Reef · Coral-garden · Drop-off

On Balicasag's north-east shoulder, Royal Garden is a shallow coral plateau averaging around 18 metres that sits atop the wall edge. Healthy, colourful hard and soft corals are swarmed by clouds of reef fish, and patches of seagrass draw green turtles in to graze almost underfoot. The gentle depth and easy conditions make it one of the island's most relaxed and accessible dives, ideal for newer divers and a calm first dip of the day. The reef roof rolls toward the drop-off, so those who want a glimpse of deeper blue can ease over the edge before turning back onto the garden.
Typical current strength at this dive site
Light current that is easy to swim against. Comfortable for most certified divers.
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.
6 species recorded at this site
Green Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas
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
Sea Goldie (anthias)
Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Oriental Sweetlips
Plectorhinchus vittatus
Trumpetfish
Aulostomus chinensis
Be aware of these potential hazards at this dive site
Current
LowUsually mild; can pick up on the drop-off edge on stronger tides — stay shallow to avoid being swept off the plateau
Boat traffic
LowBalicasag circuit — use SMB on ascent; bangkas manoeuvre frequently around the island
Certification Required
A minimum of 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
20 ft
Shallowest point
Average Depth
59 ft
Typical dive depth
Maximum Depth
82 ft
Deepest point
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