Viking Dive Center - Apo Reef

Viking Dive Center is one of those sites that just feels like a proper deep dive. You drop in and immediately the water feels bigger, colder almost, even though it’s still the tropics. We love that initial sense of exposure, then the wall just appears, a sheer drop into the blue. Our favourite part is finding the ledges, just wide enough for a careful fin kick, where you can peer into the smaller crevices. It's here we've spotted the Gilbert's Synaphobranchid Eel, a proper deepwater resident, usually just a pair of eyes watching you from the gloom. Further along, look for the subtle shifts in the coral, pockets of Star Coral and Bear Paw Clams clinging on. We’ve had some cracking encounters with Grey Atlantic Augers here, gracefully navigating the currents. The Two-toned Pygmy Squid is a treat if you can spot it, tiny and often mistaken for a bit of detritus. Keep an eye out for the bigger pelagics moving past in the blue, though Viking Dive Center is really about the intricate life on the wall itself. This site is best for experienced divers comfortable with depth and currents, who appreciate the thrill of exploring a less-visited, dramatic reef.

Location
Apo Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.963682, 121.923350

Marine Protected Area: DENR Antique, BFAR Antique, Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) Antique and Rare Inc.

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 Viking Dive Center

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 Viking Dive Center

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