Diving Apo Island - Negros
The sanctuary is loaded with clownfish hanging around in the massive soft coral beds. The Coconut drift is sweet because you get swept along in the current surrounded by jacks, trevalleys, and barracudas.
You can catch a jeepney from Dumaguete to Malatapay where there is a market on Wednesdays. In the past you could negotiate a cheap ride over to the island from the beach there, but things are changing.
Basically the people of Apo head back home in the evening bringing back with them fresh water, building supplies, rice etc and you are paying for the fuel.
There is no real source of fresh water on Apo except for rain water and a brackish water lagoon where the towns people raise fish for the market.
All building supplies are brought in from the mainland because they don’t want to destroy the beaches getting sand and rock for construction projects.
Paul and Liberty’s is a popular place for travelers and peace corp groups to stay They have a dorm room and a number of private rooms.
The Apo Beach Resort is next door through a passageway in the rock wall. Both are nice. At Libertys the dorm is around 300 peso and rooms are around 900 peso.
The Apo Beach Resort is slightly more expensive but very very nice. cell 09102193359. tel 035 321 1038
There are a few families in town that rent out rooms too
The village’s generator is shut down around 9pm so it is a good idea to have a flashlight if you plan to walk around at night. Even a candle is nice in case you have to get up at night to use the facilities.
Most of the diving is done through Pauls. It’s run by local dive guides and gives them a chance to earn a living from the sea without taking all the fish.
It makes sense that these people have a vested interest in keeping the reefs nice and healthy instead of blasted away as is done in so many other parts of the Philippines.
Liberty has a very deep commitment to making her people succeed and benefit from the islands natural beauty and resources.
She has on a number of occasions been able to get some operators banned from the area for spearfishing in the sanctuary etc.
Liberty is a native of the island and cares for her people. +63(0)921 331 6325 She stays in Dumaguete because the kid goes to school there. email- dive@apoisland.com Apo Island PO box 1 Dauin, Negros Oriental Philippines 6217 ,Apo Direct +63(0) 920 238 5704
There are many dive boats that come in form surrounding islands that drop the hook in the harbor and eat packaged lunches on the beach, use the facilities and then go back home without contributing anything to the local economy.
I prefer to stay on the island and try to contribute in a small way. Plus it is a mini adventure and you can meet some interesting people.
From Coconut to Rock Point there was a lot to see and I also enjoyed a night dive. All the dive masters are from town and were good.
The sanctuary is loaded clownfish and there is a lot of great soft coral.
There are some really nice drift dives especially the coconut dive site. It’s packed with jacks, trevalleys, and barracudas.
Apo Island - Philippines
Am interested to visit the place with my nephews and friends. Do we have to bring diving gears, masks and snorkels?. Can we be met by your staff once we arrive in dumaguete? We plan to travel by sea- land.
Hi annabelle,
Apo is a great Island for diving and snorkeling. It’s a short trip from Negros Island with the dive boat.
There are a number of dive shops that are based in Dauin about 12 kilometres down the road from Dumaguete City on Negros Island.
-Adventure Dive has a great little dive shop located on the beach road right in Dumaguete. They are based in Dauin and make daily trips to the island. It is easier to stay in Dumaguete and make day trips but if you want to stay on Apo Island
On Apo Island
- Apo Island Beach Resort is on a small private beach and is a real gem.
-Paul and Liberty’s place is very nice too.
Dive and snorkel equipment is readily available in the area.
Tip-I like to use my own mask because I know it will be a good fit to my face and not leak. Often divers like to take along their own dive computer (to wear on the wrist - it keeps track of the depth and time)
The clownfish sanctuary is amazing.
Tip - If you are not comfortable in the water, do not hesitate to wear a swimming vest for flotation. It will give you peace oh mind and you can concentrate on looking at the fish. The currents around Apo are strong.
You can also snorkel right off the beach in Dauin.
Have a great trip!
ps: dutchpickle is just an information site for travelers and doesn’t make reservations
dp
Hi I am from Cebu, I am thinking of having our team outing at APO island this coming April, fist week. I would like to know if do you have packages like good for 15 person where we can have lesser expenses. Honestly we really have limited budget but we want to experience the beauty of Apo Island so we are looking for means.
Please advise and how much would it cost us.
Thanks
Merl
Hello Meryl,
It looks like you are in for a great trip!
I suggest contacting 5 or 6 different operators to find a deal that works for you.
There is lodging on Apo Island but you might choose to stay in Dumaguete and just leave from there in the mornings (Dauin 12 k down the road).
There is night life in Dumaguette but none on Apo, but it is a peaceful place to stay.
Take care
dp
i’ve been there..!!it’s a great place..
super!!
Hello fern,
Thanks for your input! I like it too! However,it does trouble me that Apo is going more corporate as the big money comes rolling in.
You used to be able to stay with the locals and rent rooms in their home but the powers that be put an end to that - all visitors must now stay in more costly resort accommodation. Local barangay law.
Apo is kind of loosing that small town appeal that it once had.
I’ve been there together with my three friends last march 6 and 7 ‘09. The place is like a paradise. It’s really amazing to stay there for two days. The people in the village are very nice and friendly too. Snorking in the marine sanctuary is the best. Alsom don’t forget to climb at the lighthouse to see the whole view of Negros….
Apo Island is highly recommended to be one of the best destination this summer.
Thanks for the update, yel!
dp