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    Diving in Apo Reef

    Diving in Apo Reef

    Philippines
    156 dive sites
    61 dive centres

    Why dive here

    Apo Reef offers some of Philippines's richest diving, with 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including giant moray eels, sea turtles, sperm whales, lionfish and pufferfish. Water ranges 28-30°C, warmest May, June, July.

    Best timeOct–Feb
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeGiant Moray Eels, Sea Turtles, Sperm Whales, Lionfish and Pufferfish · 176+ species recorded
    Water28-30°C · warmest May, June, July
    Dive sites154 sites · reef, wreck, cave
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Apo Reef is undeniably a standout, and not just because it's the largest coral reef system in the Philippines. We’ve found that it consistently delivers some of the most dramatic wall dives in Southeast Asia. Drop off into serious blue, often with visibility stretching 30 metres or more. We love the sheer scale of the place; it feels truly wild out here in the Mindoro Strait. You’re looking at dramatic walls that plunge into the deep, often adorned with big gorgonian fans and barrel sponges. The highlight for us? Definitely the shark encounters. We’ve had incredible luck with whitetip and grey reef sharks patrolling the drop-offs, sometimes even a hammerhead if you hit the right season, usually around March to May. Manta rays are also a regular sight, gliding by on the current. The drift diving here is excellent, letting you cover a lot of ground with ease. Just be mindful of those currents; they can be strong, so good buoyancy is key. If you're into macro, we’d suggest spending some time in the shallower reef sections looking for blennies and gobies, they are surprisingly abundant. We’ve also had some incredible luck spotting large schools of fusiliers, so thick they almost block out the sun - a truly immersive experience.

    Apo Reef Dive Site Map

    Dive sites and dive centres in Apo Reef

    Apo Reef Dive Sites

    154 dive sites in Apo Reef

    7 Islands Reef, Diving (NDC)

    Seven Islands Reef at Apo is one of those sites we always try to hit, especially if we’re feeling a bit adventurous. It’s not just a gentle drift, this place has character. We’ve had dives here where the current really picked up, zipping us past schools of fusiliers so thick they momentarily blot out the sun. Keep an eye out for those big Oriental maori wrasse, they’re almost always cruising around the deeper sections, and if you’re lucky, a flash of blue from a Blue-finned Rock Cod ducking into a crevice. We love the slightly chaotic energy here. It’s not a site for absolute beginners if the current is running, but for experienced divers who enjoy a bit of movement, it’s a real treat. We’ve found some quirky stuff tucked away in the corals, like the Rosy Frogfish, perfectly camouflaged, almost invisible until you’re right on top of it. It’s a site that rewards a slow, observant pass, even with the current pushing you along.

    Agnay Sanctuary

    Agnay Sanctuary, within Apo Reef, offers a relaxed drift over a sloping coral reef. It’s a good spot for spotting reef sharks cruising deeper, and we often see schools of jacks circling closer to the surface. Visibility here can vary, but generally holds up well. It's an easy dive, suitable for those looking to explore a classic Philippine reef without strong currents.

    Agpanabat Caves Canyons

    Agpanabat Caves and Canyons offers an interesting deep dive into Apo Reef’s unique topography. You’ll navigate through swim-throughs and along canyon walls, exploring the darker recesses of the reef. It's a dive that rewards careful buoyancy control and a keen eye for finding creatures tucked away in crevices. We’d suggest this site for experienced divers comfortable in overhead environments.

    Agpanabat Sanctuary

    Agpanabat Sanctuary sits on the eastern side of Apo Reef, offering a sloping coral reef. You'll drift past large coral formations and schools of reef fish. It’s a nice, relaxed dive, good for photographers or those looking for an easier current. We often find turtles here, just cruising along the reef edge.

