Apo IslandApo Island

Apo Island Trip

An Apo Island Trip is on the schedule of most visitors of Dumaguete and Negros Oriental. This tiny Island just off the coast is known worldwide for its beautiful coral gardens and abundance of fish, not to forget the turtles which are just about everywhere in the waters of Apo Island. There are several options to get from Dumaguete to Apo Island, which belongs to the municipality of Dauin.

Apo Island

The most convenient way to get the Trip to Apo Island of your bucket list is to book it with a local travel agency. This might not be the cheapest option but everything is usually organized and one doesn’t need to think about anything, other than standing up in the morning and enjoying the day. However, it is also not that difficult to get to the Island by yourself or with your friends. The saved money can be spend on a couple of shakes, cold drinks or snacks.

Apo Island - Negros Oriental

Getting from Dumaguete to Apo Island

Starting from Dumaguete your first leg will be getting to Malatapay. The boats to Apo Island are starting from the famous Malatapay Market, so when you plan your Apo Island Trip on a Wednessday, you should start an hour or two earlier. That gives you plenty of time to stroll over the Market, enjoy the scenery and get some of the freshest and best lechon (roast pork) and other delights.

There are several options for getting to Malatapay.  You first take a tricycle to the jeepney station, which is across Robinsons Place on the south highway. Another option would be the Ceres Liner Terminal near the cockpit. A public trike should not cost you more than 15 Peso per person getting to either of them from within Dumaguete. Even as a private ride, where the driver is taking no other passengers one should be fine with 40 Peso.

Jeepneys to Malatapay leaving each 15 minutes and take about 45 minutes, depending how many times the driver stops. The price is 25 Peso only. Ceres Liner are a little bit faster. Just tell the attendant to stop at the Malatapay Market. Any Ceres bus heading south will pass the Market, so you have plenty of options.

Malatapay - Apo Island Boat Trip Schedule & Rates 2022

Boats to Apo Island

Upon arrival you just head straight down to the beach. The boats run every day (Monday – Sunday) with the first trip around 7:00am, the last at 3:00pm in the afternoon. Residents of Apo Island pay 20 peso. Many times the boatmen give them a free ride if there is space on a boat.

As a group you may consider renting one of the pump-boats. For a day-trip to Apo Island a small banka, which is good for four people costs 3,500.00 Peso. This is a round trip from Malatapay port to Apo Island and back. A bigger boat good for 9 persons is 5,000.00 Peso. You can book the boats directly at the small pier at the waterfront. The coastguards from the Zamboangita Tourism Office are very friendly and helpful. They are controlling the lineup of the boats and write the logbooks with the passengers.

NOTE: As of now, only fully vaccinated guests can ride the boats to Apo Island. Simply present your vaccination card upon arrival or when asked by the coast guards.

Depending on the banka and the surface conditions the ride can take between 40 minutes and one hour. You may want to contact Manang Sabing (contact numbers in the picture above) before you start your Trip to Apo Island to ensure that there are boats available. Plenty of people take the trip on weekends or public holidays. Also during fiesta times in Apo (April 4-5), Dauin or Zamboanguita bankeros are more into the celebrations than driving their boat.

Apo Island Bantay Dagat Collector House

Arriving on Apo Island

Now that you arrived, your first way is to the collector’s house of the Bantay Dagat, where you need to register as a visitor and pay your fees. The fees are different, depending if where you come from (Check below for the Apo Island Fees). Residents get discounts on the regular fees. If you went on you Apo Island trip via a public boat, you want to make sure that you secure already your ride back.

If you don’t have mask snorkel and fins, don’t worry, you can also rent all needed gear there. With the new Snorkeling Guide of Apo Island, visitors can see the best areas of the reef to go snorkeling. The Snorkeling Guide Fee is good for 4 persons.

Apo Island Fees

Enjoy your Apo Island Trip.

Swimming and snorkeling in the colorful coral gardens of Apo Island is of course the main attraction. However, you can walk through the village to the other side of the island or have a walk up the 369 steps to the lighthouse. If you haven’t brought your own snacks, you can buy food at different places on the island. Of course you should not forget to get a souvenir-shirt or a sarong from the ever friendly vendors.

Getting Back to Dumaguete from Apo Island

Your boat-ride back will go latest at 4:00pm in the afternoon. When you arrive from your trip to Apo Island in Malatapay, just walk the few minutes to the highway and wait for a bus or a jeepney. The waiting time will not be much longer than 10 minutes. There are plenty of busses and jeepneys in the afternoon going towards Dumaguete.

