Since this is a marine protected area, you’ll be required to pay an entry fee (environmental fee) upon arriving on the island. The fee is typically around 100 to 250 pesos per person (as of October 2026) and is often charged separately from the tour fee.
Be sure to check in advance whether it's included in the tour price or if you'll need cash on site.
If you're new to diving or haven't dived in a while, let the shop know how many dives you've done and discuss potential dive sites with them. Beginner- to intermediate-level sites, such as "Cathedral," are good options.
If you don't dive, you can still enjoy the waters around the island by snorkeling.
summary
Barikasa Island is,Sea turtles and crystal-clear waters...It's a popular diving spot where you can enjoy the rich coral reefs.
Directions are as follows:Arona BeachThe standard way is to take a boat from there.
Choose shops and hotels that suit your travel style, and be sure to experience Bali Kasag Island,UnforgettableCome create some memories by the sea!
▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this article.
