Doljo Point

Doljo Point: Panglao's Premier Drift Dive

Located at the exposed northwest tip of Panglao, Doljo Point is renowned as the zone's signature drift dive, offering an exhilarating experience for advanced divers. Here, two stacked walls plunge dramatically into the open Bohol Sea, swept by nutrient-rich currents that fuel extraordinary marine growth. This dive site is a true spectacle, combining dramatic topography with an abundance of pelagic and macro life.

Diving Conditions and Topography

Doljo Point is an advanced dive site, and we require an Advanced Open Water certification to fully explore its depths. Divers will find a gently sloping reef that transitions into a steep, vertical wall, dropping to depths of 40 meters and beyond. The main drift typically takes us along this vertical face, where we can explore between roughly 18 and 30 meters. Currents here can range from moderate to strong, especially on big tides, making for an exciting drift dive that demands solid buoyancy control. The water temperature in Panglao typically ranges from 27°C to 30°C throughout the year, with an average of around 29°C in July. Visibility is often exceptional, frequently exceeding 30 meters, offering breathtaking views into the deep blue.

Marine Life Encounters

The walls of Doljo Point are a vibrant tapestry of coral and sponge life. Divers will be captivated by some of the largest Gorgonian Sea Fans (Annella mollis) in the Philippines, which glow in stunning shades of red, pink, and orange when illuminated by a dive torch. Alongside these, we encounter huge Barrel Sponges (Xestospongia testudinaria) and thickets of black coral.

Keep your eyes peeled for an incredible array of marine inhabitants. In the blue, we often find schooling Chevron Barracuda (Sphyraena qenie), Bigeye Trevally (Caranx sexfasciatus), and Dogtooth Tuna (Gymnosarda unicolor) working the currents. Solitary Whitetip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus) and the occasional graceful Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus narinari) are also known to cruise past.

For those with a keen eye, the wall reveals fascinating macro life. We frequently spot various species of colorful Nudibranchs (Nudibranchia spp.), and divers can often find well-camouflaged frogfish hiding among the sponges. Ghost pipefish are also a rewarding find, often hovering near sea fans or feather stars. We may also encounter sea turtles and schools of jackfish and snapper along the reef.

Hazards and Recommendations

Due to the strong currents and significant depths, divers must be mindful of potential hazards such as depth and decompression obligation. We highly recommend excellent buoyancy control and experience with drift diving to fully enjoy this spectacular dive site safely. While the shallow plateau at the top of the reef (5 to 12 meters) can be suitable for less experienced divers, the main wall dive is best suited for those with advanced certification.