Apo Island day trip
A small volcanic island off the Dauin coast — and part of Dauin municipality. Snorkel with sea turtles, dive coral walls and hike up to the lighthouse.
Apo Island is one of the Philippines' best-known community-run marine reserves. Green sea turtles graze in the shallows, and the reef walls are among the most colourful in the Visayas.
Most visitors hire a local boat (a bangka) for the day. On the island you can snorkel with a local guide, hike to the lighthouse and viewpoint, and eat at the small family-run restaurants.
Highlights
- Snorkelling with green sea turtles
- Wall dives and pristine sanctuary reef
- Lighthouse hike and island viewpoints
- Life in a small fishing community
Good to know
- Recent reports put a private round-trip bangka at roughly ₱3,500 for a small boat (3–4 people) and around ₱5,000 for a larger boat (up to ~9). Prices vary — confirm with your boatman.
- Environmental fee reported at ₱100 for Filipinos and ₱300 for foreigners; snorkelling with a required local guide around ₱300.
- Sea can be rough in the afternoon and during the habagat (southwest monsoon). Leave early.
- Bring cash — there are no ATMs on the island.
Prices and fees last checked October 2026. Always confirm locally before you go.
Book it with a local
More things to do
Muck diving the Dauin coast
Dauin is one of the world's best-known muck diving spots — frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopus and ghost pipefish live on its black volcanic sand.
Snorkel the marine sanctuaries
Dauin protects several stretches of reef as no-fishing sanctuaries — Masaplod, Dauin, Mainit and Luca among them. Swim straight off the beach into healthy coral.
Soak in Baslay Hot Spring
Natural sulphur hot spring pools in the cool hills of Barangay Baslay, about a 10 km ride up from the town centre.