Last Updated on 2026 年 4 月 14 日 by Ching
A major highlight of this trip to Cebu was planning to see turtles at Apo Island. Although I had seen turtles in Xiaoliuqiu before, the weather was bad, and I didn’t see many. This time, my wish finally came true.
This Apo Island day trip guide will share our complete experience starting from Dumaguete, including snorkeling insights, giving you a glimpse into the mysterious aspect of this turtle paradise.
This article is perfect for island enthusiasts who dislike crowds and seek pure, hidden gems. Having tested the Apo Island day trip, while it may not be Cebu’s most popular attraction, it truly lives up to its name as the “Guaranteed Turtle Encounter”. It’s recommended to dedicate an entire day to this tranquil island to avoid the overly commercialized feel. The article details transportation and snorkeling experiences on the island, making it absolutely worth the journey by car and boat to explore!
- Where is Apo Island? How to get there
- Scenery of Apo Island – Quiet and Stunning Beachline
- The “Guaranteed Turtle Tour” on Apo Island
- Awa Island Cuisine – What to Eat for Lunch
- Is Apo Island worth visiting? Travel insights
- Apo Island Day Trip Costs (2026 Independent Travel Update)
- 宿霧熱門行程預訂
精選鯨鯊浮潛、沙丁魚風暴與跳島一日遊
Where is Apo Island? How to get there
Apo Island is a small island in the Philippines located south of Dumaguete. It covers an area of only 0.72 square kilometers, with fewer than a thousand residents. Known for its “Guaranteed Turtle Encounter”, it attracts many diving enthusiasts every year.
This time, starting from Bohol Island, we took a speedboat to Dumaguete, then transferred to a tutu car to Malatapay Port, and joined other tourists to take a banca boat to Apo Island. Although the journey was a bit longer, seeing the vast blue sea from the banca boat instantly swept away the fatigue from the ride.
Due to the complex transportation, I wrote a detailed travel log.
Apo Island Transportation Record: How to Get to Apo Island from Bohol (Transportation, Fares, Banca Boat Sharing) Travel Log
Scenery of Apo Island – Quiet and Stunning Beachline
This trip coincided with China’s National Day, and other attractions were crowded with Chinese tourists.
However, on Apo Island, we only encountered one group. This place is not a popular destination like Cebu, so with fewer tourists, it felt more peaceful, which I really liked.
Various sizes of banca boats are docked along the coast, the only sea transportation to this small island. The weather was great that day, the sea was calm, and the water was crystal clear.
The entire coastline is very clean. I feel that the local residents are very dedicated to maintaining this coast. For example, the dive guide who took us snorkeling would immediately pick up any floating trash and bring it ashore. You can deeply feel their love for this sea area, and I hope it can remain this clean and beautiful.
This day was the best weather day of our six days in Cebu. Just playing for one morning left us completely sun-kissed, but I think it was totally worth it for this stunning scenery!
The “Guaranteed Turtle Tour” on Apo Island
Almost all visitors to Apo Island come for the turtles. The turtles here are numerous and large, and they’re not afraid of people at all. While we snorkeled nearby, the turtles swam freely around us, completely at ease.
Taking off the life jacket and swimming alongside turtles at the sea surface was an incredibly novel experience for a city kid like me.
Although I had previous snorkeling experiences with turtles in Xiaoliuqiu, I’ve never been this close, able to clearly see them breathe and dive (please ignore my terribly awkward swimming posture, sob sob).
The coastal waters aren’t very deep, but it’s still recommended to hire a local dive guide if you’re not used to diving. The guide will also take many underwater photos for you.
2026 Update: Awa Island Regulations
To protect the sea turtles and coral reefs, the local government of Awa Island has now strictly mandated: Everyone entering the sea turtle protection area for snorkeling “must” hire a local guide to accompany them! Fee is 300P, and can include up to 4 people.
This expense is truly worthwhile. The guide not only protects the turtles from being touched by tourists but also helps find turtles, swims with you, and takes perfect photos.
It’s completely understandable why so many people fall in love with this activity as soon as they dive. Floating on the surface, clearing your mind, and watching the turtles leisurely swim in the sea is incredibly soothing, as if time has stopped.
If you can free dive, you can dive deeper and observe the turtles up close. These are the photos the guide took for us when diving down, capturing the turtles’ patterns, expressions, and feeding habits clearly!
Awa Island Cuisine – What to Eat for Lunch
No need to worry about hunger after playing in the water! The island’s residents primarily earn their income from tourism, including boat rentals, snorkeling tours, equipment rentals, and dining. There are plenty of small restaurants along the shore to choose from.
We visited a small restaurant located on the second floor along the coast. It was quite busy with many foreign tourists, and the meal prices were not expensive for a tourist area. A bowl of noodle soup costs about 200P, and fish and chips are 250P. After swimming, sipping hot soup while enjoying the cool sea breeze brings a simple sense of satisfaction! Although the meals are not extraordinary, they are decent.
Is Apo Island worth visiting? Travel insights
Apo Island is the least commercialized island I found on this trip. It’s not that the locals here don’t haggle or anything, but compared to other attractions in Cebu, it’s less crowded, relatively quiet, and slow-paced. It offers a leisurely vacation atmosphere, free from noise and hustle, allowing you to enjoy the freedom brought by nature.
If I travel to Cebu again, I would probably visit once more, and might even consider staying overnight to enjoy the sunset and stargazing here.
Apo Island is a very primitive island, the electricity supply on the island is not 24 hours! Most areas only have electricity from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (or midnight), so there is no air conditioning during the day.
Apo Island Day Trip Costs (2026 Independent Travel Update)
| Cost Items | Estimated Amount (PHP) | Notes and Money-Saving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Crab Boat Charter (Departing from Malatapay) | About 580P / person | The official 2026 price is 3,500P/boat (can seat 6 people), it’s most economical to gather a full group on site. |
| Island Environmental Protection Fee | 100P / person | Mandatory upon landing, used for maintaining turtle ecology and beach cleanliness. |
| Turtle Sanctuary Mandatory Guide | 300P / group | One guide can take up to 4 people, averaging only 75P per person. |
| Snorkeling Equipment Rental (as needed) | About 100P – 200P | Mask/snorkel 100P, life jacket 100P (bring your own to save!). |
| Lunch at Island Restaurant | About 300P – 400P | Essential calorie replenishment after water activities, recommended to order noodle soup or fried seafood. |
| Total Estimated (Single Day Island Expenses) | About 1,200P per person | (Excluding transportation from the city to the port, approximately NT$700 to cover it!) |
宿霧熱門行程預訂
精選鯨鯊浮潛、沙丁魚風暴與跳島一日遊
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