Anchorage· Apo Reef (Apo Island, Occidental Mindoro)· Philippines
Apo Reef Anchorage and Ranger Station
12° 39.8′ N · 120° 25.2′ E · approximate
Anchoring inside Apo Reef feels like 'anchoring in a pond in the middle of the ocean' - white sand and coral heads behind a fringing reef, with the park's ranger base and lighthouse on Apo Island close by.
Practical
Position approx: derived as about 600 m east of Apo Island (OSM island 12.65956N 120.41476E) toward the sand channel described by Wikipedia; NOT a surveyed anchorage - approach only in good overhead light with a bow lookout, and confirm the designated spot with the rangers. Wikipedia: channel between the north and south reefs 1.8-30 m deep with a white sand bottom. A 2014 report says the park declared three allowable anchorage points in a 30 m deep sub-sea ravine, each holding at most three small to mid-size vessels. SV Delos anchored inside the reef in calm April weather and explored coral patches by dinghy. Park HQ/reception and ranger station on Apo Island; rangers, police and marines rotate weekly (Wikipedia; Lakwatsero; Pandan). Park mooring buoys historically suited only bangkas. No fresh water ashore (only a saltwater well), basic toilets, no power or signal; camping by permit. Fully exposed to wind and swell from any quarter in strong weather - a fair-weather stop; leave if the monsoon builds. Pay the environmental fee (collected at the Apo Island admin desk or in advance through Sablayan). Cruiser report (hackingfamily, undated table): picked up a mooring at 12 40.81N 120 27.88E inside the reef; approach deep and clear but avoid the reefs either side of the entrance; moorings off Apo Island are exposed to southerly winds; most anchoring spots are too deep or coral - a colour fish-finder helps; flat calm inside, snorkelling 'so-so', better diving outside; permits must be obtained in town (Sablayan) about 20 nm NE before arriving, and are expensive and set up for tourist boats. Sail The Philippines: you cannot anchor on or near the reef - mooring and per-visitor fees apply.
Best for
Overnight stop to dive the reef from your own boat
Season
Calm weather only; best Mar-May
Nearby
- Apo Island Reef Flat Snorkel (Ranger Station)0.2 NM away
- Apo Island Mangrove Lagoon Boardwalk0.4 NM away
- Apo Reef Lighthouse0.4 NM away
- Apo Reef Natural Park0.4 NM away
- Apo Menor (Binangaan) Island1.2 NM away
- Apo Reef North Lagoon Snorkel (Cayos del Bajo)4.2 NM away
- Nanga Islands Anchorage21.2 NM away
- Pandan Island Anchorage (Sablayan)22.5 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).