Apo Island from Dumaguete: The Sea Turtle Capital of the Philippines
There is an island, 30 kilometers south of Dumaguete on the coast of Negros, that has become a global reference point for marine conservation. Apo Island marine sanctuary was established in 1982 by the local fishing community, and in the four decades since, the results have been remarkable. The reef is thriving. The fish are abundant. And the sea turtles, green turtles and hawksbill turtles, are so numerous that on some dives you count a dozen before you stop counting. Apo Island is regularly cited as one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the Philippines, and possibly in the world.
The Sea Turtles of Apo Island
Apo Island sea turtle population is one of the densest anywhere in Southeast Asia. Green turtles are the most common, enormous, slow-moving, and entirely unbothered by divers and snorkelers who have observed them respectfully for decades. They rest on the coral formations, drift in the current, and surface for air with a calm that suggests they have never been harassed. The turtles on Apo are not fed or managed; they simply live here because the reef has been protected. That is what makes the encounter feel so special.
The Diving and Snorkeling
Apo Island has around 8 to 10 named dive sites, from shallow coral gardens to wall dives dropping to 40-plus meters. Wall diving takes you past enormous sea fans, black coral trees, and regular sightings of white-tip and grey reef sharks. Our Apo Island snorkeling and sea turtle tour from Dumaguete includes the boat transfer, snorkel equipment, sanctuary entrance fee, and a guide who knows exactly where the turtles feed. Snorkel gear is also available for rent on the island (PHP 100 to 150).
