Apo Island Marine Sanctuary
Apo Island's marine sanctuary was badly damaged by typhoons and is closed to divers while the reef recovers. New corals are growing and schools of juvenile jacks swim in the protected area.
The marine sanctuary on the south-east side of Apo Island is one of the best-known marine protected areas in the Philippines. Typhoon Sendong in December 2011 and Typhoon Pablo in December 2012 destroyed most of the coral reef in the sanctuary; surveys by the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation recorded coral damage of 99%.
The sanctuary has been closed to divers ever since, so the reef can recover. There is good news, though: new corals are spawning in the sanctuary, and schools of juvenile jacks swim in the protected area.
What is happening now
- Closed to divers for reef recovery
- New corals growing
- Schools of juvenile jacks
Dive Apo Island with us
Apo Island's other dive sites are open. We visit on full-day boat trips from Dauin, with three dives, lunch and sanctuary fees included. See our Apo Island day trips, or build your dive trip.