Apo Reef Natural Park (Mindoro Strait) – Philippines Dive Region

About Apo Reef Natural Park (Mindoro Strait)

Apo Reef Natural Park is the world's second-largest contiguous coral reef system after Australia's Great Barrier Reef, a protected marine sanctuary spanning 34 kilometres of pristine reef walls, coral gardens, and deep blue channels in the Mindoro Strait. The reef system comprises two main reef platforms separated by a deep channel, supporting extraordinary biodiversity including over 400 coral species and 500 fish species. Apo Reef East Wall delivers one of the Philippines' most spectacular vertical drop-offs with grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, schooling jacks, and eagle rays patrolling the blue. The South Wall features magnificent gorgonian forests with napoleon wrasse, large groupers, and sea turtles. Shark Ridge serves as a cleaning station for reef sharks with seasonal hammerhead sightings while Hunter's Rock is an isolated seamount attracting tuna, barracuda, and eagle rays in strong currents. Due to its remote location, Apo Reef is primarily accessed by liveaboard vessels departing from Sablayan, offering multi-day diving expeditions in pristine conditions with virtually no other divers. The park's protected status ensures exceptional coral health and abundant marine life throughout the year.

Highlights

• ✓Apo Reef East Wall is a spectacular vertical drop-off with grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, and schooling eagle rays
• ✓Shark Ridge serves as a cleaning station for reef sharks with seasonal hammerhead sightings in the Mindoro Strait
• ✓Apo Reef South Wall features magnificent gorgonian forests with napoleon wrasse, large groupers, and sea turtles
• ✓Hunter's Rock is an isolated seamount attracting tuna, barracuda, and eagle rays in strong oceanic currents
• ✓Protected marine park status ensures pristine coral health with virtually no other divers at any time

Getting There

Accessible primarily by liveaboard departing from Sablayan port in Occidental Mindoro (4 to 6 hours by boat). Day trips possible from Pandan Island or Sablayan but limited by distance. No permanent accommodation exists on the reef.