Balicasag Sanctuary (Rico's Wall)

The heart of Balicasag's no-take zone, Rico's Wall is the richest stretch of reef on the island and the hub from which the circular drifts branch north to Cathedral and south to Rudy's Rock. A coral-garden plateau at roughly 7-12 metres gives way to a sheer drop-off plunging past 35 metres. Marine-life density here is exceptional: green and hawksbill turtles in remarkable numbers, schooling jacks, plus a critter-hunter's haul of frogfish, nudibranchs, scorpionfish, lionfish and moray eels tucked into the wall. Current can swing from mild to brisk, so it is dived as a drift suited to comfortable wall divers.