Pandan Island is the closest dive operator to the
world-known Apo Reef, and is established as the leading diveshop organizing dive-safaris
to the reef. Apo Reef is an atoll of 40 square kilometers and offers uncountable
dive sites and a good chance to see sharks and other pelagics. Turtles are also
very common.
The reef is famous for its marine life and drop-offs, which are mostly vertical
walls down to 30 - 80 meters. From Pandan Island Apo Reef can be reached by the
outrigger boats 'M/B PIKOY' and 'M/B MAHAL' in only ninety minutes. A check-up dive
around Pandan Island is mandatory for all divers before they can join a Divesafari
to Apo Reef.
APO REEF has been declared a marine park a couple of years ago, an entrance
fee has to be paid by each visitor. If you like to learn more about the
project on Apo Reef check out our ApoNews page.
A normal day trip to Apo Reef would be like this:
| 7:00 am |
Departure from Pandan Island after breakfast |
| 9:30 am |
Arrival on Shark Ridge, getting ready for the first dive |
| 11:00 am |
Surfacing from first dive, continue to Apo Island |
| 12:00 am |
Arrival on Apo Island getting ready for second dive |
| 13:00 am |
Surfacing from second dive, lunch break, surface interval, possibility
to visit Apo Island. |
| 15:30 am |
Third dive, around Apo Island |
| 16:30 am |
Surfacing from third dive, return to Pandan Island |
| 18:30 am
|
Arrival on Pandan Island |
This schedule is approximate and can change due to weather conditions and other
events. |
DIVE SPOTS ON APO REEF
SHARK RIDGE
Depth between 10 - 50 m. The whole North-east side of Apo reef consists of a sheer
drop with many overhangs. Whitetip and gray reef sharks are common sight here
as well as turtles, barracudas and schools of snappers.
APO ISLAND
There are several dive sites around Apo island ranging between 10 and 50 m. These
site are the best as far as corals are concerned. Huge table corals, stag horns,
brain corals, fire corals and a huge variety of soft corals can be found all around
the island. The northern, eastern an southern side consist of sheer drops with
many pelagics and turtles, in recent years Hammerhead sharks and Manta rays are
encountered more and more frequently. Currents can be unpredictable and make the
northern dive site difficult for beginners. The western side is rather a slope
than a drop-off which makes it more easy for less experienced divers. Apo reef
has been declared a marine park and there is a turtle sanctuary and a ranger station
on Apo island .
APO 29
Apo 29 is a an underwater mound reaching to about 25 meters below the surface
of the South China Sea, a true blue water dive, only for experienced divers, as
currents can be strong and unpredictable and the sharks more curious than in other
spots around Apo reef.
HUNTER'S ROCK
The authors personal favorite, this dive spot located about 10 nautical
miles west of Apo Island consists of a rock pinnacle that almost reaches the surface,
sharks and big trevallys are very common as are strong current which makes this
dive spot tricky for inexperienced divers without professional guide.
MEROPE ROCK
Also Merope, like Hunters Rock, is about 10 nautical miles west of Apo Island
which makes it only accessible during overnight Apo trips or on the way to Busuanga.
An underwater mound reaching to about 15 below the surface, the eastern
side consists of a wall that offers good chances to see sharks, tunas and other
pelagics.
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