In short
- Take a 30 to 40-minute Ceres bus to Malatapay Livestock Market (40-50 PHP).
- Walk 10 to 15 minutes to Malatapay Wharf.
- Ride a public (300 PHP) or private (2000-3500 PHP) outrigger boat to the island.
In this article
Traveling 30 kilometers south from Dumaguete to Apo Island is straightforward. Visitors typically use the public bus system to reach the mainland port in Zamboanguita, then cross the channel by outrigger boat. Organized tours offer a direct alternative.
How do you catch the bus to the port?
Take a southbound Ceres bus from Dumaguete City headed to Bayawan or Siaton.
The bus ride takes 30 to 40 minutes and costs 40 to 50 PHP. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Malatapay Livestock Market in Zamboanguita.
How far is the port from the highway drop-off?
The port is a 10 to 15-minute walk from the highway.
After exiting the bus at the market, follow the road toward the water. You will need to pay a Malatapay Wharf terminal fee of approximately 10 PHP before boarding a boat.
How does the boat charter system work?
You can book a private chartered boat or wait for a public outrigger boat to fill up.
A one-way ticket on a public boat costs 300 PHP. If you prefer not to wait, private roundtrip charters range from 2000 to 3500 PHP. The boat ride takes 30 to 45 minutes directly to the Apo Island beach.
Is the boat ride to Apo Island wet?
Yes, the outrigger boat crossing can be very splashy.
The sea channel gets choppy, and water frequently sprays into the boat. Pack your electronics and valuables in a dry bag to prevent damage during the 30 to 45-minute crossing. Read Packing List for more packing advice.
Can you take a direct boat from Dumaguete?
You can book an organized tour that departs directly from dive resorts in Dumaguete or Dauin.
These tours take 40 to 60 minutes on larger resort boats. This is the most convenient option, as it skips the bus ride and public wharf entirely. See DIY vs Tour for a full comparison.
What happens when you arrive on Apo Island?
You must pay mandatory environmental fees immediately upon landing.
Foreigners pay an Environmental Fee of 300 PHP, while local tourists pay 100 PHP. You must also hire a local guide for 300 PHP if you plan to snorkel in the sanctuary. Review our guide on Apo Island Fees to properly budget your trip.
Questions travellers ask
How long is the boat ride to Apo Island?
The outrigger boat ride from Malatapay Wharf takes 30 to 45 minutes. Direct tour boats from Dauin or Dumaguete take 40 to 60 minutes.
Are there ATMs at the port or on the island?
No, there are no ATMs on Apo Island. Bring enough cash in small Philippine Peso denominations to cover all transport, fees, and food.
When is the best time to make the crossing?
The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to May. The sea is calmest during these months, making the boat ride smoother.
