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).

Getting to Apo Island from Dumaguete

Apo Island is reached by pump boat from Malatapay Market, roughly 30 kilometers south of Dumaguete. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes and costs around PHP 500 to 700 per person round-trip for group bookings. From Dumaguete, take a Ceres bus or tricycle to Malatapay (about 45 minutes, PHP 40 to 50). Sanctuary entrance fees: approximately PHP 200 per person plus a Marine Protected Area fee of around PHP 150. No ATM on the island so bring all cash from Dumaguete. Staying overnight means you have the reef to yourself in the early morning. Rooms start at PHP 600 to 900; dive packages with accommodation run PHP 2,500 to 4,000 per night.