Apo Reef Natural Park

The Philippines is known all over the world not only for having the best beaches but also for the impressive marine resources and marine parks such as the Apo Reef Natural Park (ARNP) in the middle of Mindoro Strait, the strait being one of the ten defined locations of the Coral Triangle.

OVERVIEW MAP NEED TO KNOW STAY TIPS & HACKS GALLERY NEARBY

OVERVIEW

Marine Life in Apo Reef Natural Park

Not to be confused with Apo Island in Negros Oriental, Apo Reef has been recognized as the largest contiguous coral reef system in the Philippines and the second largest in the world. It is one of the most popular diving spots in the country given the quality of the flora and fauna inhabiting the area and the clarity of its water and white sand. The 34-square kilometer area shelters 10 hectare undisturbed mangrove stands, various species of terrestrial flora, algae sea grasses, and seaweeds as well as several species of reef fishes, sharks, reptiles, sharks, and corals. Common sightings include sea turtles, sea snakes, pods of dolphins, manta rays, white tip sharks, thresher sharks, barracuda, and Napoleon wrasse, and as well as an array of colorful corals that will surely make you gaze in awe.

Apo Reef Natural Park was declared a Protected Area in 1996 and is in the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Fast Facts

Attraction:

Apo Reef Natural Park

Type of Attraction:

Coral Reef | Island | Natural Attractions

Address:

Mindoro Strait, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

Website:

Facebook Official Page

Phone:

+63-043-458-9130

Hours:

Open 24 hours

Closed:

None

Best Time to Visit:

December to May

Food & Drink:

FREE WiFi:

Cost:

Cost per Person: $11-15

Payment Type:

Cash

Fees:

P390 ($7.8 USD) – Entrance and environmental fees for locals (Non-diving)
P780 ($15.6 USD) – Entrance and environmental fees for foreigners (Non-diving)
P120 ($2.4 USD)- Entrance and environmental fees for Sablayenos (Non-diving)
P265 ($5.3 USD)- Tour guide
P2,380 ($47.6 USD)- Diving fee for locals
P2,940 ($58.8 USD)- Diving fee for foreigners
P265 ($5.3 USD)- Dive master
P3,456 ($69.12 USD)- Filming/videotaping fee
P6,912 ($138.24)- Filming for the production of movies and commercials
P1,500 ($30 USD)- Kiosk/bed room rental

Notes:

Arrange your tours via a travel agency as DIY tours are not allowed in the province. Expect for fees to be higher than listed above when tours are arranged by agencies.

Apo Island is uninhabited and there is no electricity and phone or internet reception on the island. Bring extra batteries and power banks for your gadgets.

Fresh water is not available on the island so make sure to bring a lot. There are also no stores so bringing food and other essentials is a must.

Bring insect repellent, reef-friendly sunscreen, and appropriate gear and equipment. Diving and snorkeling equipment are available in the mainland so rent before you sail to Apo Island if you do not own one.

MAP

This attraction is located near Apo Island in Mindoro.

NEED TO KNOW

How to Get to Apo Reef Natural Park?

By Air from Manila

Take a plane to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Cebu Pacific has two regular flights everyday from Manila to San Jose and vice versa.
From the airport, proceed to the bus terminal via tricycle.
From the terminal, take a bus to the town of Sablayan. Travel time is approximately 3 hours.
Upon arrival in Sablayan, the tour agency you booked/arranged will facilitate your trip to Apo Island.

By Land and Ferry from Manila

Take a bus to Batangas Port.
Take a ferry to Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro. Travel time is about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
From Abra de Ilog, you can either take a bus or van to Sablayan. Travel time is about 3 hours.
Upon arrival in Sablayan, the tour agency you booked/arranged will facilitate your trip to Apo Island.

By Sea and Land from Puerto Galera

Take a ferry from Muelle Port or Balatero Port to Abra de Ilog.
From Abra de Ilog, you can either take a bus or van to Sablayan. Travel time is about 3 hours.
Upon arrival in Sablayan, the tour agency you booked/arranged will facilitate your trip to Apo Island.

By Sea from Coron

Take a ferry from Coron to San Jose. Bunso Transport sails to San Jose every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:00 AM.
From San Jose, take a tricycle to the bus terminal. From the terminal, take a bus to the town of Sablayan. Travel time is approximately 3 hours.
Upon arrival in Sablayan, the tour agency you booked/arranged will facilitate your trip to Apo Island.

The airport closest to Apo Reef Natural Park

San Jose Airport (SJI) in Mindoro is the closest and most commonly used airport when traveling to Apo Reef Natural Park. Francisco B. Reyes (USU) in Coron is also close.