Apo Island Philippines
A protected marine sanctuary renowned for sea turtles, vibrant corals, and a peaceful island community.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm seas, best for diving
Apo Island Philippines
Best Time
Calm seas, best for diving
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A protected marine sanctuary renowned for sea turtles, vibrant corals, and a peaceful island community.
"This spot proves why the Philippines is one of the best dive destinations in the world."
🐢 Respect Marine Life
Never touch or feed the sea turtles or corals. Follow guide instructions for a sustainable experience.
🚤 Boat Ride Advice
Expect a potentially bumpy boat ride. Hold on tight and listen to the crew for safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sea Turtle Encounters
Marine Sanctuary
Swim alongside majestic sea turtles in their natural habitat. A truly unforgettable experience for snorkelers and divers.
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Vibrant Coral Reefs
Marine Sanctuary
Explore a kaleidoscope of colorful corals teeming with diverse marine life. A diver's paradise and a snorkeler's dream.
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Island Village Life
Main Village
Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and witness a unique island community. Browse local crafts and enjoy fresh seafood.
Panoramic Island Views
View Deck
Hike to viewpoints for breathtaking vistas of the island and surrounding turquoise waters. Perfect for drone shots!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Marine Sanctuary
+2Island Life & Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐢 Respect Marine Life
Never touch or feed the sea turtles or corals. Follow guide instructions for a sustainable experience.
🚤 Boat Ride Advice
Expect a potentially bumpy boat ride. Hold on tight and listen to the crew for safety.
🛏️ Stay Overnight
Experience the island's magic after day-trippers leave. Enjoy stargazing and tranquility.
💰 Bring Cash
Most establishments on Apo Island are cash-based. ATMs are not available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐢 Respect Marine Life
Never touch or feed the sea turtles or corals. Follow guide instructions for a sustainable experience.
🚤 Boat Ride Advice
Expect a potentially bumpy boat ride. Hold on tight and listen to the crew for safety.
🛏️ Stay Overnight
Experience the island's magic after day-trippers leave. Enjoy stargazing and tranquility.
💰 Bring Cash
Most establishments on Apo Island are cash-based. ATMs are not available.
🤿 Snorkel/Dive Gear
Rent gear on the island or bring your own for comfort and fit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Apo Island is celebrated for its breathtaking marine sanctuary, offering unparalleled opportunities to snorkel and dive with sea turtles amidst vibrant coral reefs. Visitors praise the warm hospitality of the locals and the island's serene, natural beauty, especially when staying overnight. While some found the diving experience could be more curated, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting it as a must-visit for nature lovers.
"Beautiful scenery, Kind People, Best Diving site! Stay for the night and experience nature away from your phones, live the moment, feel the sand in your feet, hear the song of the sea, watch the stars above."
Albert Rumbaoa
"An unexpected escape after work 🌴
All our pagod instantly washed away! The people here are incredibly warm and accommodating, and the tour guides are so friendly—it truly made the experience even better. 💕
If you ever visit, don’t miss the chance to go snorkeling and see the sea turtles. 🐢 Although there are only a few left and some areas were affected by the typhoon, the beauty and history of this place remain untouched. It’s a gentle reminder that even after the storms, there’s always something beautiful left to see. 💚✨☺️"
Kristelle Laoreno
"Apo Island 🐢🌊 Finally ticked off my bucket list to freedive with sea turtles. This spot proves why the Philippines is one of the best dive destinations in the world. 🌍💙
Would you try freediving here too?
Book through Klook and use my code "SEANNKLOOK" for discounted rates.
Captured underwater shots with the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro 🎥
Backpack from Osprey Packs"
Seann Demafeliz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Dumaguete, take a bus or van to Malatapay port in Zamboanguita (approx. 40 mins, ₱62 fare). From there, hire a boat to Apo Island.
There are no direct boats from Siquijor to Apo Island. You'll need to travel back to Dumaguete first and then take a boat from Malatapay port.
