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Apo Island
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Island
Apo Island is a small volcanic island located off the southeastern tip of Negros Island in the Visayas region. Despite its small size, covering just 74 hectares, it is one of the world's best-known community-organized marine sanctuaries. Established in 1982, the sanctuary has been instrumental in the regeneration of marine biodiversity in the area. The island is surrounded by spirited coral reefs teeming with life, making it a premier destination for diving and snorkeling. It is particularly famous for its large population of resident green and hawksbill sea turtles, which can be easily spotted feeding in the shallows. The success of Apo Island's marine sanctuary is a testament to the positive impact of community-based conservation, managed by the local fishing community who have seen fish stocks rebound, benefiting both the ecosystem and their livelihood.
- Location: Philippines
- Top sights: Thalatta dive · Truno beach · Apo Vista Beach Park
- Nearby: Maluay (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 162 | 95 | 84 | 68 | 134 | 225 | 238 | 183 | 186 | 235 | 240 | 198 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The iconic volcanic island is basically typically reached via motorized outrigger boats that regularly make the scenic crossing directly from the coastal towns of Zamboanguita or Malatapay on nearby Negros.
Best season
The distinctly drier months comfortably provide the very best conditions featuring immensely clear underwater visibility, while storms and rough seas in the monsoon season can easily make crossing impossible.
Terrain & paths
Right alongside the rocky coastal stretches and tiny bays, the island's interior is thoroughly quite hilly, featuring mostly narrow paths that lead somewhat steeply up to a lighthouse and superb viewpoints.
What to bring
Wholly essential for this uniquely special location are obviously swimwear and dedicated snorkeling equipment, but undeniably sturdy footwear is incredibly crucial if you choose to explore the hilly interior.
Parking
All vehicles inherently predictably must remain on the mainland, where they are very often safely parked securely quite near the boat docks for a notably nominal fee for the full duration of the island stay.
Safety
When keenly snorkeling, one absolutely must be extremely careful not to touch or actively damage any corals; additionally, primarily due to intensely strong currents, remain constantly in sight of the boats.
Time needed
Countless visitors routinely flock here simply for a fleeting day trip, though anyone wanting to deeply relish the island's utter tranquility after day tourists depart frequently books one or two overnights.
Geography
Facts
- A 74-hectare volcanic island off the coast of Negros Oriental.
- Known for its community-organized marine sanctuary.
- Home to a large population of green and hawksbill sea turtles.
- One of the top diving and snorkeling spots in the world.
- The sanctuary was established in 1982 by the local community.
- Over 650 species of fish have been documented in its waters.
- The name 'Apo' means 'grandchild' in the Visayan language.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Apo Island (11)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the main feature of Apo Island?
It is world-famous for its excellent marine sanctuary and the sea turtles living there.
Is snorkeling good there?
Yes, snorkeling is possible right from the beach and has a view of turtles and corals.
Are there resorts on the island?
There are some simple resorts and homestays, but no luxury tourism.
What is the best time to visit?
The months between December and May are good, as the sea is calm and underwater visibility is clear.
How to get to the island?
You take a local boat from the mainland of Negros Oriental, usually from Malatapay.
Apo Island: where is it located?
Apo Island is located in Philippines.
Apo Island: what is there to see?
Highlights include Thalatta dive, Truno beach, Apo Vista Beach Park.
Apo Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Apo Island: why is it worth visiting?
Apo Island is a small volcanic island located off the southeastern tip of Negros Island in the Visayas region.
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Nearby cities
Sibulan
A key transport hub in Negros Oriental, famous for its ferry links to Cebu and its idyllic coastal resorts.
Santa Catalina
An agricultural coastal community in Negros Oriental, known for its vast sugarcane fields and pristine shorelines.
Vallehermoso
A charming coastal municipality in Negros Oriental, known for its scenic location nestled between mountains and the sea.
Amlan
A charming coastal town in Negros Oriental, known for its marine sanctuaries and relaxed atmosphere.
Masaplod Norte
A coastal settlement in Dauin, known as a gateway to world-class diving sites and the Apo Island marine sanctuary.
Dauin
Dauin is a premier macro diving destination in Negros Oriental, famous for its marine sanctuaries and dark volcanic sand.
Maluay
A strategic coastal village in Negros Oriental, known as the primary jumping-off point to the world-famous Apo Island.
Bulak
A coastal village in Negros Oriental, famous for its world-class diving spots and proximity to the Apo Island Marine Sanctuary.
Liloan
A vital port town at the southern tip of Cebu, known as the gateway to Negros Oriental and for its relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Canlumacad
A coastal village in Negros Oriental, strategically located at the southern tip of the island, perfect for beach lovers and divers.
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Bonbonon
A hidden gem at the southern tip of Negros, known for its sheltered bay and untouched nature.
Dumaguete
Dumaguete, the 'City of Gentle People', is a charming university town and the gateway to Apo Island.
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Tambisan
An important port town on Siquijor Island, known for its crystal-clear waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
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Solangon
An idyllic coastal village on Siquijor, known for its white sand beaches and the most beautiful sunsets on the island.
Tan-awan
A world-famous coastal village in Cebu, renowned for whale shark encounters and crystal-clear waters.
More places
Mount Kanlaon
An active stratovolcano and the highest point on the island of Negros, as well as the entire Visayas region.
Mount Kanlaon
An active volcano on Negros Island, the highest point in the Visayas.
Rizal Shrine in Dapitan
A historical site where José Rizal lived in exile from 1892 to 1896.
Blood Compact Shrine
A monument in Bohol that commemorates the blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel López de Legazpi.
Hinagdanan Cave
A cave on Panglao Island in Bohol that features an underground lagoon.