Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro,
Apo Reef was declared as a protected area through Presidential Proclamation No.
868 dated September 6, 1996. It has three islands : Apo Island, Apo Menor and
Cayos del Bajo with white sandy beaches ideal for recreation and sporting vacation.
With an area of 15, 792 hectares, Apo Reef is one of the largest coral atoll
in the Philippines with a wide variety of habitat types
The reef waters abound with 385 species of marine fishes including families
of sharks, sting rays, mantas, school of jacks and snappers and 500 species
of corals which include soft corals and branching type of hard corals. Moreover,
the presence of shipwrecks in the area makes this dive site popular among diving
enthusiasts. It can also be a fishing ground for the local community and transient
fishermen.
