Apo Island, Philippines

23/4/2017

Apo Island famous for its sea turtles

Apo Island is most famous for its sea turtles. Before I went there I didn’t know what to expect, I had read good and bad things. Some wrote it was crowded, the beach full of garbage, they hadn't seen any sea turtles, overexploited… and others wrote, it was the paradise of snorkeling, they spotted many sea turtles, the scenery was amazing, Apo Island is a must in your bucket list… Well I guess the truth is somewhere in between. Anyway I decided to go there.

Sea Turtle Apo Island Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Apo Island is famous for its amazing sea turtles

Note! Click on images to see slideshow and captions!

When you are going down to the shore to rent the boat you will pass the Malatapay Market.

The market is open on Wednesdays and the entrance fee is 5 PHP. Among other things they have a big live stock market here.

It can be worth a visit if you have the time. It's lively and noisy and be prepared, some animals are not treated very good.

Lava instead of white sand

The main beach where you have the sea turtles is nothing special. Yes, a little bit crowded with small huts where you can rent equipment, eat and relax. There is no white sand, the ground consists of lava so the beach is a little bit rocky. But hey, it’s in the sea you experience the sea turtles, right?

Apo Island tourist office where you pay the environmental fee 100 PHP

The beach from where you snorkel to experience the sea turtles

Divided in three different areas

The sea near the beach is divided in three different areas. First the common area where you can snorkel freely. Of course if you are lucky you can spot the sea turtles here also. The second area is only allowed for snorkeling with a guide. It's here you are supposed to swim with the sea turtles. The third area is intended only for the sea turtles so no swimming is allowed there.

I saw several sea turtles

I was lucky, I saw several sea turtles. Some of them were really near the shore line feeding on the algae in the shallow water. Others were farther out. Apart from the sea turtles there were not many fish and corals in this relatively limited area. There is another beach located at Apo Island Resort which is more suitable for relaxing and sunbathing.

Apo Island Resort Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Another beach located at Apo Island Resort which is more suitable for relaxing and sunbathing. Just a few minutes walking from the port.

So what’s my conclusion then?

I didn’t see any garbage on the beach. It was not crowded but of course there were other tourists roaming around the place. Apart from the sea turtles there were not many fish and corals to see in this limited area. And yes, it’s definitely a beautiful scenery around the island specially if you visit the light house. Next time I would like to stay for at least a couple of days so I really can explore the island.

Going there:

Take a jeepney from Dumaguete city centre, around 20 PHP. Tell the driver to let you off at the Malatapay Market in the town of Zamboanguita, around 40 min from Dumaguete. Go down to the shore and rent a motorized boat that will take you to Apo island. The round-trip boat ride costs 2500 PHP (good for 4 passengers), 3000 (good for 6 passengers) or 3500 PHP (good for 8 passengers). Solo travelers may join other groups, and share the costs for the boat rental.

Fees:

Upon arrival, head to the tourist information office and pay 100 PHP. It’s an environmental fee, which will be used to maintain and preserve Apo Island. You need also to pay 300 PHP to a tour guide (good for 4 people) at the tourist assistance center. You’re not allowed to enter the protected area where the turtles swim without a guide. An additional 300 PHP if you like a table to put your stuff when you are in the water. 100 PHP for a snorkel and mask and 100 PHP for a life vest.

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