Apo Island Sun Set
109 replies
  1. Lakwatsero
    Lakwatsero says:

    Hello. Good day. Do the boats leave by exactly 4pm? I’ve read other blogs and they were saying that the boats can only stay up to 4pm. And also if we stay overnight, what is the earliest time we could depart from apo island back to Malatapay? Thank you. ?

    Reply
    • Darell DC-Team
      Darell DC-Team says:

      Good Day Lakwatsero,
      The last trip of public boat is 4pm that is the time for both trips ,from Apo island and Malatapay.
      However going back to Malatapay early morning, you should ask the bantay dagat on duty,which boat is leaving early.
      If you went on your Apo Island trip via a public boat, you want to make sure that you secure already your ride back.
      The Bantay Dagat or collectors are friendly, and helpful, they are in the Bantay Dagat House, located in the seaport of Apo island.
      Public boat start at 8am.
      Some private boats are leaving starts at 6am you might ask if they can squeeze in.

      Cheers, and Have a great trip!!
      DC-Team.

      Reply
  2. HF
    HF says:

    Hi! Once I arrive in Apo Island, do I have to hire a boat to get to the diving spots? Are there diving centers? I’ll be arriving after lunch because of my flight. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Rosario - DC-Team
      Rosario - DC-Team says:

      Hi,
      the first thing you need to do is register on the Island. This is in a small office right where you are landing on Apo. There are dice-operators on the island. They offer some spots as shore diving, others are only accessible with the boat, which to our knowledge cost a few peso extra.
      All the best and have a great trip
      DC-Team

      PS: don’t forget to link to us when you write your blog entry 😉

      Reply
  3. Jenyn
    Jenyn says:

    Hi,

    My friends and I are planning to go to Apo island from Dumaguete City. We would like to go snorkeling, is there a travel agency we can book?

    Thanks,
    Jenyn

    Reply
  4. JD
    JD says:

    I just want to make sure that I am reading the right information.
    A small banka is P2000 or P2000 per head?
    I’ve been reading different forms and they’re all different.

    Reply
    • Darell DC-Team
      Darell DC-Team says:

      As a group you may consider renting on of the pump-boats. For a day-trip to Apo Island a small banka, which is good for four people costs 2,000.00 Peso. To bring you to Apo Island and back. A bigger boat good for 8 persons is 3,000.00 Peso. You can book the boats directly at the small pier at the waterfront. The coastguards and Yoyong the dispatcher from the Zamboangita Tourism Office are very friendly and helpful. They are controlling the lineup of the boats and write the logbooks with the passengers.
      please this article here. http://dumaguete.com/apo-island-trip/

      Reply
      • James Maribuhoc
        James Maribuhoc says:

        Hi,

        If we tend to hire the small boat, will this exclude us from paying for the guide? Will that boat take us to the snorkeling spots in the area?

        Also, is that contact number for yoyong still active as of the moment?

        Thanks!

        Reply
  5. Bert
    Bert says:

    Hi!

    My girlfriend and I are going to Apo Island this June 25. Is it possible to join other people in renting the boat?

    Reply
  6. Missindependent
    Missindependent says:

    Hi,
    Any recommendations for hotels or a place where we could stay for a couple of night in apo island? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Rosario - DC-Team
      Rosario - DC-Team says:

      There are a few places on the Island. They have different benefits as well as flaws. As we really don’t know what exactly you are looking for, we will not recommend any specific place. As it is a really small Island it never mattered for us where we stay, as our days were spent with SCUBA diving anyway. As long there is a bed we can sleep it didn’t make much of a difference to us.

      Reply
    • Rosario - DC-Team
      Rosario - DC-Team says:

      Good day,
      If you go independent to Apo Island and want to experience SCUBA diving you will need a Dive Master or Instructor to conduct a Discover SCUBA program. There are several dive-operators on the Island and you will have no problem to experience the underwater world below the surface.

      Reply
  7. Gek
    Gek says:

    Hi! My friends and I are going to Apo Island on October. We are planning to go Scuba Diving. How much is the cheapest rate for scuba diving? And is it worth it? Thank you

    Reply
  8. Mary
    Mary says:

    Hi! Do u have any local travel agencies that we can contact for an Apo Island day trip? We’re planning on going on October. Is the weather favorable at that times?

    Reply
    • Daisy
      Daisy says:

      Hey Mary!
      Apo Island is worth the trip regardless the weather. During the month of October, the weather could change daily. However, there is a good chance that the weather is dry. Personally, we do not recommend any travel agency and we have never found a need for our travels. Enjoy your trip ahead!

