Cervera Shoal

Cervera Shoal (Panglao)

Cervera Shoal, affectionately known by local divemasters as "Snake Island," is a captivating advanced dive site located approximately 9 km southeast of Alona Beach, midway to Pamilacan Island. This submerged seamount offers an exhilarating drift dive experience for certified divers, renowned for its resident population of banded sea kraits and vibrant reef ecosystem.

Dive Profile

• Difficulty: Advanced
• Depth: The plateau of Cervera Shoal typically tops out between 9 m and 15 m before gradually sloping off into deeper water, reaching a maximum recreational depth of around 30 m to 35 m.
• Current: Divers will encounter strong currents, particularly at the surface, making this an exposed drift dive that often requires descending into blue water without a reference. The current tends to ease somewhat with depth.
• Water Temperature: The water temperature at Cervera Shoal generally ranges from 26°C to 30°C throughout the year, offering comfortable diving conditions.
• Certification Required: Due to the challenging conditions, an Advanced Open Water certification is mandatory for diving this site.
• Site Types: Cervera Shoal is characterized as a seamount, offering thrilling drift diving along its drop-offs and vibrant reef sections.

Marine Life

The highlight of Cervera Shoal is undoubtedly its thriving colony of Banded Sea Kraits (Laticauda colubrina), which divers reliably encounter as they hunt through the rubble or rest in crevices. While their numbers can vary with the season, these striking black-and-white snakes are a consistent presence.

Beyond the sea kraits, the dive site boasts a rich diversity of marine inhabitants. Divers will find impressive Giant Moray eels (Gymnothorax javanicus) peeking from their lairs, alongside a colorful assortment of Nudibranchs (Nudibranchia spp.). The reef is adorned with large Barrel Sponges (Xestospongia testudinaria), feather stars, and soft corals, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. Keep an eye out for schools of pelagic fish such as Bigeye Trevally (Caranx sexfasciatus) and the imposing Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) patrolling the deeper sections. Lucky divers might even have the rare opportunity to spot majestic whale sharks or manta rays passing by.

Hazards and Recommendations

Cervera Shoal is an advanced dive site that demands experience and comfort with challenging conditions. The strong currents are a primary hazard, necessitating excellent buoyancy control and drift diving proficiency. Divers should also be mindful of dangerous marine life, particularly the venomous but generally docile banded sea kraits, and the numerous sea urchins found on the plateau top. Given its open-water location, boat traffic can also be a consideration. We recommend diving with an experienced local instructor or dive guide who is familiar with the site's dynamic conditions.