Log This Dive

Barracuda Lake

Barracuda Lake is a peculiar one, even for Apo Reef. We love it precisely because it’s so different from the vibrant reef dives around it. You’re dropping into a brackish thermocline here, a mix of salt and fresh water that shifts noticeably as you descend. The visibility can be a bit hazy, especially near the surface, but that just adds to the eerie, otherworldly feel. Our favourite part is gliding through the warmer, shallower layer and then hitting the cooler, clearer salt water below. It’s like entering a different room. There aren’t big coral formations, but you’ll find some fascinating gobies tucked into crevices and, yes, a few barracuda often patrol the deeper sections. Don't expect huge schools, but seeing a solitary barracuda materialize out of the gloom is always a treat. It’s not a dive for macro photographers chasing tiny critters, nor for those wanting colourful reefs. This is for divers who appreciate the unusual, who like a bit of mystery and a unique geological experience. Go with an open mind, and you’ll find it surprisingly captivating.