Apo Island near Dumaguete City

Apo Island near Dumaguete City

Apo Island was a community-organized marine sanctuaries and was started when Dr. Angel Alcala, a marine scientist from the Silliman University Marine Laboratory introduced to the local fishermen the importance of creating a marine sanctuary in the area. Initially, there was hesitation, but after a dialogue, Dr. Alcala convinced the community to establish the sanctuary. Assisted by the staff of the SU Marine Laboratory in 1982, the locals selected an area along 450 meters of shoreline and extending 500 meters from shore as the sanctuary site.

At present, the island is home to over 650 documented species of fish and estimated to have over 400 species of corals. Most of the Philippines' 450 species of coral can be found here, from tiny bubble corals to huge gorgonian sea fans and brain corals. Visitors and tourists pay a fee to enter Apo Island and to snorkel or dive in the marine sanctuary there. These fees are used to keep the sanctuary clean and in good condition.

After pick up from your hotel, you will proceed to Apo Island where you will experience and swim with the marine habitat around the island. Apo Island is a marine reserve, protected by the National Integrated Protected Area Act and under the jurisdiction of the Protected Area Management Board. This island has become a popular dive site and snorkeling destination with tourists. There are two resorts on Apo Island, each with a dive center: Apo Island Beach Resort and Liberty's Lodge. There is also a ranger station and a lighthouse.

A round trip private transportation, a motorized boat and a boatman will surely help you in this worry free unforgettable experience with sea creatures and habitat of the famous Apo Island.