About this spot
Rico's Wall at Balicasag Island is a classic Philippine wall dive that drops from shallow coral gardens into open water. The site suits intermediate divers comfortable with depth and current. Entry is typically from the island's eastern side, where you descend through 8 meters of bright reef before the wall steepens dramatically. Visibility and water temperature vary seasonally, so check local conditions before booking. The wall itself is the main draw—it plunges to 35 meters and beyond, making it ideal for practicing buoyancy control on a steep gradient. The upper reef holds schooling fusiliers and surgeonfish. Deeper sections attract larger pelagics, especially when current flows strong. Night dives here can be productive for nocturnal species. Balicasag Island sits just off Panglao, near Bohol, and is easily reached by boat from nearby dive operators. The island itself is a marine sanctuary, though Rico's Wall operates outside protected-area restrictions. Sea conditions and visibility depend on monsoon patterns, so plan your trip accordingly. Three community videos exist documenting the dive, offering insight into typical conditions and wildlife encounters.
📖 Guide: Diving in the Philippines: 119 Sites, Wrecks & Walls Worth the Flight
Dive types
Trip essentials
Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.
Trip checklist
- 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
- 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
- 📔 Dive logbook
- 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
- 🔌 Plug type A/B/C · 220V adapter
- 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
- 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact
Quick facts
- 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
- GPS
› Sustainability disclosures
From your departure country
- Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
- Flight: 12h · direct
- Jet-lag: 11h east · 8 days recovery
FAQ
›What's the best time to dive Rico's Wall?
Year-round diving is possible at Balicasag, though water temperature and visibility fluctuate with monsoon seasons. Check current conditions with local operators before travel.
›Is this dive suitable for beginners?
No. Rico's Wall is rated intermediate and requires solid buoyancy control and comfort at 35 meters. The steep wall and potential current make it unsuitable for newly certified divers.
›What marine life should I expect?
Schooling reef fish like fusiliers and surgeonfish inhabit the upper wall. Deeper sections attract pelagics including jacks and trevally, especially in strong current.
›How do I access Rico's Wall?
Dive boats operate from Panglao Island, typically near Bohol. Multiple local operators offer trips to Balicasag. No special permits are required; the wall itself sits outside marine-protected areas.
