O

ne of the most popular and
isolated protected marine
areas of the Philippines, Apo Reef
is said to be the second-largest
coral reef area in the world. The
sites are now visited from all over
this region including Pandan
Island, Apo Reef Club south of San
Jose, Mindoro, (perhaps the closest
venue) and by speed boat from
Dimakya Island in Busuanga. Dives
such as Shark Ridge, Binangaan
Dropoff and North Wallare some
of the many attractions.

114. Apo Reef
     Icons:
     Location: Mindoro Straits
     Depth: 7-130 ft. (2-40m)

This is referred to as a “natural

park” and is one of the premier dive

destinations in the area. Not to be

confused with Apo Island, also a

well-kept undersea national park

near Dumaguette, this reef is in

open ocean just like its southern

counterpart, Tubbataha. This is a

reef system that offers many dive

sites and is good for anywhere from

one to five day liveaboard trips.

Spotted puffer at cleaning station

Apo Reef Natural Park

Photo © Arthur Kraft

Apo Reef