Apo Menor - Apo Reef

Apo Menor is a good spot to start the day, easing into Apo Reef's bigger action. We usually drop onto the reef plateau, around 10 to 15 metres, before drifting along the wall that skirts this small limestone island. While not as dramatic as some of Apo's deeper cuts, the wall offers plenty to explore, with schooling fish often thick enough to catch the light in shimmering curtains. We’ve found the currents here are generally manageable, less intense than those famous Washing Machine dives, making it a comfortable drift for most skill levels. If the mantas have been playing shy elsewhere, this is often the backup plan; a quiet corner where they sometimes cruise by.

Location
Apo Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
12.675000, 120.400000

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 Menor

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 Menor

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