Explore Apo Island

Apo Island, a gem nestled off the southern tip of Negros Oriental in the Philippines, offers an exceptional diving experience enriched by its vibrant marine biodiversity. Just a short 15-minute boat ride from Dauin, divers are greeted by spectacular sloping reefs, dramatic walls, and mesmerizing drop-offs. These underwater landscapes are adorned with thriving corals, creating a colorful backdrop for an array of marine life. Divers often encounter sea turtles, a variety of reef fish, and the occasional passing pelagic species, making each dive feel like an exploration of a vibrant underwater metropolis.

One of the unique aspects of diving in Apo Island is the community-driven conservation efforts that have preserved its underwater treasures. The island's waters are teeming with life, thanks in large part to the community-protected marine sanctuary established here. Whether diving from shore, boat, or choosing a liveaboard experience, divers can explore the island's diverse environments year-round. Seasonal currents bring nutrient-rich waters, enhancing the visibility and attracting even more marine life. Apo Island's commitment to sustainable tourism ensures that its beauty remains unspoiled, offering a truly authentic and unforgettable dive experience.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Rock Point West

Located on the southwest corner of Apo Island, Rock Point West is adjacent to it’s sibling Rock Point East. A steep slope leads you to a plateau towards the southern tip where the current gets stronger most of the time.

1,875
Logs
1,529
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Chapel Reef

The Catholic Chapel at Apo Island can be seen from the dive site, hence the name. A stunning dive site that begins as a slope with scattered coral bommies leading to a steeper slope towards a wall overloaded with nook, crannies, cracks, crevices & caverns exposing overhangs graced by soft & hard corals.

2,755
Logs
2,029
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Apo Island Marine Sanctuary

To date, Apo Island is one of the most successful conservation stories in the Philippines. Marine Sanctuary was one of the first sanctuaries in the Philippines, where a maximum of only 15 divers are allowed at a time.

722
Logs
399
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Largahan

Largahan is a very beautiful and diverse site. You will find a dark sandy area of coral gardens and volcanic rocks. This site is great for macro diving, like the whole of Apo Island.

1,641
Logs
1,301
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Coconut Point

A virtual washing machine experience awaits you at Coconut Point, an exciting dive site on the northern tip of Apo Island. The current can come at you literally from any side left, right, up, down & center. A sloping reef edging towards a rock wall. This site is best for experienced divers.

1,127
Logs
918
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★★ Rock Point East

Rock Point East is a finger-shaped reef located on the southeast corner of Apo Island, primarily exposed to prevailing currents ensuring an abundance of reef fish, colorful coral formations, and occasional visits from pelagic species.

848
Logs
714
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Katipanan Reef

A great dive site for new divers. This site is very easy to dive and the coral and sea turtles will just take your breath away. A beautiful slope that lets you see the far reaching coral gardens and if you look close, you will have the chance to see nudibranchs and a lot of colorful reef fish.

1,244
Logs
943
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★★ Kan Oran Reef

Slightly north of the Marine Sanctuary is a gentle wall dive that ‘Kan-Uran Point’ affords divers. Kan-uran means ’from the person,’ in the local Visayan dialect. Newbie fun divers can experience getting inside overhangs & ledges to explore an abundant gentle explosion of colorful soft & hard coral gardens.

179
Logs
160
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★★ Baluarte

Along the western coast of Apo Island, Baluarte gives away the distinct evidence of it’s geological origins. An interesting phenomenon of a dive site where a continuous stream of bubbles from underground the island seeps through, a sure sign of volcanic activity.

234
Logs
181
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Mamsa Point

Mamsa is the Filipino word for trevally, hence the name. The currents can really be strong in this spot a few hundred meters north of Kan-uran Point.

109
Logs
94
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Cogon

Cogon means grass in the Filipino language. ‘Cogon Point’ was named after the grass used for roofing native houses that can be seen directly onshore, northeast of Apo Island.

672
Logs
539
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★★ Olo

Olo is a beautiful reef found on the north east of Apo Island. You will find not only the beautiful coral typical for the island, you may also spot sea snakes, nudibranchs, and frogfish.

50
Logs
42
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
24.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Apo Island

Apo Island, an acclaimed diving destination in the Philippines, offers an array of exhilarating underwater experiences. Known for its vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life, the island features top shore dives such as Chapel Point and Coconut Point, where divers can witness an abundance of sea turtles and vibrant coral formations.

For those interested in unique underwater adventures, Apo Island presents night dives that reveal the nocturnal behaviors of marine life, including the captivating dance of bioluminescent plankton. While the island lacks wreck dives, its thriving ecosystems offer a balance of shore and liveaboard diving options, making it ideal for both casual and avid dive travelers.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Apo Island

Apo Island offers exceptional year-round diving conditions, though the best time to dive is typically from December to May when the waters are calmest. During this period, water temperatures range from 27°C–30°C/81°F–86°F, making it comfortable for divers. Visibility is usually excellent, often reaching 20–30 meters/66–98 feet, allowing divers to fully appreciate the vibrant marine life and coral reefs. From June to November, conditions might be less favorable due to the southwest monsoon, which can bring stronger winds and currents. While diving is still possible, these factors can affect visibility and overall dive experience. Divers should be cautious and plan accordingly during this season, as weather can vary. Overall, Apo Island remains a captivating destination for underwater enthusiasts throughout the year.

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