Apo Reef
in the Philippines

Apo Reef

Apo Reef is a protected marine sanctuary in the Philippines. It is located in the South China Sea, off the coast of Occidental Mindoro. It is the second largest contiguous coral reef system in the world and the largest in the Philippines.

Apo Reef is composed of two atolls, Apo East and Apo West, which are separated by a deep channel. Apo East is the larger of the two atolls, with a total area of about 24 square kilometers. It is made up of three islets, North Cay, South Cay, and Apo Island, the latter of which is the largest. Apo West is much smaller, with a total area of about 8 square kilometers. It is made up of two islets, East Cay and West Cay.

Apo Reef is home to a variety of marine life, including over 500 species of fish, 250 species of corals, and several species of turtles. It is also a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers, who come to explore the vibrant coral reefs and observe the abundant marine life.

The reef has been a protected area since the 1970s, when the Philippine government declared it a National Marine Park. This was done in order to protect the reef from overfishing and other human activities that could damage the fragile coral ecosystem.

Apo Reef is also an important part of Philippine history. In 1543, the Spanish explorer Ruy Lopez de Villalobos named the reef “Apo” after his flagship, the San Juan de Letran. In the late 19th century, the reef was a popular destination for pearl divers. During World War II, the Japanese used the reef as a base of operations during their occupation of the Philippines.

Experience Apo Reef with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Apo Reef. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.

The climate in Apo Reef

Apo Reef in the Philippines has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. During the summer months (March to May), temperatures average around 28°C and the area experiences high rainfall. The rainy season (June to October) sees temperatures slightly lower at around 26°C and the area receives the majority of its annual rainfall. During the cooler winter months (November to February), temperatures drop to around 24°C and the area experiences less rainfall. The area also experiences occasional typhoons during the monsoon season (July to September).

Cruise weather for Apo Reef

Our weather forecast for Apo Reef helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.