Apo Island
Apo Island is one of the best reef dives in the Philippines and in mostly pristine condition. Apo was one of the first community organized protected ocean zone. It was protected in 1982 and has flourished only because of this protection.
Coconuts is widely regarded as one of the top ten dive sites in the Philippines, and rarely disappoints. Even with heavy dive traffic on busy days the site is large enough not to get congested.
There are many sites around the Island to be shared. The colours of the many sponges intertwined with corals makes this a uniquely colourful reef dive. Coconuts is the most likely site for larger pelagic and fish encounters. The windward (Eastern) side of Apo, whilst devoid of pristine corals also provides other exciting encounters. In the right conditions, large schools of Jacks can be encountered.
Very strong currents can be experienced around the Island all year round. Most operators are flexible enough to provide safe drift dives in these conditions and protection from winds can be sought most days at various sites. This area is also plagued by Turtles, both Green and Hawksbill, and I have yet to experience a turtle free day with the best being 18 Turtles in one dive. A suitable dive site is almost always able to be find in even the worst conditions.
