Cave - Apo Reef

The "Cave" site at Apo Reef isn't what most divers picture – it's less a cavern and more an impressive overhang, a proper wall dive that dips down into the blue. We've often found ourselves hovering here, scanning for some of the smaller, more unusual residents. Think pygmy gobies, particularly the Yellow-red and Blackbelly, tucked into crevices, or a well-camouflaged Rosy Frogfish clinging to a sponge. It’s a spot where patience pays off; the big stuff moves past, but the real show is often in the details, like spotting a Jebb's Siphonfish swaying in a crack. For those who enjoy a slower pace and have a keen eye, it's a rewarding drift.

Location
Apo Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.153890, 119.277910
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