You can easily spend a full day on Apo Island as it is probably the most popular thing to do in Dumaguete. We are suckers for islands, beaches and good snorkelling, so this was a must for us! We relaxed on the beach, spent most of our time in the water with an abundance of turtles and walked up to the “lighthouse” for views over the ocean.
QUICK GUIDE
How to Get to Apo Island From Dumaguete
What to Expect on Apo Island
What to Do on Apo Island
Apo Island Snorkelling and Diving Tours
Where to Stay Near Apo Island
HOW TO GET TO APO ISLAND FROM DUMAGUETE
Apo Island is easily accessible from the town of Dumaguete, or nearby towns in Negros Oriental. However, there are also dive and snorkelling tours that leave from Siquijor Island as well.
From Dumaugetewe took the scooter to Malatapay Wharf, which was a 30-minute ride. We paid 20PHP (60c AUD) to park the scooter and then approached the tourist information desk to organise a boat to Apo Island.
We arrived early, so organising a boat over was a little difficult. This was because we needed at least 6 more people to help fill a boat and take the cost down. The cost for a return boat to Apo Island is 3000 PHP ($90 AUD) per boat. So, split between a larger group of people was roughly around 350 PHP ($10 AUD) each. The other consideration with sharing a boat, is that all members need to agree on a return time from Apo Island. We left the Malatapay Wharf at around 9am and then departed Apo Island at 2pm. This was plenty of time.
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WHAT TO EXPECT ON APO ISLAND
The boat ride from the mainland took about 45 minutes. The boat was not very big, and open air, so it was guaranteed that we would all get wet – and we did! Once we arrived on the beach at Apo Island, we went straight to the information office and paid for our entry fee (100 PHP or $3 AUD), and flipper hire (100 PHP or $3 AUD).
There is only one beach that you can access on Apo Island. We immediately found a table to hire (300 PHP or $9 AUD) so we could put our belongings down, and get straight in the water!
If you want to snorkel in more locations or see more of the island by boat, then you can book one of the tours below.
WHAT TO DO ON APO ISLAND
Whilst on Apo Island we spent most of our time in the water. The snorkelling was hugely impressive. There is a 100% guarantee that you will see turtles here, and we saw at least 6 turtles of all sizes.
In addition to snorkelling, we also explored the tiny village near the beach. You can stay in some select accommodation here on the beach. This would be such a cool getaway, and you would just have to share the beach with the locals during the evenings.
Just before we left on our boat, we decided to walk up the stairs to the “lighthouse”. The sign said it was a 600m walk, and it was a steady incline the whole way. We walked past smaller huts and up plenty of stairs before we reached a structure that resembled anything but a lighthouse. But the views from this point were impressive and we could see plenty of islands in the distance.
APO ISLAND SNORKELLING AND DIVING TOURS
If you are looking for a hassle free trip to Apo Island from Dumaguete, then check out this list of tour options. Compare them and choose the right one for you.
Dumaguete Apo Island Snorkelling Tour – This tour is $56 and includes a chartered boat, roundtrip transfers, entry fees and snorkelling gear.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
Apo Island: Swimming with Sea Turtle (Dumaguete Day Tour) – This tour is $72 and includes lunch, hotel pick-up and drop-off, round boat transfers, snorkelling equipment and water.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
Snorkelling with Sea Turtles (Apo Island from Dumaguete) – This tour is the only guided tour to Apo Island and costs $96. Scuba equipment, private transportation, all fees and taxes and a private area on Apo Island is all included.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
WHERE TO STAY NEAR APO ISLAND
You can either stay on Apo Island or near Dumaguete on the mainland to easily access the island. Check out this map for accommodation, or our personal recommendations in the list below.
Booking.comHotel Accommodation in Dumaguete
Family-Friendly Forest Camp Nature Resort – As mentioned above, this place is a dream! Located inland in Valencia, Forest Camp Nature Resort is super family-friendly and offers a full range of accommodation options. This place isn’t necessarily a hotel, but the Deluxe Rooms are gorgeous! There is also accommodation types for all traveller’s, from dorm rooms, hammock rooms, family rooms and camp grounds.
Eco Conscious Atmosphere Resorts and Spa – Located in the coastal region of Dauin, Atmosphere Resorts and Spa is an eco-luxury resort, putting sustainable values first and committing to reducing their environmental impact. Their rooms are to die for, if you are looking for luxury then look no further!
Hostel Accommodation in Dumaguete
Top Rated Antwet Backpacker’s Inn and Rooftop Bar – With a 9.4 on Booking.com, this place is perfect for the solo traveller. From dorm rooms to the rooftop bar, you will have plenty of opportunities to meet new people.
Homestay Accommodation in Dumaguete
Our Personal Favourite ESE House – We always choose to stay in locally-run home-stays, and ESE House has got to be one of the best! Located not too far out of town, this place offers it’s own open air kitchen, spacious garden, clean bathroom and double or twin rooms.
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