Cave - Apo Reef

The Cave at Apo Reef offers a different vibe than some of the more exposed reef walls. It’s less about big pelagics and more about the smaller, often overlooked creatures tucked away in crevices and under ledges. We’ve spotted Duncker's pipefish here, doing their slow sway, and occasionally a shy Shortfin False Moray peeking out. It's a dive that rewards patience and a keen eye, perfect for photographers or anyone who enjoys slowing down and really exploring the nooks. You won’t find dramatic swim-throughs, but the cave provides a fascinating habitat for species like the Hayashi's Cardinalfish and the almost invisible Sparse Eviota.

Location
Apo Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.153677, 119.279236
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area

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 Cave

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 Cave

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