Dive Site: Black Forest

About Black Forest

Black Forest is a premier dive site located off Balicasag Island, renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity and distinct topography. The site features a gently sloping reef that begins in shallow waters with numerous coral heads and transitions into a dense 'black coral forest' at depths ranging from 35 to 45 meters. Its reputation as a top destination within the Bohol Triangle is well-earned, resembling a thriving underwater aquarium teeming with life. Dives at Black Forest typically start against the current over a sandy bottom, allowing divers to maintain a low profile before the current shifts, transforming the experience into a relaxed drift dive. The site's rich coral gardens and diverse fish populations make it a captivating dive. While the deeper black coral sections are a highlight, the entire slope is vibrant with marine activity. Divers can expect to encounter a wide array of reef fish, including anthias, rockcod groupers, squirrelfish, parrotfish, wrasse, and damselfish. Anemonefish are also common, and aggressive triggerfish can be observed during the months of May, June, and July. The typical dive trajectory involves starting with the slope on the right shoulder, heading southward, to fully appreciate the site's unique features.

Dive site facts: Black Forest

Depth

8–40 m

Typical dive

15–24 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to strong

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

AOWD recommended

Dive type

Reef, wall, drift

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Balicasag Island, Bohol

Coordinates

9.528, 123.691

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Black Forest are typically described as mild to moderate, though they can reach stronger levels, especially deeper on the slope. Dives often begin by navigating against the current over a sandy bottom, then transitioning into a drift as the current shifts. It is crucial to follow local guide briefings on daily current strength and direction, as conditions can vary with tides. This drift-style diving necessitates good buoyancy control to comfortably observe the black coral zones and abundant fish life. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 meters, but strong currents can sometimes impact clarity. Divers should be mindful of depth, particularly when exploring the deeper black coral sections, and always stay within their certification limits.

Marine life & sighting chances

Black Coral

common

Reef Fish (various species)

common

Anthias

common

Rockcod Groupers

occasional

Squirrelfish

common

Parrotfish

common

Wrasse

common

Damsel Fish

common

Anemonefishes

common

Triggerfish

May, June, July · occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Frogfish

rare

Green Turtle

occasional

Hawksbill Turtle

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Black Forest typically begin as a boat entry, often with a negative descent, and follow a steep slope dive profile. Divers usually start by swimming against the prevailing current, maintaining a low profile over the sandy bottom at around 15 meters, before the current shifts to allow for a relaxed drift. The route generally proceeds southward with the slope on your right shoulder, exploring the coral heads in shallower sections. As you descend, the highlight is the dense black coral forest thriving between 35 to 45 meters. Divers ascend gradually, enjoying the rich reef life and schooling fish at shallower depths. The safety stop is conducted in the upper reef sections, usually around 5 meters, before a boat pick-up at the designated exit point.

Underwater photography

Black Forest offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, though managing the drift-style current requires good buoyancy. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the expansive coral slope and the impressive black coral formations at depth. External strobes are recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and reef fish, especially in deeper sections or when visibility is not at its peak. Macro photographers will find plenty of subjects among the coral heads, including various reef fish, nudibranchs, and potential rare finds like frogfish. Controlled buoyancy is paramount to avoid disturbing delicate corals and to maintain position in the current for clear shots. Planning your dive with the current in mind will allow for more stable shooting opportunities.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Balicasag Island

  A general reference to the island's other dive sites, including drift and wall dives.

• Monad Shoal

  Famous for thresher shark encounters, though further afield.

• Apo Island

  Known for vibrant reefs and sea turtle populations.

• Verde Island Passage

  Recognized for high marine biodiversity and drift dives.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Black Forest typically involves flying into Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) or Tagbilaran Airport (TAG) in Bohol. From Tagbilaran, it's a relatively short transfer to Panglao Island, particularly Alona Beach, which is a common departure point. Black Forest is located approximately 10km, or about a 27-minute banca boat ride, from Alona Beach. Dive trips are almost exclusively boat dives, often as part of a multi-dive itinerary around Balicasag Island, known for its marine sanctuary status. There are daily diver limits and reservations are usually required through local dive operators. Trips vary in length, from day trips to longer liveaboard itineraries that might combine Balicasag with other Visayas destinations.

Safety & environment

Diving at Black Forest requires adherence to marine sanctuary rules and careful planning due to currents. Divers should always stay with their guide, especially on the current-prone slope, and vigilantly monitor their depth when exploring deeper sections. An Advanced Open Water Diver certification is recommended, along with experience in drift diving. It is essential to carry adequate dive insurance that covers dive accidents and potential recompression chamber treatments. The nearest recompression chamber is typically located in Cebu City. Evacuation in the Philippines can be complex and time-consuming, emphasizing the need for comprehensive insurance and conservative dive planning. Always confirm entry, exit, and backup procedures with your dive operator before entering the water.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Black Forest FAQ

Liveaboards diving Black Forest

These liveaboards may visit Black Forest on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Infiniti

Philippines

25 guests39 m

$280/day

Seadoors

Philippines

16 guests25 m

$335/day

Resolute

Philippines

16 guests34.6 m

$314/day

Dolphin

Philippines

18 guests31 m

$326/day

Navis 1

Philippines

22 guests23 m

$250/day

Philippine Siren

Philippines

16 guests

$309/day

Palau Sport

Philippines

24 guests38.35 m

$215/day

Philippines Aggressor

Philippines

26 guests42.7 m

$381/day

Stella Maris Explorer

Philippines

20 guests33 m

$398/day

Solitude One

Philippines

24 guests52 m

$460/day

Atlantis Adventurer

Philippines

16 guests32.5 m

$421/day

Philippines Aggressor II

Philippines

26 guests42.7 m

$247/day