In short
- Organized tours cost 1500 to 2500 PHP and include fees and gear.
- DIY trips require a 40-50 PHP bus and a 300 PHP public boat.
- DIY visitors must pay all environmental and guide fees separately in cash.
In this article
Choosing between an Apo Island DIY vs tour depends on your travel style. An organized tour maximizes water time and handles the logistics. The DIY route costs less but involves navigating buses, terminal fees, and boat schedules.
What does an organized tour include?
Organized tours cost 1500 to 2500 PHP and handle all transit and fees.
Tours depart directly from dive resorts in Dauin or Dumaguete. The boat ride takes 40 to 60 minutes. Most packages include direct transfers, snorkeling gear, lunch, and the mandatory environmental fees. This is the most convenient option for a day trip.
How does the DIY route work?
A DIY trip requires taking a bus to Malatapay Wharf, then hiring a boat.
You board a Ceres bus from Dumaguete bound for Bayawan or Siaton. You disembark at the Malatapay Livestock Market in Zamboanguita. The bus ride takes 30 to 40 minutes and costs 40 to 50 PHP. From the highway, you walk 10 to 15 minutes to the boat staging area.
How much do DIY boats cost?
A public boat costs 300 PHP one-way, while private charters cost 2000 to 3500 PHP roundtrip.
Public outrigger boats wait to fill up before departing. The crossing takes 30 to 45 minutes and can get very splashy. Keep your electronics in a dry bag. If you charter a private boat, you choose your own departure time.
Which option saves time?
Booking an organized tour saves time because the boat departs directly from your resort area.
DIY transit involves waiting for public buses. You also wait for public boats to fill up at Malatapay Wharf. A tour eliminates wait times at the terminal. You get more time to swim in the 74-hectare marine sanctuary.
What fees do DIY travelers need to pay separately?
DIY visitors pay environmental, terminal, and guide fees upon arrival.
Foreigners pay a 300 PHP environmental fee. Local tourists pay a reduced 100 PHP fee. A Malatapay Wharf terminal fee of about 10 PHP also applies. You must hire a local snorkeling guide for 300 PHP, which covers up to four people.
Is the DIY route better for a tight budget?
Yes, going DIY is cheaper if you join a public boat or split a private charter.
A solo traveler using a public boat and paying all base fees spends around 1000 PHP. Tours start around 1500 PHP. However, if you rent snorkeling gear and buy lunch, the DIY savings shrink.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need to book a tour to visit Apo Island?
No. You can travel independently by taking a bus from Dumaguete to Malatapay Wharf, then hiring a boat.
How long is the boat ride to Apo Island?
Public boats from Malatapay Wharf take 30 to 45 minutes. Larger tour boats from dive resorts take 40 to 60 minutes.
Are there ATMs on Apo Island to pay fees?
No, there are no ATMs on the island. Bring cash in small PHP denominations to pay your environmental and guide fees.
