The Gorge - Apo Reef

Dropping into The Gorge, you're immediately struck by the sheer scale of it. This is a proper wall dive on Apo Reef's southwestern edge, plummeting well past 40 metres. Corals and sponges cling to the vertical face, a healthy tapestry that hints at the deeper action. We've often found ourselves hanging here, watching grey reef sharks cruise by, sometimes whitetips too, and if you’re lucky, a hammerhead might ghost past in the blue. Keep an eye out for big schools of snappers and the occasional Napoleon wrasse. It’s a site we’d recommend for experienced divers, ideally hit at slack tide to avoid the stronger currents that can whip through here.

Location
Apo Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
12.670000, 120.425000

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 The Gorge

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 The Gorge

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