    Akitsushima

    The Akitsushima wreck at Apo Reef is one of our absolute favourites in the Philippines. This isn't just a sunken boat; it's a hulking piece of history, a Japanese seaplane tender from WWII, now resting on its port side, stern-up, at around 36 metres. We love dropping down and seeing that massive crane arm, still intact, reaching out into the blue, a silent testament to its past life. You'll find schools of big-eye trevally swirling around the superstructure, their silver scales flashing in the ambient light filtering down. Inside, if you're comfortable with penetration, the crew quarters offer some interesting swim-throughs, but it's the external details that really grab us – the machine guns still mounted, encrusted in corals, and the way pufferfish and angelfish have made the metal their home. For experienced wreck divers, this is a phenomenal site, offering both historical intrigue and vibrant reef life. We’d suggest diving it on an early morning tide for the best visibility before the currents pick up.

    Akitsushima

    The Akitsushima wreck at Apo Reef isn't just a sunken ship; it’s a time capsule, a huge metal sculpture overgrown with life. We love it because it’s big, offering plenty to explore without being overwhelming. You drop down onto the deck, usually in pretty good visibility, and the sheer scale of the anti-aircraft guns and the crane arms really hits you. It feels like swimming through a ghostly playground. What makes it a standout for us are the details: the way the light filters through the broken superstructure, illuminating schools of fusiliers so thick they momentarily block your view. You'll often find big groupers lurking in the darker crevices and plenty of lionfish perched on the corroded metal. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs, too; they love the nutrient-rich growth on the wreck. This site suits divers who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of current occasionally, which can pick up, especially around the bow. Our tip? Try to get there early in the morning for the best light and fewer other divers.

    15-30m

    Aladin

    Aladin at Apo Reef really brings the drama. It’s a site we always try to hit, partly for the sheer scale of the reef, but mostly for the fish. Drop down and you’re immediately enveloped in a busy, healthy reef scene. We’ve seen Honeycomb Filefish here, sometimes a dozen of them, just picking away at the coral. Look for the Bantayan Butterflyfish too, a subtle beauty, often paired up. The appeal of Aladin is in the consistent, high-density fish population. It’s not just a few stragglers; you’ll find schools of fusiliers so thick they block out the sun for a moment. Keep an eye out for larger Rock Cod lurking under ledges and the distinctive Black Spotted Blow Fish cruising past. Our favourite, though, might be the Ringtail Maori Wrasse, always elegant, always curious. It's a great drift dive, the current often gentle enough to simply hang back and let the reef unfold before you. For divers who appreciate an active reef with plenty of movement and a good variety of schooling fish, Aladin is a solid pick.

    Alad North

    Alad North sits on Apo Reef's outer edge, often presenting a wall dive with decent corals. We've regularly spotted white tip reef sharks patrolling the deeper sections and green sea turtles lazily grazing on the shallows. The currents here can pick up, making it a good spot for advanced divers looking for a drift. Expect healthy reef fish populations, particularly schools of fusiliers and snappers.

    Alad Sanctuary Garden

    Alad Sanctuary Garden in Apo Reef offers a gentle drift along a sloping coral reef. It’s a good spot for newer divers looking to get comfortable with currents while still enjoying plenty of reef fish. You'll likely see parrotfish, anemonefish, and a variety of small reef sharks if you keep an eye on the blue. This site is a relaxed dive, a nice counterpoint to some of Apo's more demanding locations.

    Alad South

    Alad South in Apo Reef offers a straightforward wall dive. We've seen a good number of reef sharks patrolling the deeper sections, and the occasional turtle makes an appearance cruising along the top of the reef. It's a solid choice for a second or third dive, especially if you're keen to spot pelagics without too much effort.

    Apo 29

    Apo 29, or Barracuda Hill as it's often called, is our pick for serious drift diving in Apo Reef. It’s a pinnacle dive, not for the faint of heart or the newly certified. You really need to be comfortable with current, because when it runs, this place is a whirlwind. We love dropping onto the shallowest point, which is already past 25m, then settling deeper into the flow. What you get for that effort is a truly wild ride. Schools of triangular butterflyfish and horned bannerfish stream past, sometimes so dense they dim the light. You’ll spot pinktail triggerfish darting in and out of the coral, while rock cod patiently wait out the surge. It’s an energetic dive, best for experienced divers on liveaboards who can time their entry just right. Keep an eye out for the larger pelagics – the current brings everything to the table here.

