Diving The Far Side: Pandan Island & Apo Reef

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APO REEF still holds the excitement of an off-shore reef surrounded by very deep water. It is a gathering place for

the big animals of the deep.

SHARK RIDGE: Depth between 10-50 m. The whole north-east side of Apo Reef consists of a sheer drop with many

overhangs. Whitetips, gray reefsharks, tuna, jacks, wrasse and barracuda are a common sight here, as well as

turtles and, in season, manta rays and hammerheads. Corals are not as good here as in other parts of the reef but

big pelagic fish seem to favour this place. Currents can be unpredictable and make these dive sites difficult for

beginners.

APO ISLAND WEST Depths between 10 and 40 m. This site is one of the best so far as corals are concerned. Huge

table corals, stag horns, brain corals, fire corals and a great variety of soft corals, as well as a good range of shells,

can be found at this site. A slope rather than a drop off, this is an easy dive for all levels of divers.

AMBULONG CHANNEL Depths 10-18 m. A drift dive through this channel with its untouched marine life is an

unforgettable experience. Huge table corals and a lots of coral fish inhabit this dive site. The variety of soft and

hard corals is enormous.

Getting there: by PAL: to MAMBURAO (one way P 450), 09:05 Fri. and Sun, or via SAN JOSE (one way P 750), 06:30

Mon, Wed, Thurs, and Sat. From Mamburao or San Jose you can get to Sablayan by bus. It is about a two hour

ride. Once you are at Sablayan you can get a shuttle boat to take you to Pandan. If your are a foreigner, everyone

will assume you are going to Pandan (not many foreigners make it to this area). With advance notice the resort will

pick you up by boat or private jeepney from San Jose of Mamburao. By ferry: VIVA-Lines overnight-ferry steams

from BATANGAS to SABLAYAN in roughly 12 hours, departing Batangas at 6 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.

[ APO Reef Wiki | Ambulong Island Wiki ]