Dauin is a town in the province of Negros. Negros Island, divided into Occidental and Oriental, is the second largest…
Cabilao
Welcome to Cabilao, a peaceful island destination where beautiful reefs, dramatic walls, and fascinating marine life come together. Scuba diving in Cabilao is known for its steep coral-covered drop-offs, giant gorgonian sea fans, pygmy seahorses, colourful reef fish, and rewarding macro encounters. With uncrowded dive sites, relaxed island surroundings, and opportunities for early-morning and night diving, Cabilao is ideal for divers who enjoy exploring at an easy pace. Join Sea Explorers Philippines and discover one of Bohol’s quieter diving treasures—always with a smile.
A look inside our dive center and what’s waiting for you underwater.
Wall and Reef Diving – Explore dramatic drop-offs covered in giant gorgonian sea fans, healthy hard and soft corals, and schooling reef fish.
Pygmy Seahorses – Search among the sea fans for beautifully camouflaged pygmy seahorses, one of Cabilao’s most popular highlights for macro photographers.
Muck and Macro Diving – Discover sandy slopes and reef areas inhabited by nudibranchs, frogfish, shrimps, pipefish, and other small marine creatures.
Early-Morning and Night Dives – Experience peaceful sunrise conditions or explore the reef after dark as Cabilao’s nocturnal marine life becomes active.
Trips to Pangangan and Sandingan Islands – Visit nearby diving areas offering a combination of coral reefs, macro life, and scenic island surroundings.
Flexible Dive Schedule – Choose from single or two-tank morning dives, with afternoon and night dives available depending on conditions and the dive schedule.
PADI Beginner Courses up to Dive Master (on request)
Pricing for courses
Languages: English, Tagalog, Cebuano
(Other languages on request)
- Full rental equipment from size XXS to XXXL, as well as full sets for kids
- 12-liter aluminum tanks with Yoke (INT) valves and DIN valves
- Underwater torches
- Dive computers
- Nitrox fillings
Check-In
The dive center is open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. You may check in at any time during office hours.
Upon arrival, our staff will show you around, explain the dive center procedures, and assist you in preparing your dive equipment.
Required documents for dive center registration:
- Diver Certification
- Logbook
- Medical Certificate
Check-Out
After completing your dives, our office staff will have your bill ready for review.
Accepted payment methods:
- Cash: EUR, CHF, USD, PHP
- Credit Card (USD only): Visa, Mastercard, American Express
- PayPal
Sanctuary fees must be paid in cash.
Note: The dive center bill is separate from the hotel bill.
Good to Know
- Water temperature: 26–30°C
- Air temperature: 25–33°C
- Dives per day: Up to 4
- Group size: Up to 4 divers per dive guide (up to 5 if one diver is a Divemaster or Instructor)
- Maximum depth: Up to 40 meters
- Nitrox: Up to 32% (surcharge applies)
Discover the characters
Meet The Critters
Get to know the fascinating creatures that call this place home — each with its own unique story and charm.
Pygmy Seahorse
Tiny, rare, and perfectly camouflaged, the pygmy seahorse lives hidden among sea fans, blending so well it’s easy to swim right past. Spotting one takes patience and a keen eye, making each encounter feel truly special. A small discovery that leaves a big impression on every dive.
Giant Frogfish
Large, lumpy, and surprisingly stealthy, the giant frogfish is a master of ambush. Blending effortlessly into sponges and reef structures, it waits patiently before striking with remarkable speed. Spotting one is a thrilling reminder that the reef’s most impressive hunters often prefer to stay perfectly still.
Coleman Shrimp
Delicate and striking, the Coleman shrimp lives in perfect harmony with its host anemone. Its bold patterns and tiny size make it a favorite among macro enthusiasts, but it’s easy to miss without a careful eye. Each sighting is a little hidden treasure on the reef.
You’ll be staying with
How to get there
Arrival in Bohol (Tagbilaran Airport)
Tagbilaran Airport (TAG) is the nearest major airport, with direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and other major hubs.
After arrival, transfers continue overland and by boat to reach Cabilao Island.
Overland + Boat Transfer to Cabilao Island
Bohol–Panglao International Airport (TAG) is the main airport serving Bohol, with domestic and selected international connections.
Nearest mainland ports are Mocpoc Pier or Sandingan Pier in Loon, Bohol.
Estimated land transfer time is approximately 1–2 hours, depending on traffic and starting location.
From Mocpoc or Sandingan Pier, take a banka (traditional outrigger boat) to Cabilao Island.
Boat travel time is approximately 15–20 minutes.
Diving Destinations
Explore the Philippines, one dive at a time.
Discover five unique dive spots across the Philippines — each offering its own underwater experience.
Sea Explorers is a professional dive operator with multiple dive centers across the Visayas—Cabilao, Dauin, Malapascua, and Sipalay. We offer fun diving, PADI courses, island-hopping, and dive safaris, all with our signature “Dive with a Smile” service.
We have five dive centers:
• Cabilao, Bohol
• Dauin, Negros Oriental
• Malapascua, Cebu
• Sipalay, Negros Occidental
All locations are excellent for beginners due to calm conditions and easy dive sites.
Malapascua is the only place in the world where you can reliably see thresher sharks year-round during sunrise dives. Recently, the sharks have been frequenting another nearby shoal—making sightings exciting and new.
Dauin is world-famous for muck diving and rare critters like frogfish, nudibranchs, and octopus species.
Yes. The ReActivate or Back-in-Water program helps divers regain confidence safely.
Yes. Daily dives, discounted packages, island-hopping combinations, and multi-destination dive safaris are available.
Yes. Courses range from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster and Instructor Development (IDC) programs.
Ready to Dive In?
Whether it’s your first dive or your next big adventure, we’re here to guide you beneath the surface. Let’s plan something unforgettable.
