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Apo Island In Dumaguete – A Complete Guide

Apo Island Dumaguete is one of the top destinations in the Negros region, and is a tourists favourite for turtle spotting. Here’s all the info for visiting.

How To Get To Apo Island

Apo Island is located just off the coast of Dauin, at the South of Negros Oriental.

It’s possible to arrange a tour yourself. Although most tourists choose to stay in Dumaguete or Dauin and book an Apo Island tour through their accommodation.

It is around a 45 minute catamaran ride from Dauin and when booked as a tour should include transfers to and from the port, lunch, time to explore Apo Island and of course snorkelling with the turtles.

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

Whilst is in the area don’t forget to check out Manjuyod Sandbar.

Apo Island Tour Prices

Prices around town vary but on average they get a little cheaper depending on amount of people:

2 pax – P4,700 per person
3 pax – P4,100 per person
4 pax – P3,600 per person etc.

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Heading in for our Apo Island Tour

Best Time To Visit Apo Island + Tips

Although the temperatures are good all year round, the better weather is normally between the months of December and April.

The sea temperature is good for swimming all year round.

Weekends and public holidays are always busier.

I would recommend a guided tour for most enjoyable and environmentally friendly day.

What To Pack

Photography Camera

Tripod

Day Bag

Power Bank

Reusable Water Bottle

Sunscreen

Lightweight Rain Jacket

Quick Dry Towel

GoPro

Lifeproof Phone Case

Dry Bag

What To Expect At Apo Island Dumaguete

Turtles! You must expect turtles, because you WILL see turtles.

As well as turtles, this tiny Island is also well known for its beautiful coral beds and plentiful marine life, making it the perfect place to enjoy some snorkelling.

You are pretty much guaranteed to see turtles when you venture out on an Apo Island tour and the guides are just as excited as the tourists.

With turtles being Lauren’s absolute favourite animal, we couldn’t wait to get underwater and have a swim with the local habitants.

And sure enough as soon as we pulled into the Apo Island shores, we could see them from the boat bobbing their heads in and out of the water.

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Fully ready for a day of snorkelling
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We literally dived straight under to this guy!

We dived straight in and although there were quite a few tourists, it wasn’t too crazy. Fortunately we had our boat all to ourselves, so the local guide was fully focused on showing us around.

We snorkelled in a huge loop of the area following his fins and exploring the underwater world of an Apo Island tour.

Having swum with turtles in Gili Trawangan and Moalboal, we both agreed this was the best experience we’d had!

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Charlie pretending to be a turtle
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Expect to see a lot of these guys at Apo Island Dumaguete
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Another solid day in the Philippines on our Apo Island Tour

Where To Stay In Dumaguete

Luxury –  C Bubble Diving Resort

C Bubble Diving Resort features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a bar and garden in Dumaguete.

Featuring room service, this property also provides guests with a terrace.

The air-conditioned rooms provide a sea view and come with a wardrobe and free WiFi. 

Guest rooms in the resort come with a kettle. The units will provide guests with a fridge. Buffet and à la carte breakfast options are available daily at C Bubble Diving Resort.

Mid-budget – The Bricks Hotel

Featuring a bar, The Bricks Hotel is located in Dumaguete in the Visayas region, 1.3 miles from Robinsons Place Dumaguete and less than 0.6 miles from Dumaguete Belfry.

Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property.

The property is close to popular attractions like Quezon Park, Dumaguete Cathedral and Dumaguete Public Market. 

Guests at the hotel can enjoy a à la carte breakfast.

Budget – ZEN Rooms Basic White Knights

Situated 1.1 miles from Robinsons Place Dumaguete, ZEN Rooms Basic White Knights Dumaguete features accommodation with a restaurant, a shared lounge and a 24-hour front desk for your convenience.

Both WiFi and private parking are accessible at the apartment free of charge. 

Popular points of interest near ZEN Rooms Basic White Knights Dumaguete include Dumaguete Belfry, Dumaguete Public Market and Quezon Park.

The nearest airport is Dumaguete Airport, 3.7 miles from the accommodation.

For more places to stay in Dumaguete, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.

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Apo Island In Dumaguete Guide