Condition of Apo Island?

[kathydee]

Earlier this summer I heard that the reef at Apo Island sustained quite a bit of damage. Has anyone visited in the last month or so?

Do you know if the impact affected the diving or dive tourism?

 

[Woodiver]

Don't know about Apo, but there was a post at the end of August about Verde Island with photos, nothing like I remember....

39 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

[NAIBdiver1]

I had the pleasure of diving Apo Island August 15 - unbelievably beautiful. The areas that I dove were in great shape - probably the best dive of 2 & 1/2 weeks in the Philippines.

 

[jeepguy]

Earlier this summer I heard that the reef at Apo Island sustained quite a bit of damage.

Was also at Verde August 17 and Apo on August 20 and thought the reefs were in great shape. Being first trip to PI I really have no prior knowledge. Stayed one week in PG and one in Dumeguette and had an awesome time.:cool2:

 

[kathydee]

Humm, perhaps it was isolated damage. Good to hear that Apo is still as beautiful. Thanks!

 

[slowhands]

I heard that a banca boat dragged across a reef causing some minor damage to that local area. Of course the locals wanted to fine the guy (bribe me or else). But I dove Apo twice this year and it was beautiful as usual, I did not notice reef damage. I think right at the main anchor area for the main settlement, there must be a lot of anchor damage and possibly boats dragging. Nobody dives there anyway. It's a small island on the map, but has a lot of good sites when you are there, really a nice area.

One thing that annoys me is a camera fee. What's with that? Because they can get it, they charge P300 to use a camera, in addition to sanctuary fees. Well, it supports the locals, who presumably fish less. Although I saw a lot of fishing when I was there.

 

[sonar]

I heard that a banca boat dragged across a reef causing some minor damage to that local area. Of course the locals wanted to fine the guy (bribe me or else). But I dove Apo twice this year and it was beautiful as usual, I did not notice reef damage. I think right at the main anchor area for the main settlement, there must be a lot of anchor damage and possibly boats dragging. Nobody dives there anyway. It's a small island on the map, but has a lot of good sites when you are there, really a nice area.

One thing that annoys me is a camera fee. What's with that? Because they can get it, they charge P300 to use a camera, in addition to sanctuary fees. Well, it supports the locals, who presumably fish less. Although I saw a lot of fishing when I was there.

It's because divers with cameras annoy the rest of the divers when they stay at one point for 10 minutes. The other divers all get a share of your 300 when you are rinsing your casing

Nah, it's because they can. Thats the only reason