Arco Point Dive Site

Overview

Arco Point is a wall-and-slope dive site off the southwestern tip of Panglao Island, rated for PADI Open Water certification and above. The dive profile runs along a wall with a steep slope section before ascending to shallower reef terrain. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 25 metres. Total depth range is 4 to 27 metres, with the most rewarding section between 10 and 15 metres where cave features, fish aggregations, and invertebrate life are most concentrated. The site is free from dynamite fishing damage — an important distinction given that some surrounding reef areas in the Visayas have been degraded by blast fishing.

The site takes its name from the Spanish word for arch (arco), referencing a vaulted passage in the reef wall. It is also known locally as “Hole in the Wall.” A small cave or hole appears in the wall near the start of the dive, which can be entered in small groups from the wall side. A drift current runs consistently in a south direction and can become strong at times — a dive light is necessary to appreciate the cave interior.

The Danajon Bank (Double Barrier Reef), one of the Philippines’ most significant reef systems and one of only a few double barrier reefs in the world, lies in the wider Bohol Sea region.

Location

Arco Point is off the southwestern coast of Panglao Island, Panglao municipality. The dive site is close to Alona Beach (Barangay Tawala) — the primary base for dive operations on Panglao. Most dive shops in Alona Beach include Arco Point in their standard site rotation.

Getting There

From Tagbilaran City, reach Alona Beach by tricycle or jeepney (approximately 30–40 minutes). Dive boats from Alona Beach reach Arco Point in approximately 10–20 minutes by banca (outrigger boat). The site is accessible as a boat dive only — no shore entry.

Practical Info

Minimum certification: PADI Open Water or equivalent. A dive light is recommended for cave sections. Current can be significant — check conditions with the dive operator before entry. Dive operators in Alona Beach manage bookings and boat transfers. As of 2026, published 2025–2026 rate cards from Alona-based operators range from roughly ₱1,800 per single boat dive (gear rental extra, around ₱500/day) up to ₱3,920 per dive at the higher end where a fuller equipment and service package is bundled in; two-dive packages run roughly ₱3,600–6,720. On top of the dive fee, most Panglao sites (Arco Point included) carry a standard local environmental fee of around ₱100 per diver, separate from the higher ₱250 fee charged specifically for Balicasag Island.

What to Expect

Begin the dive with the wall on the right shoulder, heading south-west. After approximately 30 minutes on the steep slope, ascend to 10 metres. The cave entrance appears at the start of the dive — enter in small groups from the wall side. The southward drift current can be used for relaxed navigation.

Marine life documented at the site includes: Cardinal fish (Apogonidae) and Sergeant Major fish (Abudefduf vaigiensis) near the cave interior, White-eyed Moray eel (Siderea thyrsoidea) and Black-finned Snake eel (Ophichthus melanochir) on the east cave wall, Raggy Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis venosa) around the top entrance at approximately 8 metres, Groupers, Wrasse, and Butterflyfish along the wall, and Angelfish and Frogfish (Antennariidae) at 5–10 metres on the shallower slope section where it levels out.

Notes

Source: scraped from 01-brain/library/older_files_to_process/20260604-bohol-html/diving site/arco-point-dive-site.md. Dive specifications (visibility, depth, current, difficulty) are from source. Species names given with scientific nomenclature from source where provided. Coordinates are approximate for the southwestern tip of Panglao Island near Arco Point. [FACT NEEDED: GPS coordinates of mooring buoy — not resolved by research.]

2026-07-28 research attempt (fresh angle, sources not previously checked): Searched specifically for “Arco Point” + “mooring buoy” and fetched Alona Divers, PADI dive site page, and Sierra Madre Divers’ full guide directly (not just search snippets) — none mention a mooring buoy or give buoy-specific coordinates; they only give general site coordinates (which conflict with each other and with this file’s own frontmatter, so are not usable as a substitute fact). Also checked for TripAdvisor/blog mentions of a buoy or anchor point via targeted search — none found. Given the body text describes Arco Point as a drift dive with a consistent south-running current and boat entry/exit (not a fixed mooring point), it is plausible no permanent mooring buoy exists at this site at all. Leaving tag in place; a future pass could try contacting a Panglao/Alona dive operator directly or checking CENRO/BPTO Panglao mooring-buoy program records if one exists.

• Our SCUBA diving rates, fare and fun dive prices, accessed 2026-07-17.
• Scuba diving and PADI courses Prices — Tropical Divers Alona, accessed 2026-07-17.