Not far from the beautiful Siquijor Island lies Apo Island, a destination you simply cannot miss exploring. This island is renowned not only for its natural beauty but also for its underwater attractions that draw visitors from all around the world, offering the chance to swim up close and personally with turtles!
For our international friends, this is a must-do activity, and I know just the place in Siquijor that organizes an unforgettable tour to Apo Island: Coco Grove Beach Resort.
How to book a trip to Apo Island?
Coco Grove Beach Resort serves as an ideal base for your day trip to Apo Island. Located in San Juan, Siquijor, the resort offers trips to Apo Island, contingent on weather conditions and the availability of guests interested in visiting.
The resort staff can assist you in arranging a boat and guide for your journey, making the entire process hassle-free. Everything is expertly organized by Coco Grove Resort, and all you need to do is pay the registration fee. It’s that easy!
You can visit the resort in person or give them a call to inquire about the Apo Island trip. Remember, there’s a limit on the number of guests per trip, so be sure to inquire early or arrange your trip in advance.
The Trip to Apo Island
Our day trip kicked off with a short coaster ride from Coco Grove Beach Resort to their Port area, where our catamaran boat was already waiting for us.
The boat ride itself was an adventure, treating us to stunning views of the Siquijor coastline, crystal-clear waters, and distant horizons. The journey took approximately 2 hours, depending on the sea conditions. We were also fortunate enough to spot dolphins en route to Apo Island.
Apo Island’s Underwater Paradise
Apo Island is renowned for its marine biodiversity and is a favored destination for snorkelers and divers worldwide. Upon arrival, our tour guides greeted us, ready to take us closer to the turtles. They provided us with masks and snorkels, while the kids were given buoys to hold onto in the water.
The island’s marine sanctuary was bustling with life, featuring colorful coral reefs, exotic fish species, and, of course, the eagerly awaited turtles in the shallow waters.
Swimming alongside these graceful creatures is an experience you’ll treasure forever. If you’re a certified diver, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the island’s famous dive sites, known for their vibrant coral formations and larger marine species.
Lunch on Apo Island
After our underwater adventures, we enjoyed a delectable lunch prepared by our boat crew. Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local delicacies made for a satisfying and authentic Filipino meal. Dining on the island while gazing at the pristine beach was an experience in itself.
We also had some time to snorkel in front of our dining area.
After an hour or so, we all hopped back on the boat, which took us to another marine sanctuary, where our guide led us on another snorkeling adventure. It was exhilarating, and the marine life in the area was abundant.
Kudos to all our tour guides for their energy and expertise in guiding us through the sanctuary, even in strong currents. They truly did an excellent job.
Responsible Tourism
Apo Island’s fragile ecosystem is meticulously preserved, and visitors are strongly encouraged to practice responsible tourism.
Touching the turtles is strictly prohibited. Please be mindful not to touch or damage the coral reefs, avoid littering, and adhere to the guidelines established by the local marine sanctuary to ensure the island’s continued beauty for future generations.
Final Thoughts
Returning to Siquijor from our day trip to Apo Island was undeniably memorable and special, though we were admittedly quite exhausted from the adventure.
To cap off our day, we decided to have dinner at Coco Grove Beach Resort, where they set up a lovely table on the beach for us to relax and watch the sunset while indulging in a sumptuous dinner. It was the perfect way to end our day’s activities.
So, if you find yourself on Siquijor Island and want to make the most of your holiday, do not miss the opportunity to explore Apo Island.
It’s a journey that will leave you with lasting memories of encounters with turtles, stunning marine life, and the warm hospitality of the Filipino people.
