There are some places you visit for the scenery, and then there are places that remind you why you love the ocean.
Apo Island is one of those places.
Located just off the coast of Negros Oriental, Apo Island is famous for its crystal-clear waters, colourful coral reefs and abundant marine life. It is also home to one of the Philippines’ best-known community-based marine protected areas (MPA). For guests staying at Liquid Dive Resort, a day trip to Apo Island is one of the experiences that should be high on the list. Apo Island is recognized for its exceptional coral and marine biodiversity, including regular encounters with green and hawksbill sea turtles.
An Early Start by the Sea
The day begins at Liquid Dive Resort, tucked away on the beachfront in Dauin. There is something special about starting a dive day here: the resort is quiet in the morning, the sea is just steps away, and Apo Island is already visible across the water.
For Liquid's diving day trip, guests meet at the dive center before departing at around 8:00 AM. The trip generally returns to the resort at approximately 4:00 PM.
After a quick briefing and equipment preparation, it is time to head out onto the water.
The boat ride itself is part of the adventure. As Dauin's coastline disappears behind you, the view opens toward Apo Island and the surrounding blue waters.
Welcome to Apo Island
Apo Island is a small volcanic island about 7 kilometres from the southeastern coast of Negros Oriental. Despite its size, the waters surrounding the island are incredibly rich in marine life, with hundreds of documented coral and fish species.
And then you get in the water.
Within minutes, the underwater landscape begins to change. Colourful reef fish move between coral formations, schools of fish pass overhead, and sea turtles can often be seen feeding around the shallower areas.
For many visitors, seeing a turtle in the wild is the highlight of the day.
But Apo Island is about much more than turtles. The reefs offer an impressive variety of hard and soft corals, reef fish and larger marine species. Depending on the dive site and conditions, divers may also encounter schools of jacks, barracuda, sea snakes and other reef life.
Diving or Snorkelling?
You don't have to be a certified diver to enjoy Apo Island.
Liquid offers guided snorkel trips as well as diving day trips, making Apo accessible to couples, families and groups travelling with different levels of experience. The resort's snorkel tours include a local snorkel guide and the required equipment, while day trips include snacks, lunch and hot and cold drinks.
For certified divers, Liquid's Apo Island day trip includes three guided dives. The dive sites around the island vary in character and difficulty, giving experienced divers the opportunity to explore some of Apo's deeper and more exciting underwater terrain.
Whether you are looking down through a mask or descending beneath the surface with a tank, the experience is about the same thing: getting close to a remarkably healthy marine ecosystem.
All our day trips include snacks, hot & cold drinks, lunch on the boat and cold face towels after each dive.
A Place Worth Protecting
One of the reasons Apo Island is so special is its history of marine conservation.
The surrounding waters are protected, and visitors contribute through sanctuary fees that support the protection and maintenance of the marine environment and local community projects.
That makes responsible tourism particularly important here.
When snorkelling or diving, give turtles and other marine animals plenty of space. Avoid touching coral, standing on the reef or feeding marine life. Following your guide's instructions helps protect the underwater environment for future visitors and, more importantly, for the ecosystem itself.
Liquid Dive Resort also places a strong emphasis on marine conservation. The resort is a Green Fins member and works with its Institute for Marine Research on projects focused on protecting local marine ecosystems.
Back to Liquid
After a morning of exploring Apo's reefs, there is nothing quite like the journey back to Dauin.
By the time the boat heads back toward the mainland, everyone has had a chance to swap stories, compare photos and replay the best moments of the day.
Back at Liquid, the pace slows down again.
You can relax by the pool, enjoy a meal or drink at the garden restaurant, or simply sit on the beachfront and watch the late afternoon light over the ocean. The resort's beachfront has views toward Apo Island and Siquijor, making it an especially relaxing place to return to after a full day on the water.
And if you are lucky, you might find yourself already planning your next dive before dinner.
Why Apo Island Should Be on Your Dauin Itinerary
Apo Island is more than a beautiful tropical destination. It is an opportunity to experience one of the Philippines' remarkable marine environments while supporting a place where conservation and local communities are closely connected.
For guests staying at Liquid Dive Resort, the combination is particularly easy: wake up by the ocean in Dauin, spend the day exploring Apo Island's reefs, and return to the comfort of the resort in the afternoon.
One day. Three dives—or a morning of snorkelling. Countless fish. Colourful coral. And, if the ocean is feeling generous, a sea turtle or two.
That is an Apo Island day trip.
Ready to explore Apo Island?
Ask the Liquid Dive Resort team about the latest Apo Island diving and snorkelling schedule and make it one of the highlights of your stay in Dauin.
