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.
Dive Activity
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, located in the Philippines, is a renowned marine sanctuary attracting divers with its vibrant underwater ecosystem. The island's reefs are densely populated with a variety of colorful reef fish, including clownfish, parrotfish, and angelfish, making it a paradise for those eager to experience marine biodiversity. These species are commonly encountered throughout the year, with the best visibility typically occurring during the dry season from December to May.
In addition to the vibrant fish population, divers might also spot larger marine creatures during specific times of the year. Green sea turtles are a frequent sight in the shallow waters near the island, especially around the turtle sanctuary areas. Between November and April, eagle rays may glide gracefully past divers, while sightings of blacktip reef sharks are also possible, though less frequent. These seasonal highlights make each dive at Apo Island a unique experience, offering both resident and visiting divers a chance to witness the wonders of marine life.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
1.5k Sightings
J
200
F
188
M
101
A
133
M
131
J
91
J
93
A
85
S
65
O
80
N
181
D
144
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
269 Sightings
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29
F
31
M
12
A
14
M
28
J
9
J
17
A
7
S
18
O
8
N
55
D
41
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
170 Sightings
J
32
F
32
M
9
A
12
M
6
J
12
J
17
A
3
S
3
O
3
N
22
D
19
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins
Hawksbill Turtle
119 Sightings
J
17
F
23
M
2
A
1
M
5
J
15
J
4
A
5
S
9
O
8
N
8
D
22
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
1.2k Sightings
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165
F
145
M
77
A
100
M
121
J
76
J
81
A
74
S
60
O
56
N
163
D
120
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
598 Sightings
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102
F
56
M
37
A
34
M
41
J
46
J
48
A
41
S
34
O
21
N
81
D
57
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 12
iStock/cinoby
Lionfish
515 Sightings
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75
F
88
M
15
A
39
M
48
J
38
J
27
A
29
S
22
O
26
N
67
D
41
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3000
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch
496 Sightings
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73
F
65
M
51
A
56
M
73
J
32
J
9
A
23
S
6
O
12
N
49
D
47
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish
460 Sightings
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81
F
64
M
22
A
12
M
20
J
39
J
32
A
42
S
20
O
17
N
70
D
41
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
382 Sightings
J
75
F
39
M
9
A
17
M
9
J
35
J
34
A
35
S
14
O
15
N
66
D
34
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.
