Ever dreamt of swimming alongside magnificent sea turtles in crystal-clear waters? Look no further than Apo Island, just a short, boat ride from Atmosphere Resorts & Spa. This tiny, 74-hectare volcanic island off the coast of Negros Oriental is not only a world-renowned dive destination but also a vibrant, community-managed marine sanctuary, most famous for its incredible abundance of sea turtles.
Why Are There So Many Turtles in Apo Island?
Apo Island’s success story is rooted in its pioneering community-based marine sanctuary, established in the early 1980s. Faced with declining fish stocks from destructive fishing practices like dynamite and cyanide fishing, the local community, with aid from Silliman University, took action to protect their marine environment. For nearly 40 years, this protection has created a haven where destructive fishing is banned, poachers are absent, and food is plentiful. As a result, the turtles in Apo Island are not only numerous but also accustomed to human presence, making for truly awe-inspiring encounters. The island’s reef also boasts some of the world’s best hard coral gardens, contributing to its rich marine biodiversity.
Meet Apo Island’s Gentle Giants
While Apo Island is not a nesting ground, it serves as a crucial feeding ground for female sea turtles. You’ll primarily encounter two species here:
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- Green Turtles: Often spotted in shallow waters (0-15m), these magnificent creatures graze on abundant algae and occasionally nap in soft corals. You can identify them by their distinct bullet-shaped heads. Many times, our snorkelers see more green turtles than our divers due to the large amount of algae in shallow water.
A diver shines his light on a turtle, photo by Bryan Patrick
- Hawksbill Turtles: While also found in shallow areas, Hawksbills typically prefer deeper waters, feeding primarily on hard corals and anemones. Look for their pointy beaks, perfect for cutting coral, and the unique overlapping scales on their shells.
We mostly see green turtles, but hawksbills (pictured) are also in the area! Photo by Jason Isley
An Unforgettable Encounter for Everyone!
Snorkeling in Apo Island, photo by Tommy Schultz
Whether you’re an avid diver or a first-time snorkeler, Apo Island promises a memorable experience. It’s particularly family-friendly, as turtles can often be seen just a few feet from the shore in calm, crystal-clear waters. In fact, snorkelers frequently report seeing more turtles than divers!. Watching these powerful swimmers glide gracefully, surface for a breath of air, or even get curious about snorkelers is truly exhilarating.
Family-friendly snorkeling trip to Apo Island, Photo by Daniel Geary
Your Responsible Adventure with Atmosphere Resorts & Spa:
At Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, we are passionate about responsible marine conservation and enhancing your connection with these incredible creatures. When you visit Apo Island with us, our experienced guides will ensure you adhere to the golden rule: observe, photograph, but never touch or feed the turtles or corals. This respect is crucial for their well-being and the preservation of their natural habitat, as sea turtles are an endangered animal.
Ready to Make a Difference and Dive Deeper?
- Day Trips to Apo Island: We offer trips almost every day, perfect for both diving and snorkeling. Our snorkel tours are ideal for children, with life jackets, life rings, and guides available to assist, even towing tired little swimmers along. We can also provide underwater cameras for rent to capture your experience.
- PADI Sea Turtle Surveyor Specialty: Take your fascination one step further and become a certified Sea Turtle Surveyor! Developed by our in-house marine biologist, this two-dive specialty course teaches you about sea turtle biology, identification of the seven sea turtle species, conservation, and how to contribute to Citizen Science projects by responsibly photographing and logging your sightings. It’s a unique opportunity for certified PADI Open Water Divers (or equivalent) aged 10 and above to make a tangible impact on sea turtle survival!.
Book your unforgettable Apo Island experience with Atmosphere Resorts & Spa today and become an ocean advocate! Email us at dive@atmosphereresorts.com for questions or bookings.
Banner photo by Tommy Schultz