The boat ride takes about 30 minutes and can be rough, especially with waves. Safety equipment is provided.
Yes, regular buses and vans operate from Dumaguete City to Malatapay, Zamboanguita.
You can rent a van or motorbike for more personalized transport to the port.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are environmental and sanctuary fees. It's best to check the latest rates upon arrival, as they can change.
While you can book on arrival, booking in advance, especially during peak season, is recommended to secure your spot.
Yes, you'll need to pay sanctuary fees to enter and participate in activities within the marine reserve.
The sanctuary is generally accessible during daylight hours for snorkeling and diving. Specific times may vary.
Boat transfers are typically arranged at the port before heading to the island.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Snorkeling and diving with sea turtles are top activities. Hiking to the viewpoint and exploring the village are also recommended.
Absolutely! Apo Island is renowned for its clear waters and abundant marine life, especially sea turtles.
Expect to see sea turtles, colorful corals, various fish species, and other fascinating underwater creatures.
Yes, seeing sea turtles is a highlight for most visitors. They are frequently spotted in the marine sanctuary.
Yes, there are trails leading to viewpoints offering stunning panoramic views of the island and sea.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find local eateries serving fresh seafood and Filipino dishes. Many offer beachfront dining.
Food prices are generally reasonable, with dishes ranging from $5-10 USD.
Options might be limited, but you can often request vegetable-based dishes at local eateries.
Yes, several restaurants are located along the beach, offering a scenic dining experience.
While food is available, bringing some of your favorite snacks is always a good idea, especially if you have specific dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints offer stunning aerial shots, while underwater photography is incredible in the marine sanctuary.
Yes, the island's volcanic landscape and surrounding waters provide excellent opportunities for drone photography.
A waterproof camera or action camera is ideal for underwater shots. A drone can capture the island's beauty from above.
Yes, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid using flash.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of local customs and privacy when photographing residents.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2Consider staying overnight to allow kids to experience the island's peaceful evenings, away from screens. Pack plenty of sun protection, snacks, and any necessary medications. The warm and welcoming nature of the locals also makes families feel at home.
🐠 Dive Enthusiasts
+2While some visitors suggest that the best dive spots might not always be immediately apparent, the overall diving experience is highly rated. Staying overnight allows for multiple dives and a deeper exploration of what the island's waters have to offer.
🧘♀️ Travelers Seeking Tranquility
The island's simple way of life, coupled with the stunning natural beauty, offers a perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Embrace the slow pace and enjoy the feeling of being truly present.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Marine Conservation Efforts
Visitors play a vital role in maintaining the health of this sanctuary. Strict guidelines are in place for snorkeling and diving, emphasizing the importance of not touching or disturbing the coral reefs and marine creatures. The presence of friendly sea turtles is a testament to the effectiveness of these conservation efforts, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to witness them in their natural habitat.
+3While the island has faced challenges, such as typhoon damage, the resilience of its ecosystem and the dedication of its people to conservation are inspiring. Your visit contributes to the ongoing protection of this underwater paradise.
Getting to and Around Apo Island
While there are no direct boat services from Siquijor to Apo Island, visitors often combine trips by returning to Dumaguete first. For those seeking more flexibility, private van or motorbike rentals are available to reach the port. Once on Apo Island, the main mode of transport is walking; the island is small enough to explore on foot, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
For those interested in aerial perspectives, drone photography is popular, capturing the island's volcanic topography and the vast expanse of the ocean. However, always be mindful of local regulations and respect the privacy of residents when flying drones or taking photos.
Diving and Snorkeling Experiences
+2Divers can explore numerous dive sites that boast healthy coral formations and a variety of fish species. While some visitors have reported being shown the best spots, the general consensus is that the underwater world here is spectacular. The experience is often guided, with snorkelers sometimes holding onto a rope for a more controlled exploration.
It's important to remember that Apo Island is a marine reserve, and adherence to conservation rules is paramount. This ensures the continued health of the reefs and the protection of marine life for future generations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit