Apo 29 - Apo Reef

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.

Location
Apo Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
12.633805, 120.443950
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
15-30m

Marine Protected Area: Apo Reef Natural Park

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Apo Reef

Nearest Dive Centres to Apo 29

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Apo 29

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Apo 29?
The typical diving depth at Apo 29 ranges from 15 to 30 meters. This makes it suitable for divers looking to explore a vibrant reef environment at varying depths within the Apo Reef system.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at Apo 29?
While Apo 29 is known as a beautiful reef dive site, specific details about the marine life you can expect to encounter are not provided in our current data. However, reef dives typically offer a rich diversity of fish and coral species. For general information on marine life, please visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Apo 29 dive site, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Apo 29 is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. This suggests it is best suited for divers with some prior experience, rather than absolute beginners. Divers should be comfortable with various conditions that might be encountered at an intermediate site in the Philippines.
What is the best time of year to dive Apo 29 for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Our current data for Apo 29 does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on seasonal diving in the Philippines, please refer to our When to Dive guide. Always check local conditions before planning your trip to Apo Reef.
What dive certifications are required or recommended for diving Apo 29?
Given that Apo 29 is an intermediate dive site with depths ranging from 15 to 30 meters, a basic Open Water certification is typically required. For divers wishing to explore the deeper end of the site, an Advanced Open Water certification is highly recommended to ensure comfort and safety. Always dive within your certification limits and comfort zone at Apo 29.
What are the typical current conditions like at Apo 29, and how do they affect the dive?
The provided data for Apo 29 does not include specific details about typical current conditions or how they might affect the dive. Divers should always consult with local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on currents before planning their dive. Being prepared for varying currents is often important at intermediate reef sites.