In the middle of Mindoro Strait, almost halfway between Mindoro Island and Busuanga island, lies a samll island and a very large reef system: Apo island and Apo Reef.Apo Island is approximately 1 km in extent, low and wooded. The white sandy beaches border its east and south and its fringing reef extends up to 1 km offshore. Apo Island is separate from Apo Reef, east of it, by a deep channel about 2 kms wide. A conspicuous wreck lies stranded about 0.5 km south of the navigation light on the island.
Apo Reef is an extensive reef system in which there are two shallow lagoons, separated by a channel entered from westward. The reef extends about 9 kms to the northeast, 12 kms to the east, and 9 kms to the southeast from Menor Islet. Menor Islet is a tiny islet almost 3 kms east of Apo Island. It is only 10 m. high, wooded and marked with a beacon. The reef system is party above water.
During the summer months of March, April and May several expedition head for Apo Island and Apo Reef. It is a paradise not only for divers, but certainly also for snorkellers and those who like to be Robinson Crusoe for a while.
It is possible to camp on Apo Island. Especially for bigger groups it is not that expensive to keep the bat for a few days. It is not wise to let the boat go back, quite often the boatmen forget to pick you up again, which can be a disaster.
