APO ISLAND – DIVE SITES
Apo Island is a volcanic island covering 74 hectares inland area.
Known as one of the top diving and snorkelling destinations in
the Philippines, Apo Island is a short 30-40min boat ride away
from Dauin. Apo Island is a small community that falls under the
municipality of Dauin, Negros.
Apo Island is a marine reserve, protected by the National Integrated
Protected Area Act (NIPA).
At present, the island is home to over 650 documented species of
fish and estimated to have over over 400 species of coral.
LARGAHAN
Located on the north west side of the Island, Largahan is a very diverse site with Hard Coral formations separated by volcanic sand, ledges with deep undercuts, a fair-sized wall, and a Soft Coral garden in the shallows. Some gas bubbles can also be seen in the sandy area near the end of the dive. Suitable for beginners.
BALUARTE
This is another one of Apo’s dive sites where the volcanic nature of the island can be seen as steady streams of bubbles erupting from the sand, providing a magical feel to this site. This is an easy dive site with a steady slope and minimal to no current. Suited for beginners and experienced divers alike.
CHAPEL POINT
Chapel Point gets its name from the Church that overlooks this site, right in front of the docking point of the island. It is a gentle slope of white sand and patches of thriving Coral leading down to about 12m/40ft, where it drops off into an steep wall. There are many colourful Tube and Finger Sponges along the wall together with Gorgonian Seafans makes for an impressive site.
KATIPANAN
Katipanan is named after the small Cowry Shells often seen on this site. Situated on the Southern side of the island this is an easy dives site with little or no current, and can be dived to both sides. It is a gentle slope punctuated by colourful Soft Corals in the shallows, huge Brain Corals and fields of Lettuce Corals all covered in tropical reef fishes.
ROCK POINT WEST
The west side of Rock Point is a steep slope, which leads to a plateau at the tip of the point. Depending on the current, divers have the choice of continuing to the east side to explore the plateau or returning along the west slope. Be sure to bring a surface marker buoy. A variety of marine life to be spotted.
COCONUT POINT
Our personal favourite, this site is usually done as a drift dive because of the prevailing currents that are almost always present. This current, however, ensures prolific marine life so the is a high probability to see a large school of Big-Eye Trevally, solitary Giant Trevally out on the hunt, Spanish Mackerel, Midnight Snappers, Barracuda and clouds of Anthias and Fusiliers are always present. Recommended for advanced and experienced divers.
COGON POINT
Cogon Point is similar to Coconut in that it is often subjected to a strong current, making it an exhilarating drift dive that is only suitable for more experienced divers. With current comes an abundance of marine life.
MAMSA POINT
Mamsa is the local word for Trevally and, as you would expect, this is an excellent place to see them.
ROCK POINT EAST
Rock Point East is a large finger-shaped reef protruding from Apo Island’s South East corner. Its proximity leaves it exposed to stronger currents, which ensures incredible fish life and Coral formations, as well as the occasional visit from larger pelagic fish. Advanced to experienced divers.