Dumaguete tour - Apo Island snorkeling tour

Dumaguete tour – Apo Island snorkeling tour overview

Discover one of the Philippines’ top snorkeling spots at Apo Island! From Dumaguete, enjoy a scenic 30-minute drive to Malatapay, your jump-off point to the island. A traditional pump boat ride (30–45 minutes) will then take you across the Bohol Sea to reach Apo Island’s crystal-clear waters.

Upon arrival, you’ll head straight to Turtle Point, where you can snorkel alongside gentle sea turtles (pawikan) or simply observe them from the shoreline.

After your underwater adventure, a delicious lunch will be served at Liberty’s Lodge or the charming Apo Island Beach Resort.

Feeling adventurous? Hike the Habagat Trail for around 30 minutes to enjoy a panoramic view of the island’s rugged coastline and protected marine sanctuary. After the trek, you can swim, relax, or stroll along the powdery white sand beach before heading back to the mainland by mid-afternoon.

Important Note: On days with strong waves (especially during the Habagat season from November to February), we recommend an earlier departure to ensure a safer and smoother crossing back.

🐢 Trip Highlights

• Snorkel in vibrant coral reefs and meet sea turtles in their natural habitat

• Local guide assistance (English or Tagalog-speaking) throughout the trip

• Round-trip hotel pick-up and drop-off within Dumaguete City (surcharge applies for outside-city locations)

• Island lunch with complimentary water, tea, coffee, and bananas

• All entrance fees, marine sanctuary charges, and snorkeling gear included

• Join-in and private tour options available

• Family and solo traveler-friendly

📸 What to Expect

✅ Snorkeling over colorful coral gardens
✅ Close encounters with sea turtles
✅ A relaxing white sand beach perfect for lounging
✅ Optional short hike with coastal views
✅ Cultural walk through the island village

✅ Inclusions

• ✔️ Air-conditioned round-trip land transfer

• ✔️ Hotel pick-up and drop-off within Dumaguete City

• ✔️ Private or join-in chartered boat

• ✔️ Complete snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, and life vest)

• ✔️ Set lunch at Apo Island with complimentary water, tea, coffee, and bananas

• ✔️ Marine sanctuary and environmental entrance fees

• ✔️ Professional local tour guide (English or Tagalog-speaking)

• ✔️ Free use of towels

• ✔️ Snorkeling cameraman to capture your underwater experience

• ✔️ Free use of underwater action camera (GoPro or equivalent, subject to availability

🚫 Not Included

• Airfare

• hotel accommodation

• Gratuities for driver and guide (tips are appreciated)

🕒 Estimated Itinerary

• 7:30 AM – Hotel pick-up in Dumaguete
• 8:30 AM – Boat transfer from Malatapay to Apo Island
• 9:20 AM – Arrival and safety briefing at Turtle Point
• 9:30 AM – Guided snorkeling session
• 11:30 AM – Lunch at Apo Island Beach Resort or Liberty’s
• 1:00 PM – Optional activities:
•  • Second round of snorkeling
•  • Habagat Trail hike
•  • Village walk or beach time
• 2:30 PM – Boat ride back to Malatapay
• 4:00 PM – Drop-off at your hotel

💡 Tour Tips

• Avoid weekends and Philippine holidays for a quieter experience

• Best time to visit: dry season (March–June)

• Bring swimwear, dry clothes, towel, sunscreen, and insect repellent

• Waterproof bag recommended for gadgets and valuables

⚠️ Activity Policy & Weather Advisory

• Activities may be suspended due to bad weather or sea conditions beyond our control

• Used transportation fees are non-refundable in case of weather-related tour cancellations

• Expect choppy seas during the Habagat season (Nov–Feb); safety first!

🔁 Cancellation Policy

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure

• Later cancellations are subject to our Terms and Conditions