Tubod Mar Marine Sanctuary

Overview

Tubod Mar Marine Sanctuary is located in Barangay Tubod Mar, Jagna, on Bohol’s southeastern coast facing the Mindanao Sea. The sanctuary is noted for its hard coral coverage and the variety of tropical fish species it supports. A sea drop-off in the area descends toward the deep waters of the Mindanao Sea, making it a site of interest for divers seeking wall or drop-off terrain.

Local fishermen have reported shark sightings in the area, which adds to the sanctuary’s draw for experienced divers. The presence of sharks is typically a sign of a healthy marine food chain rather than a hazard to visitors.

Location

Barangay Tubod Mar, Jagna, Bohol. The sanctuary is along the southern coastline of Jagna, facing the Mindanao Sea.

Getting There

Jagna is approximately 65 km east of Tagbilaran City along the Bohol Circumferential Road. From the Jagna town center, the barangay of Tubod Mar is accessible by habal-habal or tricycle. [TO ENRICH: distance from Jagna port or town center to the sanctuary access point; availability of dive boats]

Practical Info

• Marine sanctuary — fishing restrictions apply within protected zones
• Suitable for snorkeling and scuba diving
• Drop-off diving is a key feature of the site
• [TO ENRICH: dive operators servicing this site, entry fees or sanctuary fees, depth of the drop-off, coral coverage percentage or condition rating]

What to Expect

Hard coral formations with significant fish diversity. The drop-off provides a dramatic underwater topography. Shark encounters are possible but not guaranteed — fishermen’s sightings indicate occasional presence rather than regular aggregation. The Mindanao Sea setting gives this sanctuary a different character from Bohol’s north-coast or Panglao dive sites, with less commercial traffic and fewer visitors.

Notes

• Jagna is known for calamay (sticky rice cake in coconut shells) — a stop at Ching’s Calamay in the town center is a practical food note for visitors.
• The Lonoy Martyr Site and Luinab Rice Terraces offer land-based counterpoints in the same municipality for a fuller day itinerary.