Apo has become a popular dive and snorkelling site due to the wonderful biodiversity found amongst it’s turquoise blue coastal waters. The volcanic island is home to over 615 documented species of fish and estimated over 400 coral species, an astonishing number considering the entirety of the Philippines hosts 421 species of coral.

From beds of colourful soft corals in the shallows, to huge gorgonian sea fans, barrel sponges and branching Acropora found in the deep, Apo is a centre of marine biodiversity. Protected green and hawksbill turtles can be seen in dozens in the shallows, resting or foraging for food. Currents at the North part of the island offer exceptional clear waters with huge schools of jacks, groupers and fusiliers. Some dive sites allow you to swim through a stream of bubbles coming from the sand (imagine yourself floating in a bottle of bubbly), created by the volcanic activity under the island and if you are lucky, like one in hundreds, you may get the chance to spot a thresher shark in the blue emerging from the deep. Apo Island is a favorite dive site for training for the technical divers of Marine Conservation Philippines, as the excellent visibility, steep walls and deep canyons provide dramatic scenery for the courses.

Visitors help keep the sanctuary clean and in good condition by paying a small fee to enter Apo Island’s waters to snorkel or dive. Whether you are a newly certified open water diver or an experienced divemaster you will surely not be disappointed.