Kalipayan Dive Site

Overview

Kalipayan Dive Site is a wall-and-slope dive located off Panglao Island, Bohol. The site begins as a wall dive then transitions to a slope. It is rated suitable for PADI Open Water divers and above, and is also accessible for snorkellers. Visibility ranges from 10–25 m; depth ranges from 3–25 m; current is rated 0–1. The most productive depth range is 7–12 m. The site has not been affected by dynamite fishing.

Location

Off Panglao Island, Bohol. The site is connected to Danao Beach Habagat Wreck, making it suitable as part of a two-dive itinerary on the same stretch of reef.

[TO ENRICH: GPS coordinates and nearest beach/dive operator]

Getting There

Panglao Island is accessible from Tagbilaran City via the Panglao Bridge (approximately 20–30 minutes by road). Most dive operators based on Alona Beach organise boat trips to sites around Panglao, including Kalipayan.

Practical Info

• Dive type: Wall, then slope
• Depth: 3–25 m (best: 7–12 m)
• Visibility: 10–25 m
• Current: 0–1 (mild to none)
• Difficulty: PADI Open Water and above
• Snorkelling: Yes
• Dynamite fishing history: None recorded
• Dive duration: Long site; good for two dives

What to Expect

Start the dive with the slope on the right shoulder, heading south-west. In the shallower section (7–12 m), divers and snorkellers will find the richest life. Marine species recorded at the site include:

• Nive Blue corals and Table corals
• Sea Fans
• Brown Daisy coral (Tubastraea micrantha)
• Dothead Rockcod (Cephalopholis microprion)
• Small Barracuda
• Harlequin Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus)
• Comet (Calloplesiops altivelis) — found in caves and crevices midway along the wall
• Banded Pipefish (Doryrhamphus dactyliophorus)

During May and June, Blue-finned (Titan) Triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens) are present and can be territorial; divers should maintain distance from any nest sites.

Below 25 m, the site becomes less productive. The dive connects to the Danao Beach Habagat Wreck, noted in the broader Danaon Bank / Double Barrier Reef system.

Notes

Titan Triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens) are present and actively aggressive during May and June nesting season. Give wide berth to any circular sandy depressions on the seabed — these are nesting sites. Kalipayan is a long site best split into two separate dives rather than one extended dive.