    15-30m

    Apo Island - South (Mabuti)

    Mabuti, on Apo Island’s southern side, offers a solid intermediate dive. We drop to around 25m, settling onto a gentle slope of hard corals and anemone fields. You’ll usually find a good number of reef fish here: schools of snapper often hang out, and we’ve seen quite a few anemonefish tending their homes. The current can be mild, making for a relaxed drift, perfect if you’re looking for a comfortable dive after a bit of a break. It's a reliable spot for a pleasant hour underwater.

    25m
    Show all 154 dive sites in Apo Reef

    Apo Reef Dive Centres

    61 dive shops and operators in Apo Reef

    200Bar Diving Center

    Website

    Aquahabitat Divesafari & Tours

    Website
    Phone

    Aquaholics Dive Center

    Aquanaut Dive Center

    Website
    Phone

    Aquaventure Whitetip Dive Suply

    Bem's

    BORACAY KESAM DIVE

    Bubble Diver Center

    Show all 61 dive centres in Apo Reef

    Ocean Wildlife in Apo Reef

    176 species recorded in Apo Reef

    Apo Reef Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset

    Sunrise and sunset times for Apo Reef, calculated from coordinates

    Today - Sunday 11 October

    Sunrise

    05:46

    Sunset

    17:41

    Daylight

    11h 55m

    Golden Hour

    17:13

    First light (dawn) at 05:25 · Last light (dusk) at 18:03

    Monthly Averages

    Month
    Jan06:2217:5111h 29m
    Feb06:1918:0411h 45m
    Mar06:0518:0812h 3m
    Apr05:4518:0912h 24m
    May05:3318:1412h 41m
    JunLongest05:3318:2212h 50m
    Jul05:4018:2612h 46m
    Aug05:4618:1812h 32m
    Sep05:4617:5912h 12m
    OctNow05:4717:3911h 52m
    Nov05:5417:2911h 35m
    DecShortest06:0917:3511h 25m

    Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Apo Reef.

    Where to Stay near Apo Reef

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    Marine Protected Areas near Apo Reef

    12 protected areas near Apo Reef - please respect local regulations when diving

    DENR Antique, BFAR Antique, Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) Antique and Rare Inc.

    Marine Protected Area Network
    IUCN Not Applicable
    2,505 km²

    Sablayan and Calintaan (SaCa)

    Marine Protected Area Network
    IUCN Not Applicable
    868 km²

    El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area

    Managed Resource Protected Area
    IUCN IV
    535 km²

    Apo Reef Natural Park

    Natural Park
    IUCN II
    158 km²

    Lutao Reef Fish Sanctuary

    Locally-managed Marine Protected Area
    IUCN Not Applicable
    All
    0 km²

    Banyaga Marine Park

    Local Conservation Area
    IUCN Not Applicable

    Cabatiag-White Island Marine Park

    Local Conservation Area
    IUCN Not Applicable

    Ilin-Ambulong Marine Park

    Local Conservation Area
    IUCN Not Applicable

    Lumangbayan Turtle Nesting Reserve

    Local Conservation Area
    IUCN Not Applicable

    Marsumbol Marine Reserve

    Local Conservation Area
    IUCN Not Applicable

    Tabao and Luli Island / Brgy. Concepcion Fishery Reserve

    Local Conservation Area
    IUCN Not Applicable

    Talabasi Reef Municipal Fish Sanctuary and Refuge

    Local Conservation Area
    IUCN Not Applicable

    Getting to Apo Reef

    San Jose

    SJI
    29 km~46 min

    Kalibo

    KLO
    161 km~3.2 hrs

    Cabatuan

    ILO
    220 km~4.3 hrs
    Check travel advisory for Philippines

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