Pamilacan Sanctuary

The protected heart of Pamilacan's reef, a fringing coral garden that tips over a steep drop-off near the island's old Spanish watchtower. The wall begins around 5 metres and falls past 30 into the blue, draped in hard and soft corals, sponges and gorgonians, with cracks and short swim-throughs to explore. Green and hawksbill turtles are among Bohol's most reliable sightings here, often resting on ledges or grazing the shallows, while schools of jacks, barracuda and mackerel sweep the edge. Moored boats are mandatory, anchoring is banned, and divers must stay outside the core sanctuary buoys. Best dived on calmer dry-season days.