LEYTE - Apo Reef

The Leyte wreck, a former motor vessel driven aground by Typhoon Olive back in '78, sits in just 2 meters of water. That depth makes it incredibly accessible, perfect for a long snorkel or a very shallow dive. We’ve found the stern section particularly intact, offering some interesting swim-throughs where schooling bannerfish often mill about. Because it's so shallow, light penetration is fantastic, really illuminating the resident batfish and the occasional reef shark that cruises by. It’s a nice, easy dive, or even a good way to spend an hour finning around if you’re looking for something different from the deeper walls of Apo.

Location
Apo Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
12.500000, 122.116670
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

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 LEYTE

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 LEYTE

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What marine life can I expect to see when scuba diving in Leyte?
The specific marine life for the Leyte dive site is not detailed in the provided information. While many Philippine dive sites boast rich biodiversity, we recommend consulting our wildlife database or local dive operators for expected sightings.
What are the typical depths for dive sites in Leyte?
The Leyte wreck dive site is quite shallow, with a typical depth of 2 meters. This makes it accessible for divers, though its classification as a dangerous wreck requires caution.
What are the usual currents and underwater conditions like for diving in Leyte?
The provided data for the Leyte dive site does not specify information regarding typical currents or general underwater conditions such as visibility or water temperature. Divers should always check local conditions with a dive operator before planning their dive.
When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Leyte?
The provided information for the Leyte dive site does not specify the best time of year for diving. For general guidance on seasonal conditions in the Philippines, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are recommended or required for Leyte's dive sites?
Given that the Leyte dive site is classified with an "intermediate" difficulty and as a "Dangerous wreck," it is highly recommended that divers possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification. Specialized wreck diving certifications would also be beneficial for safely exploring this site.
Are Leyte's dive sites suitable for beginner divers, or are they more challenging?
The Leyte dive site is classified with an "intermediate" difficulty and specifically as a "Dangerous wreck." While the depth is only 2 meters, the nature of a wreck dive, especially one deemed dangerous, means it is generally more challenging and not ideal for beginner divers.