Apo Reef Natural Park

Apo Reef is the largest atoll-like reef in the Philippines and the second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world, lying in the Mindoro Strait off Sablayan — not to be confused with tiny Apo Island near Dumaguete. Proclaimed a natural park in 1996, it pairs a 34 km² reef complex with a lighthouse islet and lagoon mangroves. A complete fishing ban imposed in 2007 turned the reef into a recovery showcase: walls and drop-offs on the west side draw gray reef and whitetip sharks, big tuna and jacks, turtles at density, and seasonal hammerheads in the deep blue. Most divers arrive by liveaboard between Coron and Batangas or on banca expeditions from Sablayan.

The rules that bind divers

All fishing within the natural park has been banned since 2007; the reef is a no-take zone patrolled by rangers based at Apo Island's lighthouse station. Visitors pay park entry and diving fees, arranged through Sablayan's tourism office or by liveaboards, and boats use designated moorings and anchorages — anchoring on the reef is prohibited. Landings concentrate on the lighthouse islet, where camping is regulated; collecting, spearfishing, and wildlife disturbance are barred throughout. Weather windows govern access, since the reef sits in open water exposed to both monsoons.

Fees & permits: Park entrance plus per-dive or per-day fees set by the protected-area office, normally bundled by liveaboards and Sablayan operators.