In short
- Apo Island is a 74-hectare volcanic island in Negros Oriental.
- Apo Reef is a massive remote atoll located off Mindoro.
- Apo Island offers easy day trips for swimming with sea turtles.
In this article
Because they share a name, it is easy to mix up Apo Island and Apo Reef. "Apo" translates to grandchild in Filipino. However, the two locations offer entirely different travel experiences, costs, and logistics. Here is how to tell them apart so you can plan your trip correctly.
Where is Apo Island located?
Apo Island is in Negros Oriental, in the Visayas region of the Philippines.
It sits 7 kilometers off the coast of Zamboanguita and Dauin, and about 30 kilometers south of Dumaguete City. The total land area is just 74 hectares. It is a volcanic island with a resident community of around 920 people.
Where is Apo Reef located?
Apo Reef is a remote coral reef system located off the coast of Mindoro.
While Apo Island is in the Visayas, Apo Reef is a massive atoll much further north. It requires a longer, more complex journey to reach. It is usually visited via liveaboard dive boats rather than simple day trips.
Apo Island vs Apo Reef: Which is better for day trips?
Apo Island is highly accessible and perfect for day trips.
You can easily reach Apo Island from Dumaguete City. The boat ride from Malatapay Wharf takes just 30 to 45 minutes. You can book an organized snorkel tour from dive resorts in Dauin for 1500 to 2500 PHP.
What marine life will you see at Apo Island?
Apo Island is famous for its resident wild green and hawksbill sea turtles.
The island features one of the oldest community-led marine sanctuaries in the Philippines. You can snorkel in the shallow waters at Chapel Point to watch turtles feed on seagrass. The protected waters hold over 650 fish species and 400 coral species.
Are there villages on Apo Reef and Apo Island?
Apo Island has a small local village, while Apo Reef does not.
About 920 residents live on Apo Island. The island has a rugged, off-the-grid atmosphere with small homestays and local eateries. Electricity is mostly limited to the hours between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Apo Reef is purely a marine park.
Do you need a guide for Apo Island?
Yes, all snorkelers must hire a local guide to enter the main turtle sanctuary.
The guide fee is approximately 300 PHP for up to four people. You must also pay an environmental fee upon landing. This costs 300 PHP for foreigners and 100 PHP for local tourists.
Questions travellers ask
Is Apo Island the same as Apo Reef?
No. Apo Island is a small 74-hectare volcanic island in Negros Oriental. Apo Reef is a large, remote coral atoll located off the coast of Mindoro.
How long is the boat ride to Apo Island?
The outrigger boat crossing from Malatapay Wharf directly to Apo Island takes 30 to 45 minutes. Organized dive resort boats from Dauin take 40 to 60 minutes.
Can you swim with turtles at Apo Island?
Yes. The island is known for its resident population of green and hawksbill sea turtles. Touching or chasing them is strictly illegal and carries heavy fines.
