Apo Reef Natural Park
UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Discover the tropical underwater paradise of Apo Reef
About Apo Reef
Situated only 30km off the western coast of Mindoro Island, the Apo Reef Natural Park is the second largest single coral reef in the world and the Philippines’ largest atoll. Thanks to its position in the very heart of the Coral Triangle, an imaginary triangle that’s home to three-quarters of all reef-building coral species and nearly 40% of all reef fishes, Apo Reef offers truly unimaginable biodiversity that makes every dive a unique and unforgettable experience.
The reef is suitable for divers of all experience levels and backgrounds. The Apo Island, the largest in the natural park, offers multiple diving sites where you can meet curious bumphead parrotfish, barracudas, blue-dash fusiliers, and more. If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, the Barracuda Hill is amongst the most exciting diving spots in the Philippines, offering a bustle of activity, including a high chance to spot some of Apo Reef’s elusive sharks.
Immerse yourself in the breath-taking beauty of the region, starting from the pristine white sand beaches that host nearly 50 bird species. The crystal clear waters of the Apo Reef provide you with the fantastic opportunity to meet some of the 385 species of colorful marine fish that call the reef their home. Chance an exhilarating encounter with sharks, stingrays, manta rays, and tropical fish schools, or explore the 500 species of soft and branching types of corals for a rare sighting of the endangered Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles or some of the most intriguing deep-sea pelagic creatures. Swim through thriving schools of Blue Tangs, try to spot the hammerhead or grey sharks, catch sights of the mesmerizing clouds of colorful Butterflyfish, or drift alongside the vivid coral reefs, sponges, and blooming marine life for the diving experience of a lifetime.
When to visit Apo Reef
With its fantastic climate and air temperatures between 28-30°C/82-86F, Apo Reef offers diving opportunities all year round but the recommended time is during the dry season, from January to April.
How to get there
Often called the Mini-Tubbataha, the Apo Reef actually features a larger surface area than Tubbataha and consists of three islands: Apo Island, Apo Menor, and Cayos del Bajo. You can experience the wealth of marine life and coral reefs from any of the three islands as they’re fully accessible by a motorized boat.
As part of our Apo Reef adventure, we offer the option of reaching Apo Reef with our yacht, the Caribbean Tigress. The yacht service includes meals, entertainment, and all necessary equipment so you can fully immerse yourself in the unforgettable beauty of the Apo Reef.