      Regards

      Reply
  9. guia grace bajado
    guia grace bajado says:

    hi! We will be traveling from Iloilo. If we bring private vehicles, do they have safe parking space at Malatapay pier?
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Darell DC-Team
      Darell DC-Team says:

      Hi Good day to you Grace Bajado,
      in this article we published number for Boat reservation, you might call that number and start negotiating how’s is it with the parking of your vehicle.
      since there also also some Bantay Dagat on duty you might ask them too regarding your concerns…

      Regards
      DC Team.

      Reply
  10. Anne
    Anne says:

    Hello! My friends and.i will visit dumaguete this oct. Will it matter if we go to apo island at 1pm? Or is there a preferred time to go there?

    Reply
    • Rosario - DC-Team
      Rosario - DC-Team says:

      Any responsible PADI Instructor or Dive Master would not take you diving if you can’t swim. …
      and you should not do it, or try it without being able to swim. That would just be really stupid
      Snorkeling with a life-vest is the way to go

      Reply
  11. Marianne
    Marianne says:

    Hi. Going to Apo Island this December and availed the snorkeling tour through a local agency. Do we still have to pay the entrance and snorkeling fees even though we availed it through a local tour operator? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Rosario - DC-Team
      Rosario - DC-Team says:

      You certainly need to pay the fee. If that is covered by the price you pay the local agency is something you need to ask the agency. We don’t know what is included in your booking.
      best regards
      DC-Team

      Reply
  12. Belinda Lestano
    Belinda Lestano says:

    Hi, planning to book a private boat tour with snorkeling for 26 pax, may I have contact numbers on who/where we can book?

    Reply
  13. Michael
    Michael says:

    Hello!

    I have a question regarding a one way only travel from Apo island to Malatapay. This Saturday we want to go for a day tour from Siquijor island to Apo island and after the day activities we would like to jump on a boat from Apo Island to Malatapay in stead of going back to Siquijor island. Is this possible? Or can we book a boat in advance so someone from Malatapay can pick us up later that day?

    Many thanks!

    Michael

    Reply
  14. Rita
    Rita says:

    Hello
    I m in siargao nos and Will go To cebu and take an other flight to dumaguette (it seems the best option than bus + ferry). Is the public bus from malatapay is still 300 pesos in 2018?
    Did i need to pay the fees even if i m sraying 5 days in apo island?
    Many thanks and have a nice day

    Reply
  15. Ime
    Ime says:

    Hi 🙂 I’m interested to go to Apo ISland this weekend. I want to ask if there’s more than 2 schedule for the public boat aside from the 8am and the 4pm trip? Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  16. Ali
    Ali says:

    Hello,
    I want to stay a night in Apo Island, dive and go back to Dumaguete the next day-
    How do I book a budget accommodation in the island? I don’t want to arrive and discover only a luxury room is available (planning on the weekend)
    also, is booking the dive cheaper on the island or from Dumagete?
    Thanks

    Reply
  17. Spike
    Spike says:

    Hi, good evening.

    Hope all is well with you.

    Is it allowed to bring food to Apo Island?

    Thank you & God bless!

    Reply
  18. Marian Pasternak
    Marian Pasternak says:

    HI, We are visiting The Apo Island next month after our whale watching in Tanawan, Oslob. Can you pls advice us if it is better to do it with a tour operator that charge 1200 per head fetching us from Sibulan pier to Malatapay to Apo island w boat lunch . This is a two way trips for a day. For 5 people it will cost us 6k . or is it better to do it DIY ? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Rosario - DC-Team
      Rosario - DC-Team says:

      Good day,
      It really comes down to your own preferences. While the trip can be organized DIY, it is certainly more convenient and less stressful using a tour operator.
      Have a great trip ahead.
      DC Team

      Reply
    • Darell DC-Team
      Darell DC-Team says:

      Thank you for you comment.
      the people of Apo Island love children. However, there is no real kids playground on the island.
      Swimming in the Ocean for children is as safe as the parents make it, just like any other place in the world.
      Best Regards.

      Reply
  19. Marie Dianne Tampos
    Marie Dianne Tampos says:

    Hi good day! We are heading to Dumaguete this coming August 21-25 and plan to visit Apo Island. We are 2 pax only, are you entertaining joiners? How to go at Apo Island from Go Hotels Dumaguete?

    Reply
    • Daisy
      Daisy says:

      Good Day!

