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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at Apo Menor?
While specific typical diving depths for Apo Menor are not explicitly detailed, the site is characterized by a reef plateau that drops away as a wall. This structure typically offers a range of depths for exploration. Although classified as intermediate difficulty, the site is noted as suitable for all levels of diver.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Apo Menor?
At Apo Menor, divers have the exciting opportunity to frequently see manta rays at a dedicated spot. This is particularly true if manta counts have been low on preceding dives in the area. As a reef site, you can anticipate encountering various reef-associated marine life and corals along its plateau and wall, contributing to a vibrant underwater experience.
How difficult are the dives at Apo Menor, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Dives at Apo Menor are classified as intermediate in difficulty. However, the site is explicitly noted as suitable for all levels of diver, making it accessible even for beginners. While some current may be present, it is generally not as strong as at other locations within Apo Reef, allowing for a comfortable experience.
What is the best time of year to dive at Apo Menor for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Our available data for Apo Menor does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on diving seasons in the Philippines, we recommend consulting our When to Dive resource. Always check with local dive operators for the most current seasonal recommendations.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Apo Menor?
While Apo Menor is rated as an intermediate dive, it is noted as suitable for all levels of diver. Therefore, a standard Open Water Diver certification should generally be sufficient for exploring much of the site. For any potential deeper sections of the wall or specific advanced dives, an Advanced Open Water certification might be recommended, so it's always best to confirm with your dive operator.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like when diving Apo Menor?
When diving Apo Menor, you can expect current to be present to some extent. However, it is important to note that these currents are not as strong as those found at some of the other sites within Apo Reef. Our available data does not provide specific details on typical visibility conditions for this particular dive site.