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