Apo Island Snorkelling in Dumaguete and Apo Island
Part of the Dumaguete and Apo Island travel guide — see every topic in All Dumaguete and Apo Island Guides.
Apo Island is a small volcanic island about 7 kilometres off the southern tip of Negros, around 30 kilometres south of Dumaguete. The local community created a marine sanctuary here in 1982, and today the island and its waters are a national protected landscape and seascape. Because fishing is limited, the coral is healthy and the fish are many. Green sea turtles feed on the sea grass close to shore, so you have a very good chance to swim near one.
Turtles and coral
The main beach on Apo Island has sea grass in shallow water, and turtles come here to feed. Many visitors see several turtles in one swim, often only a few metres down. Further out, the reef drops away into deeper blue water. Scientists have recorded hundreds of kinds of fish and coral around the island. You may see bright reef fish, giant clams, schools of jacks and soft corals in many colours. The water is usually clear and warm all year. Even beginners can enjoy it with a mask, snorkel and life jacket, as long as the sea is calm.
Rules in the sanctuary
Apo Island is a protected area, and the rules are strict. Never touch, chase or ride the turtles, and keep a few metres away from them. Do not stand on coral or touch it, and do not feed the fish. Gloves are usually not allowed. Use reef-safe sunscreen or wear a rash guard. Some areas, including the core no-take sanctuary, are closed or limited for swimmers and boats. Local guides know which zones are open, and in some places a guide is required. Listen to the briefing and stay with your group. These rules are why the reef is still healthy today.
Fees
All visitors pay a park or environmental fee when they arrive on the island. There are extra fees for snorkelling and diving, and sometimes for a local guide or for renting gear. The money helps pay for the rangers, beach cleaning and the care of the sanctuary. Fees change from time to time and can be different for local and foreign visitors, so check the current amounts with your boat operator or dive shop. Bring cash in small notes, because there are no banks or cash machines on the island.
The boat from Malatapay
Boats to Apo Island leave from Malatapay, a beach village in the town of Zamboanguita, about 45 minutes to one hour south of Dumaguete by road. The crossing on a small outrigger boat takes about 30 minutes. You can hire a whole boat or share with other travellers. Boats go mostly in the morning, when the sea is calmer. In the afternoon the waves can grow, and the trip may be wet and bumpy. If the weather is bad, the coast guard can stop all boats. Many dive shops in Dumaguete and Dauin also run full day trips with transport, gear and lunch.
Staying on the island
Most people visit Apo Island on a day trip, but there are a few simple places to stay on the island. Staying overnight lets you snorkel early, before the day boats arrive, and enjoy the quiet evening. Power and water can be limited, and phone signal can be weak. The island has a small village, a short hiking path to a lighthouse and viewpoints over the sea. Bring what you need, including cash, drinking water and medicine, and take your rubbish back to the mainland.
Apo Island Snorkelling at a glance
| Where | About 7 km off southern Negros, 30 km south of Dumaguete |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Road to Malatapay, Zamboanguita, then about 30 min by boat |
| Hours | Boats mostly in the morning; daytime visits |
| Cost | Park fee plus snorkel or dive fees; amounts change |
| Best time | About March to June for calm seas; mornings |
| Bring | Cash, reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard, water |