Snorkel· Apo Reef (Occidental Mindoro)· Philippines
Apo Reef North Lagoon Snorkel (Cayos del Bajo)
12° 41.9′ N · 120° 29.0′ E
The shallow, enclosed north lagoon of Apo Reef around the bare coral islet of Cayos del Bajo - 2-10 m of gin-clear water over coral mounds in the Philippines' largest no-take reef.
Practical
Position: OSM 'Cayos del Bajo' islet. Wikipedia: north lagoon relatively shallow, about 2-10 m, parts exposed at low tide; many small rocks exposed at low tide especially on the northern side of Cayos del Bajo - plan around the tide. Central channel 1.8-30 m with white sand and coral mounds. No-take zone since 2007; everyone pays an environmental fee to the Sablayan LGU/DENR desk on Apo Island (see 'Apo Reef Entry Permits and Fees'). Sail The Philippines: you cannot anchor on or near the reef - use the park moorings and dinghy in. Snorkellers can see sharks, Napoleon wrasse and turtles in the park.
Best for
Wilderness lagoon snorkelling in a fully protected reef
Season
Dec-Jun (park trips run Dec-Jun per Pandan Island Resort)
Nearby
- Apo Menor (Binangaan) Island3.1 NM away
- Apo Reef Anchorage and Ranger Station4.2 NM away
- Apo Island Reef Flat Snorkel (Ranger Station)4.4 NM away
- Apo Island Mangrove Lagoon Boardwalk4.6 NM away
- Apo Reef Lighthouse4.6 NM away
- Apo Reef Natural Park4.6 NM away
- Pandan Island Anchorage (Sablayan)18.3 NM away
- South Pandan Island Anchorage (Sablayan)18.3 NM away