Apo Reef Natural Park: A Dive into Nature’s Underwater Wonderland
A Coral Paradise
The reef is a vibrant tapestry of over 400 coral species. Its expansive coral gardens, brimming with varying hues and structures, are nothing short of an underwater artist’s palette. The reef’s health and diversity make it a crucial breeding ground and habitat for many marine species.
Marine Life Galore
Divers at Apo Reef are often welcomed by schools of jacks, snappers, and the occasional curious turtle. The waters here are frequented by sharks, manta rays, and barracudas. On a lucky day, one might even spot the graceful dugongs or sea cows grazing on sea grass.
Lighthouse Views
Apo Island, the largest in the reef’s three-island system, is home to a century-old lighthouse. A trek to its top promises panoramic views of the vast sea, punctuated by the distant silhouettes of Mindoro and other islands.
Bird Watching Haven
Apart from its marine attractions, Apo Island is a sanctuary for birds. With its mangrove forest acting as a breeding ground, the island sees migratory birds, making it a spot for birdwatchers.
Getting to Apo Reef Natural Park
Land Travel to Sablayan
Whether you take a ferry to San Jose from Coron, or fly into San Jose, or a ferry to Roxas from Boracay, or a ferry to Puerto Galera from Batangas or fly into Puerto Galera, either way you will need to get to Sablayan, as that is the port from where the private boats and group tours leave to get to Apo Reef Natural Park. How to get to Puerto Galera.
From San Jose or its Airport to Sablayan:
- By Land: Once you land in San Jose, head to the town proper. Here, you can find vans or buses bound for Sablayan. The journey can take around 2 to 3 hours.
- By Private Vehicle: If you’re renting a car or have chartered a vehicle, drive from San Jose to Sablayan using the well-paved roads.
Sea Travel to Apo Reef
From Sablayan Port to Apo Reef:
- By Boat: Sablayan is the jump-off point to Apo Reef Natural Park. At Sablayan Port, you can charter boats to take you to Apo Reef. The boat ride can take around 2 to 3 hours, depending on sea conditions.
- Organized Tours: There are also tour operators and dive shops in Sablayan that offer organized trips to Apo Reef, which can include boat transfers, meals, and even diving or snorkeling gear. For the budget conscious, you can probably just go down to the port and jump on the next departure.
Travel Tips:
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak seasons, boats and accommodations can fill up quickly. It’s a good idea to secure your boat reservations in advance.
- Safety First: Always check weather conditions before your boat trip. Apo Reef is in the open sea, so ensure that the weather is conducive for the journey.
- Camping: There are no hotels or resorts on Apo Island within the Apo Reef Natural Park. However, visitors can camp on the island. Remember to bring essentials like tents, food, water, and other camping gear.
- Permits and Fees: Before heading to Apo Reef, secure the necessary permits from the Sablayan Tourism Office. They can also brief you on the do’s and don’ts while in the protected area to ensure the preservation of the park.
- Environmental Awareness: As a marine sanctuary, it’s crucial to practice responsible tourism. Avoid touching the corals, follow guidelines, and ensure you don’t leave any trash behind.
Embarking on the journey to Apo Reef Natural Park may seem a bit lengthy, but the pristine waters, vibrant marine life, and untouched beauty that await make every effort worthwhile. Happy travels!
Conservation Efforts
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, the Apo Reef Natural Park is more than just a tourist spot; it’s an environmental stronghold. The Philippines’ government and local communities have undertaken commendable efforts to preserve and protect this marine haven.
Conclusion
A visit to Apo Reef Natural Park isn’t just a dive; it’s an immersion into a world that beautifully balances ecological importance with breathtaking wonder. It stands as a testament to the magic that happens when nature is left untouched and revered.
And such is the nature that is revered in an area not far from the Apo Reef Natural Park – Palawan. Between the popular tourist spots of El Nido and Coron lies a remote area adorned with 82 white sand beach islands and crystal clear waters. If you’d like to get off the beaten path we’d be happy to organize for you a group or private multiday boat tour expedition through this pristine area.
Experience the thrill of island hopping in the Philippines
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We are a family operation managing private custom boat tours in the beautiful Palawan area, and are happy to help travelers with their plans through the country, having traveled a lot of it ourselves and planning to visit it all.
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Probably the best snorkelling that i have ever done in my life took place from an official tour boat visiting part of the Apo Reef. There were turtles in the sea and the aqua waters themselves were clear and limpid.