Apo Island turtles & reef
Apo Island is the trip we tell friends not to miss: a tiny volcanic island off Zamboanguita, about 25 km south of Dumaguete, where green sea turtles graze the seagrass a few metres from your mask.
It is one of the finest marine sanctuaries in the Philippines. The coral walls draw snorkellers and divers from all over the world, yet the island itself stays sleepy - a small village, a lighthouse, and bancas pulled up on the beach.
Getting there is a two-part trip: a 40 to 60 minute drive down the coast to Malatapay, then a banca boat across to the island - roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on the sea. Boats are arranged at Malatapay, where the day fees and marine-sanctuary charges are paid locally.
The water is calmest in the morning and the sanctuary has visitor rules, so timing matters. We arrange a private car timed to a sensible boat departure, and your driver waits at Malatapay while you swim - no rushing the crossing, no waiting around on the beach.
How to get to Apo Island
- Private transfer to Malatapay (what we arrange)~40-60 min
Door-to-door from your Dumaguete or Dauin hotel to Malatapay, timed to your boat, with the driver waiting through your Apo Island trip. Fixed price, request a quote.
- Malatapay → Apo Island banca~30-45 min
Outrigger boats cross from Malatapay beach. Boat hire and the marine-sanctuary fee are arranged and paid at the port; they sit outside our quote.
- Ceres bus + tricycle (public)~1-1.5 hrs to Malatapay
A southbound Ceres bus from Dumaguete towards Bayawan or Bais drops you near the Malatapay junction, then a short tricycle to the beach. Cheapest, but slower with gear.
What to expect
Resident sea turtles
Green turtles feed in the shallow seagrass just off the beach, often within a few metres of snorkellers.
Protected coral walls
A long-established marine sanctuary with healthy reef and drop-offs, a favourite of divers from Dauin.
Boat from Malatapay
Bancas cross from Malatapay beach; boat hire and sanctuary fees are arranged and paid on site.
Go early
Mornings bring calmer water, better light and fewer boats. The last crossings back are in the afternoon.
Best time to visit
Turtles are seen year-round. Seas are generally calmest in the dry season (roughly March to May); go in the morning for the best water and light.
Apo Island: frequently asked questions
How do I get to Apo Island from Dumaguete?
Travel about 25 km south to Malatapay beach in Zamboanguita, a 40 to 60 minute drive, then take a banca across to Apo Island, roughly 30 to 45 minutes. A private transfer timed to your boat is the simplest way, especially with snorkel or dive gear. Boat hire and the sanctuary fee are paid locally at Malatapay.
Can I see the turtles on a day trip?
Yes. Apo Island is an easy day trip from Dumaguete or Dauin: an early start lets you snorkel with the turtles and over the reef and be back the same afternoon. We time the drive to a morning boat so you get the calmest water.
How much does a private transfer to Malatapay cost?
It depends on your pickup point, group size, vehicle and waiting time, so we quote each trip individually. Send us the details and we will reply the same day with a fixed, all-in price for the car. The boat and sanctuary fees are separate and paid on site.