Beneath Bohol’s Blue: An Unforgettable Experience Diving in Panglao

I’ve always been drawn to the sea, having spent the first few years of my life on the cream sand shores of Long Beach in Davao Oriental. Something about it feels like home—maybe it’s the mystery of what lies beneath the surface, or the quiet comfort of being surrounded by something so vast and constant. During long rides, I always catch myself looking out for it. The moment I spot the water, something inside me softens. It calms me. It makes everything feel a little lighter and a little easier to carry.

But diving? That felt like a whole different world—too intimidating, too technical, too far from anything I thought I could do. Still, the idea of being even closer to the sea, of actually stepping into that underwater silence, always lingered in the back of my mind. I’ve had this thought since I discovered the beauty that lies underwater in Coron years ago. The Philippines is a beautiful paradise, but I never thought it’s even more stunning beneath the surface. Despite this, diving has seemed so farfetched.

Then one day, I found myself in Panglao, Bohol, heart racing but curious. The warmth and welcoming atmosphere shown to me by the Pangalo Diving team was so comforting. Something in me just said, “Yes!”

And I’m so, so glad I did.

Honestly, Bohol, to me, had always just been about sightseeing—chocolate hills, the wide-eyed tarsiers, some waterfalls, maybe a boat ride to some island here and there, and plenty of beers. In my mind, it has always been a slow, easy getaway: a bit of beach, a lot of good food, and some writing squeezed in when the mood struck. Diving hasn’t been part of the plan as I wasn’t chasing adventure—I was chasing rest. Bohol had always struck me as that kind of destination.

But then again, you know how the sea gets to you. Especially when it’s that impossibly calm shade of blue, stretched out like a soft invitation. There’s something about it that always pulls at me, gently but persistently. I’ve felt it before, especially during long rides—when I catch a glimpse of the ocean through the trees or across a stretch of road, it’s like my whole body exhales. It’s comforting in a way that’s hard to explain, like it knows exactly what kind of peace I need.

So even though diving in Panglao had never really been part of the plan, it suddenly didn’t feel so far-fetched. I figured if there was ever a place to try, it was here. I walked into Abraham Resort with zero expectations, a little nervous, a little excited, and unprepared for how much I’d love it. Dan from Scuba Kings Academy, who invited me to discover scuba diving in Bohol, welcomed me with so much warmth. Along with him was Leon, who later became a crucial part of my experience.

I’m not someone who easily warms up to people, but the team there couldn’t have made it easier. They were easygoing and had that calm, unbothered way of explaining things that makes you feel like you’re in good hands. No pressure, no fuss—just quiet confidence. Leon walked me through the basics, from breathing techniques to underwater hand signals, and answered every hesitant question with patience and clarity: his calm demeanor and gentle way of explaining made things easy to understand.

We began my training in the calm waters of the pool, honing my skills and building my confidence. Before I knew it, I was on a boat. The gentle rocking beneath me sends a thrill through my body. With my wetsuit zipped snugly and my fins securely fastened, I could feel my heart racing with anticipation. For the first time in far too long, I wasn’t merely gazing out at the vast expanse of the sea; I was on the brink of immersing myself in its depths, ready to embrace the adventure that awaited.

The moment I descended into the water, everything changed. The surface world faded away, replaced by silence and a sense of slow motion. It felt as though I had stepped into a dream—one where the colors were more vivid, the movements more graceful, and time seemed to lose its meaning.

I hovered above vibrant coral gardens teeming with life and a multitude of colors. Pink. Green. Blue. Purple. Orange. You name it. Different fish swam so close that I could almost touch them. I spotted clownfish nestled within anemones, along with countless other creatures that I couldn’t name, each engaged in their quiet activities in this serene underwater world. I wished so dearly to spot a turtle, though that might have been too much to hope for. The water was also a bit cloudy due to the gloomy skies, yet I felt content.

It was humbling. I was a guest in a place so alive, intricate, and beautiful.

The most unforgettable part was the wall dive at Kalipayan—one of Panglao’s well-known dive sites, famous for its dramatic drop-offs and vibrant marine life. I didn’t expect to be so moved by it, but there I was, suspended beside an underwater cliff that seemed to fall endlessly into the deep blue. It was breathtaking, not just in the literal sense, but in the way it quietly shook something in me.

There was a strange comfort in that vastness—being surrounded by so much space, with nothing holding you but your breath and your trust in the person guiding you through it. It felt both surreal and grounding all at once. It reminded me how small I am. Not in a sad or lonely way, but in the kind of way that makes you pause, breathe, and quietly marvel at the fact that you even get to be here at all.

Diving in Panglao didn’t just give me a dive—it gave me a moment. And a lot of that was because of Leon. He wasn’t an imposing presence, but more of a gentle companion in the water. From the start, he made sure I felt safe and steady. He handled the BCD so I could simply focus on the scenery—the colors, the movement, the quiet magic of being down there.

There was never any rush, never any pressure. Just calm, quiet encouragement. And that made all the difference. Dan, too, was never far. He’d come check on us from time to time, making sure everything was going smoothly, and even snapped a few photos while we were down there—little moments I didn’t even realize were being captured until later.

As someone who travels often, I’ve learned it’s not just about where you go—it’s about who you share those moments with, even if it’s just for a dive or two. And sometimes, the people you meet in passing leave the deepest impression.

• Don’t overthink it. I had some hesitations before this, but they were all for naught, as the experience of diving in Panglao was far more rewarding. If you’ve always wanted to try diving, let this be your sign.
• You don’t need to be certified to experience something magical. Discover scuba diving experiences are perfect for beginners.
• Listen. To the ocean, your breath, your guide. There’s peace in tuning out the noise.
• Above all, take a moment to truly immerse yourself in your surroundings. Look around and let your eyes wander. The ocean is a vast expanse brimming with breathtaking beauty and fascinating wonders waiting to be discovered. From the shimmering waves dancing under the sunlight to the colorful marine life teeming beneath the surface, the ocean holds an endless array of marvels that captivate the imagination.

When we resurfaced, I remember lying on the boat deck, gazing at the gloomy skies with salt in my hair and my heart full. I never expected to fall in love with diving that day, but I did. I went on another dive a couple of days later with another amazing instructor, Lester. If you ever find yourself in Bohol, make sure to explore the underwater world of Panglao. It’s a different realm down there—quiet, wild, and beautiful. You might just come back changed.