Whitebeach Divers and Loon Sunset Bar - Apo Reef

Alright, let's talk about Whitebeach Divers and Loon Sunset Bar. We love this site not just for the diving, but for the whole vibe. You’re typically dropping in close to the Whitebeach itself, usually on the calmer eastern side of Apo Reef. The reef here isn't a dramatic wall, but more of a sloping shelf, dappled with star coral formations and big, healthy colonies of fluted clams, some truly enormous. We’ve spent hours just poking around here, finding things like the tiny, secretive two-toned pygmy squid tucked into crannies, or the surprisingly stout red shrimp perched on sponges. Keep an eye out for the big porous cowries slowly making their way across the sand patches; they're more common here than you might think. We often spot a few different wrasse species, including the striking bird wrasse, darting amongst the corals. Dive this in the late afternoon if you can. The light filtering through the water is something else, making the blues deeper and the corals glow. It’s a pretty relaxed dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to take their time and really observe the smaller stuff. The current is usually pretty mild, making it accessible for less experienced divers, but there's enough going on to keep even the seasoned pros happy. Surface at sunset, and the Loon Sunset Bar lives up to its name, offering some pretty spectacular sky colours.

Location
Apo Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.949266, 121.931465

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 Whitebeach Divers and Loon Sunset Bar

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 Whitebeach Divers and Loon Sunset Bar

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