Diving in Apo Reef

Explore 157 dive sites in Apo Reef, Philippines. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Apo Reef

The warmest water temperatures in Apo Reef occur in June, averaging 30.3°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.1°C
  • February: 27.8°C
  • March: 28.2°C
  • April: 29.1°C
  • May: 30.1°C
  • June: 30.3°C
  • July: 29.9°C
  • August: 29.6°C
  • September: 29.7°C
  • October: 29.8°C
  • November: 29.5°C
  • December: 29.2°C

Marine Life in Apo Reef

Home to 181 recorded species including 171 reef fish, 5 seagrass & algae, 2 other, 1 whales & dolphins, 1 hard corals, 1 clams & mussels.

Dive Site Difficulty in Apo Reef

Apo Reef has 8 beginner, 7 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Apo Reef

Based on average water temperature of 29.3°C, currents 8 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Apo Reef

  • Apo Reef Natural Park - Natural Park (IUCN Category II)
  • El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area - Managed Resource Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Sablayan and Calintaan (SaCa) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • DENR Antique, BFAR Antique, Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) Antique and Rare Inc. - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Banyaga Marine Park - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Cabatiag-White Island Marine Park - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Ilin-Ambulong Marine Park - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Lumangbayan Turtle Nesting Reserve - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Marsumbol Marine Reserve - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Tabao and Luli Island / Brgy. Concepcion Fishery Reserve - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Talabasi Reef Municipal Fish Sanctuary and Refuge - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Lutao Reef Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)

Getting to Apo Reef - Nearest Airports

  • San Jose Airport (SJI), San Jose - 29 km away, approx 46 min travel time
  • Kalibo International Airport (KLO), Kalibo - 161 km away, approx 191 min travel time
  • Iloilo International Airport (ILO), Cabatuan - 220 km away, approx 255 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving conditions like at Apo Reef, including visibility and currents?
Apo Reef is known as the Philippines' largest coral reef system, featuring dramatic walls and a total of 156 dive sites. While specific details on visibility and currents are not provided in the data, such environments often offer clear waters and varying currents that attract diverse marine life. Divers exploring this marine natural park can anticipate encounters with pelagic species.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at Apo Reef?
Divers visiting Apo Reef can anticipate exciting marine life encounters, including sharks and manta rays. The area is a marine natural park, supporting a rich ecosystem across its 156 dive sites. Specific sites like Manta Point are indicative of the pelagic life present.
Which are considered the best dive sites in Apo Reef for different experience levels?
For beginner divers, excellent reef sites in Apo Reef include Twin Peaks, Coron, Pandan South, and Laguna Reef. Intermediate divers have a vast selection, with dramatic wall dives like Ego Wall and numerous wreck dives such as the Kyokuzan Maru or Nanshin Maru "black island wreck", which lies at 21 to 32 meters.
Is Apo Reef suitable for beginner divers, or is it more for experienced divers?
Apo Reef is suitable for both beginner and experienced divers, offering a wide range of dive sites. Beginners can enjoy shallower reef dives at sites like Twin Peaks, Coron, Pandan South, and Malpadon. More experienced divers can explore numerous intermediate-level wrecks and dramatic walls, making it a versatile destination for all skill levels.
What is the best time of year to dive Apo Reef for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
For optimal water temperatures when diving Apo Reef, the best months are May, June, and July. During this period, divers can expect average water temperatures around 30.05°C in May, 30.25°C in June, and 29.94°C in July. This makes for a very comfortable diving experience in the Philippines.
How do travelers typically get to Apo Reef for a dive trip?
The provided data context for Apo Reef does not include information on typical travel logistics or transportation methods to reach the dive destination. Travelers planning a trip should consult external resources for details on getting to this remote marine natural park.
Are there specific seasons for encountering particular marine species like manta rays or hammerhead sharks at Apo Reef?
While Apo Reef is known for exciting marine life, including shark encounters and manta rays at sites like Manta Point, the provided data does not specify particular seasons for encountering these species. Divers interested in specific wildlife sightings should research seasonal patterns for the local marine life.
What are the water temperatures usually like when diving in Apo Reef?
When diving in Apo Reef, divers can expect warm water temperatures, particularly during the peak months. In May, the water averages around 30.05°C, increasing slightly to 30.25°C in June, and remaining warm at 29.94°C in July. These consistently warm temperatures ensure a comfortable diving experience in this Philippine sub-region.