Wall · Drift · Drop-off · Cavern

Named for the shafts of sunlight that pour through cracks in the rock into a shadowed chamber, Cathedral is the dramatic wall on Balicasag's north side. A vertical face dropping toward 40 metres is broken by overhangs, ledges and small caves that shelter moray eels, lobsters and resting fish. Out in the blue, schools of barracuda, jacks and snapper patrol the edge while green and hawksbill turtles drift past. Run as a drift from the bangka, the current swings from gentle to brisk with the tide, and the depth rewards experienced divers comfortable on a wall.
Typical current strength at this dive site
Current strength changes with tides and conditions. Check local conditions before diving.
Strength Scale
None
Mild
Moderate
Strong
Monthly conditions and seasonal highlights — tap a month
Shoulder season with generally good conditions. Some variability in weather and visibility.
7 species recorded at this site
Green Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Spotted Eagle Ray
Aetobatus narinari
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Bigeye Trevally
Caranx sexfasciatus
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Hawksbill Turtle
Eretmochelys imbricata
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Giant Moray
Gymnothorax javanicus
Great Barracuda
Sphyraena barracuda
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Trumpetfish
Aulostomus chinensis
Be aware of these potential hazards at this dive site
Current
MediumTidal current on the north wall swings from gentle to brisk — monitor throughout the dive and don't overstay the slack
Depth
MediumVertical face descends to ~40 m; overhangs can lure divers deeper than planned
Overhead environment
LowNamed cavern and overhangs — use a torch, maintain orientation, and never penetrate beyond light zone without cave training
Boat traffic
LowPopular Balicasag circuit; surface with SMB away from the wall before signalling for pickup
Certification Required
A minimum of Advanced Open Water certification is required to dive this site.
Immersive panoramic view of this dive site
360° panorama coming soon
Immersive underwater views will be available when panoramic imagery is uploaded
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Vertical range at this site
Minimum Depth
16 ft
Shallowest point
Average Depth
72 ft
Typical dive depth
Maximum Depth
131 ft
Deepest point
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