Apo Island Day Trip: Swimming with Sea Turtles

Just a one-hour boat ride from Siquijor lies one of the Philippines’ greatest marine conservation success stories: Apo Island. This small volcanic island is a mecca for divers and snorkelers, renowned for its healthy coral reefs, abundant marine life, and—most famously—the sea turtles that call these waters home.

Why Visit Apo Island?

Apo Island represents everything marine conservation should be. Once threatened by destructive fishing practices, the island’s community came together in 1986 to establish the Philippines’ longest-lasting community-led marine protected area. Today, the results are stunning: vibrant coral reefs teeming with life and sea turtles so abundant they’ve become the island’s signature attraction.

The diving here is spectacular, and knowing that this ecosystem was saved through community effort makes the experience even more meaningful. It’s ecotourism at its finest.

What You’ll Experience

Swimming with Sea Turtles

The main draw of Apo Island is undoubtedly the sea turtles. Green sea turtles are the most common, often seen grazing on seagrass beds or resting on coral outcrops. During a typical snorkeling session, you might encounter 5-10 turtles—sometimes more.

Incredible Snorkeling

Beyond turtles, Apo’s underwater world is spectacular:

• Hundreds of species of colorful tropical fish
• Beautiful hard and soft corals
• Sea snakes (don’t worry—they’re docile)
• Giant clams
• Schools of jackfish and barracuda
• Occasional reef sharks

The Island Itself

Apo Island is small but beautiful, with a volcanic landscape and a small fishing village. If time permits, a 30-minute trek to the Habagat Trail rewards you with panoramic views of the coastline and marine sanctuary.

Booking Your Day Trip

From Siquijor

Many dive shops and resorts in Siquijor offer day trips to Apo Island. You can book through:

• Coco Grove Beach Resort — Offers organized snorkeling day trips for approximately PHP 2,800, including transport, lunch, and snorkeling gear
• Local dive shops in San Juan — Various operators along Paliton Beach
• Your accommodation — Most hotels can arrange trips with at least one day’s notice

What’s Typically Included

• Boat transfer (round trip)
• Snorkeling gear
• Barbecue lunch with cold refreshments
• Guide services
• Environmental fee

A Typical Day Trip Itinerary

7:00-8:00 AM — Departure from Siquijor 9:00 AM — Arrive at Apo Island, pay environmental fee 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM — Snorkeling session at multiple spots 12:00 PM — Barbecue lunch on the beach 1:00 PM — Free time: more snorkeling, beach time, or island hiking 3:00 PM — Depart Apo Island 4:00 PM — Return to Siquijor

Diving at Apo Island

For certified divers, Apo Island offers some of the best diving in the Visayas region. Popular dive sites include:

Coconut Point

Famous for schools of jacks and sometimes blacktip reef sharks. Strong currents bring nutrient-rich water and attract bigger fish.

Chapel Point

A gentle slope with beautiful coral gardens. Perfect for macro photography with nudibranchs, pipefish, and colorful critters.

Sanctuary

The protected heart of the marine area with healthy coral formations and abundant fish life.

What to Bring

Essential:

• Swimwear
• Reef-safe sunscreen (applied before departure)
• Waterproof camera or GoPro
• Cash for environmental fee and tips
• Towel
• Hat and sunglasses

Recommended:

• Motion sickness medication (the crossing can be bumpy)
• Rash guard for sun protection
• Light jacket (mornings can be cool on the boat)
• Snacks
• Dry bag for electronics

Usually Provided:

• Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
• Life jacket
• Lunch and drinks

Tips for the Best Experience

Before You Go

1. Book a day ahead — Don’t wait until the last minute
2. Check sea conditions — Trips may be cancelled in rough weather
3. Take motion sickness meds — If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication 30-60 minutes before departure

While Snorkeling

1. Don’t chase turtles — Let them come to you. If you stay calm and still, turtles often approach snorkelers out of curiosity.
2. Keep your distance — Maintain at least 2 meters from turtles and avoid touching them
3. Watch your fins — Avoid kicking coral when near the reef
4. Stay with your group — The guides know the best spots

On the Island

1. Respect the community — Apo Island is home to a fishing village. Be respectful of local customs.
2. Don’t litter — Help maintain the pristine environment
3. Support local — Buy from local vendors when possible

Apo Island vs. Tubod Marine Sanctuary

If you’re wondering whether Apo Island is worth the trip when Siquijor has its own excellent snorkeling, here’s a comparison:

Our Recommendation: Do both! They’re different experiences. Tubod is perfect for a morning snorkel, while Apo Island is a full-day adventure.

Beyond Snorkeling: Hiking Habagat Trail

If you finish snorkeling with time to spare, consider the 30-minute trek up Habagat Trail. The panoramic view from the top overlooks the entire coastline and marine sanctuary—stunning for photography and a nice way to stretch your legs after hours in the water.

Staying Overnight on Apo Island

While day trips are most common, you can also stay overnight on Apo Island for a more immersive experience:

• Basic guesthouses available in the village
• Requires separate boat transfer from Dumaguete (easier than from Siquijor)
• Multiple dive/snorkel sessions possible
• Sunrise and sunset from the island are magical

To stay overnight, you’ll typically need to arrange transport back to Dumaguete first, then take a boat to Apo Island from there.

When to Go

Best Months: November to May (dry season) Calmest Seas: March to May Avoid: June to October (typhoon season, rougher crossings)

Even in good conditions, boat crossings can be choppy. If you’re prone to seasickness, plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Apo Island is one of those rare places that lives up to the hype. Swimming alongside sea turtles in crystal-clear water, surrounded by healthy coral reefs and thousands of fish, is an experience that stays with you.

While it doesn’t quite compare to the sheer variety of island hopping in Coron or El Nido, Apo Island offers something those places can’t: a genuine marine sanctuary where conservation efforts have created an underwater paradise.

If you have time for only one day trip from Siquijor, make it Apo Island. Snorkel with turtles, enjoy a beachside lunch, and come back with memories (and photos) that will last a lifetime.

And if you’re not quite sold? The fact that this entire ecosystem was saved because local people cared enough to protect it makes the journey feel pretty good too.