Dive Site: Apo 29

About Apo 29

Apo 29 is a notable dive site within the expansive Apo Reef Natural Park, a protected marine area recognized for its exceptional biodiversity in the Philippines. This site is primarily an underwater mound, rising to within 25 meters of the surface, making it an exciting blue water experience for those who enjoy current diving. The broader Apo Reef is situated off the coast of Occidental Mindoro, comprising a submerged platform with two distinct coral reefs separated by a deep channel. The area is renowned for its healthy coral ecosystems, including brain, table, fire, and staghorn corals, alongside diverse soft corals. With a high concentration of fish species and opportunities for pelagic sightings, Apo Reef is often likened to a smaller Tubbataha. Diving Apo 29 means navigating potentially unpredictable currents over a rich reef structure. The site is a magnet for various marine life, offering encounters with both schooling fish and larger pelagics in the blue. It forms a key part of the liveaboard itineraries exploring the pristine waters of Apo Reef.

Dive site facts: Apo 29

Depth

25–40 m

Typical dive

30–40 m

Current

Mild to strong, unpredictable

Visibility

10–25 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat dive / Negative entry

Level

Advanced Open Water recommended

Dive type

Reef, Drift, Blue water

Region / port

Apo Reef, Mindoro

Coordinates

12.6650° N, 120.4380° E

Conditions & Currents

Apo 29 is known for its dynamic and sometimes strong, unpredictable currents, making it a site best suited for experienced divers comfortable with drift diving. While some sources classify the current as mild, others emphasize its potential for significant strength and unpredictability. Divers should always attend to the dive briefing carefully, as entry and exit procedures are critical. Staying close to the reef structure or the designated group is essential for safety, and boat pick-up procedures will be crucial for surface intervals. Visibility at the site can range from 10 to 25 meters, but the currents can influence water clarity. Given the potential for strong drifts, advanced planning for gas consumption and safety stops is highly recommended.

Marine life & sighting chances

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving Apo 29 typically involves a boat entry directly over the underwater mound. Due to potentially strong currents, a negative entry may be employed to descend quickly with the group. The dive begins at the top of the mound, which sits around 25 meters deep, before exploring its slopes down to an average depth of 35 meters, with a maximum recommended depth of 40 meters. Divers follow the natural drift, paying close attention to the guide for current direction and potential changes. The route generally involves exploring the vibrant hard and soft coral formations and observing pelagic activity in the blue. Turning points depend on current strength and individual air consumption. Safety stops are conducted with the group, typically in the calmer, shallower water near the reef structure, with the boat monitoring and retrieving divers as they surface after their three-minute stop.

Underwater photography

Apo 29 is well-suited for wide-angle photography, especially when capturing the extensive coral gardens and potential pelagic encounters in the blue. A dome port is recommended to minimize distortion. For capturing schooling fish or larger marine life like sharks and rays, consider a wide-angle rectilinear lens. Due to variable currents, maintaining good buoyancy is crucial to avoid disturbing corals and ensure stable shots. Strobes are beneficial for color rendition at depth and to add drama to wide-angle shots. Be mindful of the current when positioning yourself and your equipment. If conditions allow, look for opportunities to photograph the healthy brain and table corals.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Aladin

  Another Apo Reef site known for reef and wall diving, with depths up to 40m.

• Apo Island East

  A gentle white sand slope with mild current, good for turtles and white-tip sharks.

• Apo Island North

  A dramatic deep wall with tube corals and occasional hammerhead sightings in cooler months.

• Binangaan Drop Off

  Near Apo Menor, featuring schooling snappers, tuna, and spotted eagle rays.

• Shark Ridge

  An outer reef site known for groupers, moray eels, and various shark species.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Apo Reef, including Apo 29, is primarily via liveaboard trips, as it is located approximately 33 kilometers off the coast of Occidental Mindoro and cannot be reached as a day trip from the main island. Liveaboards typically depart from Puerto Princesa in Palawan, requiring a 12-hour sail. Flights to Puerto Princesa (PPS) are available from Manila (MNL) with various airlines. These trips often last several nights, combining Apo 29 with other premier dive sites within the Apo Reef Natural Park. Permits are required to dive within the park, and these are usually handled by the liveaboard operator. It is essential to book well in advance, especially during peak season, as spots on liveaboards can fill quickly.

Safety & environment

Diving Apo 29 requires careful attention to safety protocols due to potentially strong and unpredictable currents. All divers should be Advanced Open Water certified with experience in drift diving. It is crucial to follow the dive guide's instructions precisely regarding entry, route, depth, and exit procedures. Maintain awareness of your air supply, as currents can increase consumption rates. Always carry a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) for safe surfacing and boat retrieval. The nearest recompression chamber is typically located in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, but evacuation from the remote Apo Reef area can be challenging and time-consuming. Comprehensive dive insurance, covering medical emergencies and evacuation, is highly recommended for all divers visiting this site.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Apo 29 FAQ

Liveaboards diving Apo 29

These liveaboards may visit Apo 29 on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Infiniti

Philippines

25 guests39 m

$280/day

Seadoors

Philippines

16 guests25 m

$335/day

Resolute

Philippines

16 guests34.6 m

$314/day

Dolphin

Philippines

18 guests31 m

$326/day

Navis 1

Philippines

22 guests23 m

$250/day

Philippine Siren

Philippines

16 guests

$309/day

Palau Sport

Philippines

24 guests38.35 m

$215/day

Philippines Aggressor

Philippines

26 guests42.7 m

$381/day

Stella Maris Explorer

Philippines

20 guests33 m

$398/day

Solitude One

Philippines

24 guests52 m

$460/day

Atlantis Adventurer

Philippines

16 guests32.5 m

$421/day

Philippines Aggressor II

Philippines

26 guests42.7 m

$247/day