Apo Island Beach & Dive

year-round; best Feb–Jun

Apo Island, 35 minutes by pumpboat from Malatapay market, is one of Asia's oldest and most successful community-managed marine sanctuaries — the reef is visibly healthier than almost anywhere in the Visayas. The small beach on the island's west side is a pleasant base between dives or snorkel sessions. Tip: day trips leave Malatapay at 8–9am; stay overnight for morning dives before the day-trip surge arrives.