Barracuda Point - Apo Reef

Barracuda Point at Apo Reef is one of those spots that really wakes you up. We've had some truly exhilarating dives here, feeling the push of the current as we drift past the wall. It’s where the reef drops away into the deep blue, and the pelagics often cruise by. We’ve seen schools of midnight angelfish shimmering on the reef flat, but the real show starts deeper. This is a dive for those who appreciate the big stuff and don’t mind a bit of a ride. Keep an eye out for the big schools of barracuda that give the site its name; they often circle in the blue, creating a dizzying spectacle. We've also spotted plenty of reef sharks patrolling the edges of the drop-off, and the occasional eagle ray gliding past. Our favourite strategy is to start a bit shallower, taking in the smaller inhabitants like the colourful foxface and chestnut blennies, then gradually drift deeper to catch the action in the current. You'll feel the water moving, sometimes strongly, so good buoyancy and comfort in current are a must. It’s a proper drift, so you cover a lot of ground without much effort. The colours of the hard corals are surprisingly vibrant, even in the deeper sections, a real contrast to the big fish passing by.

Location
Apo Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
12.657666, 120.418890

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 Barracuda Point

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 Barracuda Point

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