Apo Island
World-renowned marine sanctuary off Negros Oriental, famous for sea turtle encounters, pristine coral reefs, and some of the best diving in the Philippines.
Highlights
Swim alongside green and hawksbill sea turtles in shallow seagrass beds and coral gardens—one of the most reliable turtle spots in the Philippines.
Established in 1982 as one of the first community-managed marine reserves in the Philippines, featuring healthy hard coral coverage and abundant marine life.
Dramatic coral walls dropping to 60+ meters with schools of jacks, snappers, barracuda, and occasional pelagic visitors.
Stay on the island with local families or take day trips from Dauin and Dumaguete—supporting sustainable tourism initiatives.
Top Attractions & Dive Sites
Chapel Point (Kan-uran)
Dive & Snorkel SiteFamous turtle feeding grounds with shallow reef and dramatic wall.
Tip: Best for snorkeling in morning. Maintain distance from turtles.
Coconut Point
Dive SiteDramatic wall dive on the south side with excellent hard coral coverage, schooling fish, and occasional pelagics in the blue.
Tip: Experienced divers only due to currents. Start early for best visibility.
Largahan
Dive & Snorkel SiteGentle sloping reef perfect for all levels, with abundant fish life and coral bommies.
Tip: Great for beginners and those seeking a more relaxed dive after wall sites.
Mamsa Point
Dive SiteNorth-side wall with overhangs, crevices, and a healthy population of triggerfish and snappers.
Tip: Check current conditions—can be challenging when winds pick up.
Rock Point West/East
Dive SiteBeautiful coral gardens with macro life, nudibranchs, and colorful reef fish.
Tip: Excellent for underwater photography with diverse subjects.
Where to Stay
Basic beach cottages run by local families—rustic, eco-friendly experience with limited electricity.
Ideal for: Sunrise/sunset dives, Authentic island life, Budget travelers
₱500–1,500/night
Apo Island Beach Resort
Simple cottages, diving packages available, basic restaurant
Liberty's Lodge
Family-run, beachfront cottages, can arrange diving
Mario's Homestay
Basic rooms, shared facilities, very budget-friendly
Full-service dive resorts with daily boats to Apo Island, excellent house reefs, and modern amenities.
Ideal for: Comfort, Multiple dive sites, Photography
₱3,500–15,000+/night
Atlantis Dive Resort Dumaguete
Premium resort with Apo day trips included in packages
Liquid Dive Resort
Diver-focused, daily Apo trips, good value
Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort
Beachfront, full dive center, Apo trips available
City hotels with restaurants and services; join organized day tours to Apo Island.
Ideal for: City amenities, Non-divers, Food scene
₱2,000–5,000/night
Hotel Essencia
Sierra Hotel Dumaguete
- Best diving conditions: March to May (calmest seas, best visibility up to 30m+)
- November to February: Cooler, still good diving but occasional rougher seas
- June to October: Southwest monsoon brings rain and waves—crossings may be canceled
- Turtles present year-round, but visibility varies by season
- Fly to Dumaguete (DGT) then transfer to Dauin or Malatapay
- Day trip boats from Dauin beach resorts (30-45 min crossing)
- Public boat from Malatapay landing (Wednesday market day is busiest)
- Stay overnight on Apo Island itself for sunrise/sunset dives
- Ferry connections: Cebu (Liloan-Sibulan) or Bohol (Tagbilaran-Dumaguete)
- Marine sanctuary fee: ₱200–300 per visit (cash only)
- Guide fee: ₱300–500 (mandatory for dive sites)
- Snorkeling day tour from Dauin: ₱1,200–2,000 per person
- Fun dives: ₱1,800–3,000 per dive (from Dauin resorts)
- Private boat charter from Malatapay: ₱3,000–6,000 (split among group)
- Accommodation on island: ₱500–1,500 per night
- Sea conditions: Crossings weather-dependent, trips may cancel in rough seas—build buffer days
- Turtle etiquette: Never touch or chase turtles, maintain 3m distance, control buoyancy
- Reef-safe sunscreen only: Protect the marine sanctuary
- Cash only on island: Bring small bills for fees, meals, accommodation
- No ATM on island: Get cash in Dumaguete or Dauin before arrival
- Limited electricity: Usually 6pm-10pm only, charge devices in advance
- Bring essentials: Sunscreen, water bottle, basic toiletries (no shops on island)
- Book ahead in peak season: March-May gets busy