A Rare Encounter: The Bowmouth Guitarfish of Balicasag Island
The underwater world of the Philippines never ceases to amaze, but every so often, Mother Nature throws a curveball that leaves even the most seasoned dive professionals speechless. In late 2025, the diving community in Bohol was set abuzz by a truly extraordinary event: the sighting of a Bowmouth Guitarfish in the pristine waters of Balicasag Island.
For those who regularly enjoy scuba diving Bohol, Balicasag is already a legendary name. Known for its massive schools of jacks, resident sea turtles, and dramatic walls, it is the crown jewel of the region. However, the appearance of the Bowmouth Guitarfish—a creature so rare it is often referred to as the “holy grail” for fish geeks—has elevated the status of this marine sanctuary to a whole new level.
What is a Bowmouth Guitarfish?
The Bowmouth Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma) is one of the most distinctive-looking creatures in the ocean. At first glance, it looks like a prehistoric hybrid—the front half of its body is broad and flat like a ray, while the back half resembles a shark, complete with two large dorsal fins and a powerful tail.
Because of this unique anatomy, it is often called the “Shark Ray.” They are easily identified by their broad, rounded snout (the “bow” mouth), prominent thorny ridges over their eyes and back, and a beautiful pattern of white spots over a charcoal or brownish body.
Finding one while diving Bohol is a significant event because these animals are listed as Critically Endangered. They are slow-growing, elusive, and highly sensitive to their environment. Seeing one in the wild isn’t just a lucky break; it’s a testament to the health of the ecosystem.
The Balicasag Sighting: Why It Matters
The 2025 sighting occurred during a standard morning dive at Balicasag. Local divers spotted the majestic creature cruising along the sandy patches near the reef edge. In a region known for its incredible biodiversity, this specific encounter serves as a powerful indicator that the conservation efforts in Bohol are working.
Balicasag Island is a strictly managed marine protected area. By limiting the number of divers and enforcing “no-take” zones, the local authorities have created a safe haven where rare species can thrive. When a Bowmouth Guitarfish chooses to visit these waters, it tells us that the water quality is high and the food source—mainly crustaceans and mollusks—is abundant.
Diving with the “Shark Ray” in Bohol
If you are planning a trip for scuba diving Philippines, Balicasag should already be at the top of your list. But what does it feel like to encounter a Bowmouth Guitarfish?
Unlike many rays that bury themselves in the sand, the Bowmouth is often seen swimming just above the seabed or hovering near the reef. They can grow up to nearly 3 meters (9 feet) in length, making them a formidable and impressive sight underwater. Despite their shark-like appearance, they are docile toward divers, though they are quite shy and will move away if they feel crowded.
This is why having an experienced guide is essential. Local experts, such as the team at Sierra Madre Divers, understand the behavior of these rare visitors. They know how to position a group so that everyone gets a clear view and a great photo without stressing the animal. Their deep knowledge of Balicasag’s topography—from the steep walls of Rico’s Wall to the sandy slopes of Black Forest—increases the chances of spotting something spectacular.
Exploring the Diversity of Balicasag
While the Bowmouth Guitarfish is the current superstar, a dive trip to Balicasag offers so much more. The island is surrounded by a narrow shelf that drops off into a vertical wall plunging to depths of over 40 meters.
- The Jack Tornado: Almost every diver at Balicasag will encounter the massive school of Big-eye Trevally. They form a shimmering silver vortex that can block out the sun, providing an incredible backdrop for wide-angle photography.
- The Turtle Sanctuary: It is not uncommon to see 10 or 15 Green Sea Turtles on a single dive. Many of them are quite large and very comfortable with divers, often found munching on sea grass or resting on the reef ledges.
- Macro Wonders: Between the big encounters, keep an eye out for the small stuff. The reefs are home to ornate ghost pipefish, giant frogfish, and an array of nudibranchs that look like they’ve been painted by hand.
Planning Your Visit
Because Balicasag is a protected sanctuary, it operates on a permit system. To ensure the reef isn’t overwhelmed, only a limited number of divers are allowed each day. If you want to walk in the footsteps (or swim in the fins) of those who saw the Bowmouth Guitarfish, you need to book your spots in advance.
Choosing a professional shop is the best way to handle the logistics. Find a shop that specializes in these excursions, taking care of the permits and boat transfers from Panglao.
The Future of Bohol Diving
The return of rare species like the Bowmouth Guitarfish gives us hope for the future of our oceans. It reminds us that when we protect a small patch of reef, the entire ocean benefits. Whether you are a professional photographer looking for that one-in-a-million shot or a recreational diver who wants to experience the best of the scuba diving Philippines has to offer, Bohol is waiting for you.
Come for the turtles, stay for the jacks, and keep your eyes peeled for the “Shark Ray.” You never know what might be cruising just around the corner of the reef.
Jon lives in Nova Scotia, Canada and is the founder of ScubaDiveMarketing.com
. We work with dive shops from around the world to increase their online presence.
