Black Forest (Balicasag Island)

Black Forest (Balicasag Island), Panglao

Prepare for an exhilarating advanced diving experience at Black Forest, a renowned dive site located on the western rim of Balicasag Island's sanctuary. This site is celebrated for its dramatic wall and drop-off topography, offering an unforgettable drift dive opportunity. We recommend this dive site for divers holding an Advanced Open Water certification, as it presents moderate currents and significant depths.

Dive Profile and Conditions

The dive at Black Forest typically begins in a shallower reef area, around 6 to 9 meters, where divers will find vibrant coral formations and abundant reef fish. From approximately 12 meters, the reef transforms into a sloping wall that plunges beyond 40 meters, with a maximum depth often reaching 40 meters. The namesake "Black Forest" refers to the dense growth of black coral (Antipathidae) and large crinoid sea-lilies that festoon the slope, predominantly found at depths between 35 and 45 meters, making it a highlight for experienced divers.

Divers can expect moderate currents, which often make Black Forest an ideal drift dive, allowing us to effortlessly glide along the stunning coralscape. While currents can sometimes be strong, they are frequently light enough for a comfortable drift. Water temperatures in the Balicasag area are consistently warm, averaging around 29.2°C in July, with a comfortable range typically between 27.7°C and 30.4°C year-round. Visibility is generally excellent, often ranging from 15 to 40 meters.

Marine Life Encounters

Black Forest is a biodiversity hotspot, teeming with a rich array of marine life. On the shallow reef top, divers will be greeted by bustling Acropora gardens and frequent turtle traffic, including Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). As we descend, keep an eye out for the impressive schools of Bigeye Trevally (Caranx sexfasciatus) that often form mesmerizing "jackfish tornadoes" in the open water. We may also encounter the majestic Humphead Wrasse (Napoleon) (Cheilinus undulatus) and, with a bit of luck, even the awe-inspiring Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) cruising in the blue. Other common sightings include barracudas, various reef fish, and abundant macro life.

Important Considerations

As a designated Marine Protected Area since 1985, Balicasag Island enforces a strict 150-diver per day cap to preserve its pristine environment. Due to this limit, we strongly recommend booking your dives well in advance to secure your spot. The dive site's hazards primarily include its depth and the moderate to strong currents, necessitating good buoyancy control and advanced diving skills. Black Forest also offers the potential for extended drift dives, connecting to nearby sites like Cathedral and Diver's Heaven, making it a truly dynamic underwater adventure.