      Regarding your Apo Island trip, you may contact the boat personnel in charge named Yoyong. You may find the numbers in the picture in this article. According to the Agoda list of amenities, Go Hotels Dumaguete offers Tours and Shuttle Service. Please Contact them for assistance. There is also the option of going to the Ceres Bus Terminal located just behind Go Hotels Dumaguete. From there you can take a bus ride going to Malatapay Market in Zamboaguita for more or less Php 50. Hope this helped.

      Best Regards,
      Daisy

      Reply
  20. Mons
    Mons says:

    Hello!

    Will it be possible to reach the airport by 4 p.m. if we go on a day trip to Apo Island? Alternatively, is there a way to reach Apo Island from Siquijor, but get a boat ride to Dumaguete afterward?

    Thanks!

    Reply
      • Mons
        Mons says:

        How about public boats from Apo Island to Dumaguete? Is it possible once we get to Apo via a private boat from Siquijor to secure a ride on a public boat from Apo to Dumaguete?

        Reply
  21. Rul
    Rul says:

    Hi!
    First of all, thanks for answering all the queries here. Good Job.

    My question is : I will land in Dumaguete next 16th at around 16:25 . Do you think I would have time to go down to Malatapay and find people to share a boat? is it easy to find people waiting to share a boat? Or would I have to spend the night in Malatapay or around, and go to Apo next morning?

    Thanks again for your replay.

    Reply
    • Daisy
      Daisy says:

      Good day!
      The 16th of November might make the streets of Dumaguete a little busy since preparations will be done for the celebration of the City Fiesta and Charter Day. Getting to Malatapay Market from Dumaguete City will take roughly about an hour through a bus. By that time, it will start getting dark. Regarding your question of sharing boats, there is a possibility of availability. But it really depends on how the day runs and if the boats actually sail late in the afternoon.

      I highly suggest spending a night at either a hotel in Dumaguete or an affordable and budget-friendly beach resort in Dauin. Wake up as early as six in the morning and take a bus to Malatapay. The first boat should leave around 7 or 8 (enough time for a quick bite-to-eat along the Malatapay Market). You can also contact the boat dispatcher (09061858074 or 09975623866). They are more than happy to make reservations and assist you through your trip. Hope this helps and enjoy!

      Best Regards,
      Daisy

      Reply
  22. queenie
    queenie says:

    Hi just wanna ask if there are yacht for rental going to apo Island and Oslob whaleshark?
    If none, what are the best companies/operator that offers a big boat going to Apo Island and to Oslob whaleshark?

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Daisy
      Daisy says:

      Good day!
      We are not sure if there is any yacht rental that goes to Apo Island and Oslob Whale Shark. We also can not give you any suggestions for companies that do operates with big boats since there are so many hotels and resorts that offer such a service. Apo Island and Oslob Whaleshark can (possibly) be done in one day. However, we highly suggest making them a separate trip. If you are staying in a hotel or resort, ask them if they offer day-trips to these places.
      Hope this helps.
      Best Regards,
      Daisy

      Reply
  23. Tiffany
    Tiffany says:

    hi, i want to confirm the boat rented. is that the same boat to be used for snorkeling?
    thank you so much! really excited for the trip this first week of march.

    Reply
    • Rosario - DC-Team
      Rosario - DC-Team says:

      Good day,
      You need to get in touch with the people you rent the boat from. If it is from a resort, it is used or snorkeling with a guide from the resort, If you just book for a transfer to Apo Island, you may probably need to go to the Island and register first. Snorkeling is done as a shore entry from the Island with a guide from there, which is mandatory.

      Reply
  24. Geary Hinolan
    Geary Hinolan says:

    Hi, just need your opinion if we go there at 2pm until 4pm is it good enough and what is the good time to go there?

    Reply
    • Rosario - DC-Team
      Rosario - DC-Team says:

      Hello, this is a question we can’t answer. That depends on the type of traveler you are. If you are a “been there, done that” or “Europe in 10 days” kind of traveler, it certainly is enough. Then any time is good for that kind of traveling.

