The Reefs  and Lakes

The Calamianes are (almost) one big coral reef!  From the reefs laid down millions of years ago, which form the infrastructure of the islands, to the reefs still growing now.  Many are a delight to dive, but some sadly still show the effects of dynamite and cyanide fishing.  Some are sheltered with little or no current.  Others lie between islands where the current sweeps round, making them great drift dives.  Whilst some reefs tower up 20m plus, others hug the bottom and are interspersed with a variety of sponges and fungi.  

Visibility varies from good to 'atmospheric' depending on the phase of the moon and the prevailing currents and tides.  Most are suitable for beginners gaining experience, but are also interesting for experienced divers who perhaps, want to do a buddy dive, without a guide, and explore for themselves.  There are also interesting Wall dives as well.  A favorite day's dive is to go to Barracuda Lake and then on to Seven Rocks Reef.  Elsewhere we have a range of underwater and scenic pictures, but I could not resist putting up some  below!

 
               APO Reef - Dive Safaris

The Safari lasts 4 nights and 3 days it is not to be missed! APO is  the second largest contiguous coral reef in the world.

A designated Marine Park since 1980 and a fully protected Natural Park since 1996 it now looks like a coral reef should!  Masses of marine life, large pelagic fish, beautiful coral fish, sharks, manta rays, barracuda, turtles, many invertebrates, a mangrove forrest - and a bird sanctuary.

Apo is an Atol reef - the largest in the Philippines,  Two other islands form the complex, all mostly submerged.

Schedule:  We leave Coron at night and travel the 5 hours overnight ready for unlimited diving the next day.

Club Paradise  (Pic Bot left).Or we spend day three moored at  Club Paradise.  Nearby is a large WW2 wreck, the Kyogosan Maru, Dugong graze the seagrass and the long-time well protected CP home reef is well worth a dive! And we use the CP bar at night!

Great food and all equipment included in the price.
Check out the UNESCO report for more details of the Natural Park.

This dive is unique. We doubt you will find anything like it in the world.  Approaching it the scenery is breathtaking. The top 14m is brackish water at about 28C. Below 14m it is salt and around 38C. Below 26m the temperature goes back to 28C. At 32m the water starts to turn the colour of tea, because of the tannic acid from the leaves settled on bottom. The thermoclines are visible and it's fun to porpoise from one to another.  The mud at the bottom is very soft. It is possible to put your arm in up to your elbow. For those a bit more adventurous you can do a headfirst dive into the mud for that never to forget photograph.  Yes, there is a large Barracuda there!  But remember to look up and behind.  It is probably following you from a position of advantage!  Max depth: 30m. RCL: Open Water Diver.