- Apo Island
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Location: SE tip of Negros Island
Depth: 10-115 ft. (3-35m)
Apo is one of the big conservation
success stories in the Philippines. It
has been a well cared for marine
sanctuary since 1982 when the
residents made a wise decision to
care for their resources. The result
has been good for the economy and
good for the Philippines.
Apo is a volcanic island that juts
out of the endless blue depths of the
Tanon Strait trench. The channel
between Dauin and the island is
also an important migratory route
for dolphins and pygmy sperm
whales. In season, marine mammal
tours are organized by some dive
shops to observe the five species of
whales and six different dolphin
species that have been sighted here.
Apo Island is home to the first
community-run marine sanctuary.
Small resorts are based on the
island and daily visitors come to
dive and snorkel. There are nine
buoyed sites and a snorkel preserve.
The island has some very
impressive rock formations
scattered out into the sea from its
72 hectares, fine white sand
beaches and coves, some high
cliffs, a lighthouse and diverse reefs.
There are at least 650 documented
fish species and 400 kinds of corals.
Although it did suffer some recent
typhoon damage, the reefs are onMamsa at Mamsa