      Reply
  25. Kerby
    Kerby says:

    Goodeve po.. Ask ko lang kung yung price list na nasa taas ng page is updated po ba??? Thanks po.. 🙂

    Reply
  26. Mikee
    Mikee says:

    Hi, I just want to know, if all the fees and information is up to date? Also, would it be advisable to go to Apo Island on July this year? Thank you! 🙂

    Reply
    • Daisy
      Daisy says:

      Good day!
      Yes, they are up to date. The weather can change quickly nowadays. However, I do believe any time is the best time to visit Apo Island.
      Best Regards,
      Daisy

      Reply
    • Daisy
      Daisy says:

      Good day!
      NO, we do not organize trips! However, if you are in Siquijor, please contact different resorts and inquire if they make trips to Apo Island.
      Best Regards,
      Daisy

      Reply
  27. MeAnn P
    MeAnn P says:

    Good day! We are heading to Apo Island exactly a month from now (June 16, 2019). Any advice on whether I should call Mr. Yoyong ahead for the boat rental or will there always be a boat available once we got there? I will be travelling with 2 seniors and a 9-year old niece. I want to show them the beauty of Apo Island. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Daisy
      Daisy says:

      Good day!
      There are daily boat rentals that leave to and from Apo Island. However, slots can easily be sold out. It is best to contact about a week before your planned date of departure. Then, call Mr. Yoyong’s number in the morning of June 16, 2019, again just to clarify that you guys are on the way.
      Best Regards,
      Daisy

      Reply
  28. Jak
    Jak says:

    hi.. are there restos or kahit anong tindahan where we could eat lunch on the island?just in case hindi kme makadala ng food..

    Reply
      • Jak
        Jak says:

        thanks.. oh and by the way, just contacted the number provided in this post.. the small boat for 3-4 pax is now 3000. i checked and said i thought it was just half of that price, but the owner of that fone number said it’s 3k.. well this is just an fyi.thanks.

        Reply
  29. Nawi
    Nawi says:

    Hello,

    Can you please tell if the prices are up to date? for example, one way on a public boat to Apo island is still 300PHP ?

    Is there a way to pre order and save place on a public boat to and from Apo island a day or few before traveling? if yes, how can I do that?

    Thanks,
    Nawi

    Reply
    • Daisy
      Daisy says:

      Good morning!
      We just updated the boat prices on the page. As of now, there are no public boats available. You can however, still call the number in the article for your boat reservation and for further assistance.

      Hope this helps. Good luck and safe travel!
      Regards,
      Daisy

      Reply
  30. Nawi
    Nawi says:

    Hello!

    For more info about the boats to Apo, I have tried to use the numbers you have suggested.

    I can’t find their WhatsApp, is there another way to contact them via the internet? (I have a problem with the calls since I’m calling from abroad).

    In addition, do you usually need to reserve a boat days before, or they are usually available?

    Thanks,
    Nawi

    Reply
    • Nawi
      Nawi says:

      One more question please,

      Are the shipment services work all the days of May or there are days where this option is not available?

      Thanks,
      Nawi

      Reply
      • Daisy
        Daisy says:

        There are only two national holidays in May for this year, Labour Day (May 1, 2022) and Eid al-Fitr (May 3, 2022). The rest of the month should be regular working days.

        Reply
    • Daisy
      Daisy says:

      Good morning Nawi!
      The boat operator’s contact above is just a local cellphone number. We asked, and they have no other form of contact aside from the cellphone number above. Boats are usually available, however, it is best to make reservations are best 1-2 days before.

      Regards,
      Daisy

      Reply
  31. Trish
    Trish says:

    Hi! Is the price still the same or has it been updated? We’re traveling on the 1st week of December to DGT and wants to visit apo island for a day tour.

    Reply
    • Daisy
      Daisy says:

      Yes, it is updated. We called just a month ago. However, feel free to contact the number found in the article to ensure your booking.

      Regards,
      Daisy

      Reply
  32. Lisa
    Lisa says:

    Hi, we would like to go to Apo Island in mid April next year with our kids. Can the water be rough at this time of year? I would be worried if there were lots of waves and bumps to get out there being in such a small boat for safety reasons?

    Reply
    • Rosario - DC-Team
      Rosario - DC-Team says:

      yes. However, it depends with what organizer you go. Many are lazy and go to exactly one spot, which can be pretty rough at times. Good organizers go to different spots, if the weather and the conditions of the ocean demand for it.

      Reply
  33. nikki ledesma
    nikki ledesma says:

    Hi, do the boats and gear rentals run on Christmas Day? 25th of December 2024. And will there be shops open on the island like the souvenir and food shops on that day as well? thanks!

    Reply
    • Rosario - DC-Team
      Rosario - DC-Team says:

      There are boats. However, if you don´t book a private boat ahead of time, you may not be able to get a ride to Apo Island. Locals visiting their families on Christmas from Negros Island will have priority.

      Reply

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