Aquanaut Dive Center

Apo Reef, Philippines

The team at Aquanaut Dive Center are the folks we always recommend when someone asks about diving Apo Reef. They operate from El Nido, which is a common misconception, so make sure you're clear on the journey. They specialise in trips out to Apo, and honestly, that's what you're there for. What we love about Aquanaut is their dedication to getting you out to the good stuff. Apo Reef is a proper pelagic playground, and Aquanaut consistently puts you in front of the action. We've had phenomenal dives with them, seeing schools of barracuda so dense they create a shimmering wall, and white-tip reef sharks cruising along the drop-off. Keep an eye out for grey reef sharks, too, especially around the deeper pinnacles. Their instructors really know their stuff, particularly when it comes to navigating Apo’s often robust currents. We’ve found their briefings to be thorough, detailing exactly what to expect from each site, which is crucial here. If you're looking to push your skills, they offer a good range of specialties, and we’d suggest their Deep Diver or Enriched Air courses to really maximise your time on Apo's walls. We've done a few trips where the current was ripping, but their boat handling and dive leadership always felt safe and in control. A top choice for serious divers heading to Apo.