Rock Point East
A wall leading into a steep coral slope, with plenty of turtles in the shallows, stunning soft corals around Apo's southern tip, sea kraits in season, and the side of the island where we have seen hammerheads.
Rock Point East has a wall that leads into a steep coral slope, on the south-eastern side of Apo Island. We like to dive it together with its neighbour Rock Point West, going from East to West or West to East depending on which way the current is pushing. The shallow reef is where the turtles are, and the wall adds a different feel to the dive.
The dive
The depth we usually dive is between 18 and 24 metres. The dive follows the wall into the coral slope, then finishes on the shallow reef, where there is plenty to see while you off-gas. The southern tip of Apo sits between the two Rock Points, and its soft corals are some of the most stunning on the island, with fantastic colours. It is a favourite dive for many.
What you might see
- Sea turtles, often several, on the shallow reef
- Stunning soft corals around the southern tip, and a wide range of corals on the slope
- Banded sea kraits, lots of them in season
- Octopus in holes in the reef
- Nudibranchs for those who look closely
- Frogfish, which blend in so well that finding them is the game
- Spanish mackerel, big ones, passing by quite often
- Hammerheads and other sharks: this eastern side is where we have seen them, on a lucky day
When to dive Rock Point East
We visit Apo Island all year, weather permitting, with water temperatures of about 25 to 29°C. See when to dive Dauin and Apo Island.
Who it suits
Most certified divers on a calm day. It is a good second or third dive of an Apo day, with its best section in the shallows. The current can rip here, though, and when it is strong we take a more conservative route.
Our tip
Make the shallow reef the longest part of your dive. The turtles are there, the light is best, and your safety stop takes care of itself.
Good to know
- We don’t plan Rock Point as a drift dive. Follow your guide’s plan on the day.
- Apo Island is a protected marine area. The sanctuary fee is included in our day-trip price.
- Never touch or chase turtles, and never block their way to the surface.
Dive Rock Point East with us
We visit Apo Island on full-day boat trips from Dauin, with three dives, lunch and sanctuary fees included. Which sites we dive depends on the day’s conditions. See our Apo Island day trips, or build your dive trip.