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Diving Apo Island with Atmosphere
One of the most famous dive sites in this area of the Philippines is Apo Island. It is just a short boat ride away from the Atmosphere Resort, via the marine park office to get your permits to dive there. Apo Island has been a Marine Sanctuary for over 20 years and this shows even as you glance down at the reefs below from the boat as you pull up to your dive site.
The corals here are healthy and abundant and the beauty of the shallows is breath-taking. On a sunny day, the corals light up in their multi-coloured splendour to delight both snorkelers and divers alike. These shallows are also home to a large number of sea turtles, who rest on the soft corals and graze on the hard corals. Banded Sea Kraits (sea snakes) also inhabit these shallow waters, taking divers by surprise as they wiggle out from the protection of the corals to head for the surface.
Once you have taken your fill of the shallows, and in the knowledge that you will have to come back here for your safety stop, you can head deeper down the sloping reef. The reef is just as healthy here, but the species of coral and fish change as you descend. Magnificent Anemones, balled up to show their vivid purple skirts, host families of anemonefish. If you look closely at the large sponges, you are sure to find one of the areas signature species – the frogfish. And if you keep one eye looking out into the blue, large pelagic species have been known to come in closer to the reef wall and give divers unexpected encounters with various species of shark.
On your surface interval you can buy local trinkets from boats that visit with clothing and souvenirs, whilst rehydrating or grabbing a bite to eat. The Atmosphere boat, Victoria, is a traditional banka boat with bamboo outriggers and is the most commonly used boat for this trip. It is extremely spacious, with plenty of room both for those that like to worship the sun or those that like to stay in the shade. The crew are always on hand to look after you too, changing your equipment over between dives and ensuring you have everything you need.
Apo Island is a must do day trip when staying with Atmosphere. We are only sad that we did not have enough time to go back and do a second trip there, but there are so many more dive sites to explore, and just not enough time for us to fit it all in. Next time…
Equipment Used
Olympus OM-D EM-1 MKII with Olympus 8mm lens
Nauticam Housing
INON Z240 Strobes
For more information about Atmosphere Resorts & Spa visit their website by clicking here.
For more information about visiting the Philippines click here.
Get ready for an unforgettable day of adventure, exploration, and all things scuba and watersports! Oyster Diving’s Big Scuba Day Out is taking place on Sunday, 4th May 2025, at Mercers Park, near London —and best of all, entry is completely FREE!
Whether you’re a seasoned diver, a total beginner, or just looking for a fun day out by the water, this event has something for everyone — including lovely walks around the lake with your four-legged friends!
Come and experience the latest dive gear from some of the world’s leading brands, including Santi, Suex, Apeks, Aqualung, Garmin, GoPro and XDeep. Get hands-on with dive scooters, cutting-edge dive computers, and high-performance gear designed to take your underwater adventures to the next level.
Take part in fun dives with expert guides try out other exclusive demo kit. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, try out new equipment, or simply enjoy the stunning underwater world of Mercers Park, this is the perfect opportunity.
A special raffle in aid of the Shark Trust will include prizes such as PADI branded goodies, Apeks 30m reel and wet notes, and Shearwater Peregrine TX worth £689!
As a special highlight for those wanting to “live the dream”, Course Director Mark Taylor and PADI Regional Manager Emma Samuelsson will be giving an exclusive talk at 12:00 PM about how to become a PADI Pro, including Divemaster and Instructor pathways. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion for diving into a career, this is the perfect chance to get insider knowledge from one of the best in the industry.
Not just for divers, the Big Scuba Day Out also offers a variety of watersports courtesy of www.aquasports.co.uk. Try your hand at kayaking, paddleboarding, or other exciting water activities.
After all the action, relax on the beautiful lake terrace, where you can enjoy a selection of delicious food and licensed bar while soaking in the breathtaking views.
Don’t miss this incredible day of diving, watersports, and fun for the whole family. For full details and to register your interest, visit Oyster Diving’s website. https://oysterdiving.com/diving-club/uk-diving-trips/the-big-scuba-day-out-4th-may/.
There’s something magical about night diving— the ocean transforms into a whole new world, alive with mystery and wonder. At Euro-Divers Meeru, we love sharing this unique experience with our guests, and the West Rock Shipwreck is one of our favourite sites for night diving.
Here’s why:
Setting the Scene
The adventure begins at 17:30 as divers gather on the boat. After thoroughly checking our equipment, the boat departs for the dive site. The 15-minute journey is a treat, with the calm sea and the soft glow of the setting sun creating the perfect atmosphere.
Arriving at West Rock, the boat gently moors above the wreck. As our team briefs you on the dive, we will walk you through the special night diving techniques, such as using a torch and maintaining buddy contact, ensuring you feel confident and prepared. While we wait for the sun to set, there is time to relax with a cup of tea or coffee and take in the breathtaking colours of the Maldivian sunset.
The Dive Begins
Once darkness settles, it’s time to dive. The West Rock Shipwreck—a small cargo freighter sunk in 1999—rests at 20 meters on a sandy plateau. Over the years, it has become a vibrant reef, teeming with marine life.
As we descend, the beams of our torches cut through the dark water, revealing the wreck’s coral-covered surfaces. It is always thrilling to see the wreck come to life under the light. Colourful nudibranchs, scorpionfish, frogfish, and shrimps are just a few of the creatures that call this wreck home.
We often find parrotfish and pufferfish inside the wreck settled in for the night, while lionfish and moray eels lurk in the shadows. We frequently spot larger residents, too—Napoleon wrasse or even a resting nurse shark, peacefully tucked away beneath the ship’s hull. Every corner of the wreck offers something new to discover.
Underwater Galaxy
As the dive comes to an end, we have one final highlight to share. During the safety stop at 5 metres, we may ask you to switch off your torch and gently move your hands through the water. This action stirs up bioluminescent plankton, lighting up like tiny stars surrounding you— a magical, otherworldly experience that never fails to amaze.
Post-Dive Bliss
Emerging from the dive, we are welcomed by the cool night air and a canopy of stars. The boat crew helps us as we climb aboard, where hot tea or coffee awaits to warm us up. The journey back to shore is filled with shared stories and a sense of camaraderie that only diving together can create.
Night dives like this one at the West Rock Shipwreck offer more than just an exploration of marine life; they remind us of the beauty and mystery of the underwater world.
For more information, contact the Euro-Divers Meeru team at meeru@euro-divers.com or visit www.euro-divers.com.
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