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Rock point West

3.5 — based on 15 community signals
4.2 12 species 22 contributors

Rock Point West is a year-round dive site near Apo Island in the Philippines, located within a protected marine landscape with healthy coral and abundant marine life.

⭐ Best for beginners.

🐢 MPA · Apo Island Protected Landscape… updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
MPAShore entryFamily-friendlyMacroFocus

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Green sea turtle

Top operators here

See all operators ↓

Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
Rock point West location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
1.8 kn
Wave
0.5 m
Water
29.8°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: SW (41%)
Now: W (273°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 1.26m

Next: High at 02:00 (+1.28m)

+1.3 m0 m+0.0 m
▲ 02:00 · +1.28m ▼ 11:00 · +0.25m ▲ 02:00 · +1.21m ▼ 14:00 · +0.19m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV9.15 · very high Air PM2.521 · moderate 05:36 17:45
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 8.6 0.64 9 0mm
09-20 6.3 0.56 8 2mm
09-21 5.9 0.5 7 7mm
09-22 5.2 0.36 5 20mm
09-23 3.5 0.18 2 26mm
09-24 4.7 0.1 8 43mm
09-25 5.9 0.24 8 5mm

About this spot

Rock Point West sits in the waters around Apo Island, one of the Philippines' premier dive destinations. The site benefits from protection as part of the Apo Island Protected Landscape and Seascape, which means the marine ecosystem remains robust and well-managed. The absence of coral bleaching stress signals healthy reef conditions, making this an ideal spot for divers seeking vibrant underwater scenery. The site attracts divers year-round, so planning is flexible depending on your schedule and personal preferences. With 12 documented species observations logged by the diving community, you'll encounter diverse marine life typical of Philippine reefs. The area's protected status ensures both conservation of the habitat and a quality diving experience. Community videos from the site provide a good preview of what to expect underwater. Before diving, check local conditions and any specific entry requirements with dive operators familiar with Apo Island. The protected status means the site is actively monitored and managed to keep it in good shape for both divers and marine residents.

📖 Guide: Diving in the Philippines: 119 Sites, Wrecks & Walls Worth the Flight

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Marine life

Green sea turtle

Dive types

Reef

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type A/B/C · 220V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 11409km · ~2624kg · €47

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 54/100
  • Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
  • Flight: 12h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 11h east · 8 days recovery

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Rock Point West?

Rock Point West is diveable year-round, so you can plan your trip based on your schedule and weather preferences. Check current conditions with local operators before booking.

What marine life will I see here?

The site has 12 documented species observations from the diving community. Healthy coral conditions suggest typical Philippine reef fish, but check community videos and local reports for the most current sightings.

Is Rock Point West protected?

Yes, the site is within the Apo Island Protected Landscape and Seascape. This means the reef is actively managed and shows no coral bleaching stress, indicating a healthy marine environment.

How do I access Rock Point West?

Rock Point West is accessed via Apo Island in the Philippines. Arrange dives through local operators familiar with the area, and confirm any permits or entry requirements before your trip.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Paul's Dive Shop

0.6 km
4.8 (16 reviews) closed
Dive centre
Verified
Hours: Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Beach Cafe & Dream Diving Resort

8.1 km
Dive centre

Wellbeach Dive Resort

8.5 km
4.4 (68 reviews) closed
Dive centre
Verified
Hours: Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

55 records · 50 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Ceratodoris nakamotoensis

ミナミヒロウミウシ
Gastropoda · Goniodorididae
OBIS
Last seen:
28 Aug 2018
×1records
Depth:
12 m

Chromodoris alcalai

ダイアナウミウシ
Gastropoda · Chromodorididae
OBIS
Last seen:
27 Aug 2018
×1records
Depth:
18 m

Pleurobranchaea brockii

Gastropoda · Pleurobranchaeidae
OBIS
Last seen:
22 Oct 2016
×1records

Nudechinus verruculatus

Echinoidea · Toxopneustidae
OBIS
Last seen:
10 Apr 2016
×1records
Depth:
2 m

Metalia sternalis

Echinoidea · Brissidae
OBIS
Last seen:
10 Apr 2016
×1records
Depth:
16 m

Polynoidae

Polychaeta · Polynoidae
OBIS
Last seen:
9 Apr 2016
×2records
Depth:
2–18 m

Elysia

Gastropoda · Plakobranchidae
OBIS
Last seen:
9 Apr 2016
×2records
Depth:
5–30 m

Pontiometra andersoni

Crinoidea · Colobometridae
OBIS
Last seen:
9 Apr 2016
×1records
Depth:
2–18 m

Decametra parva

Crinoidea · Colobometridae
OBIS
Last seen:
9 Apr 2016
×1records
Depth:
6–29 m

Allogalathea elegans

Malacostraca · Galatheidae
OBIS
Last seen:
9 Apr 2016
×1records
Depth:
2–18 m

Pontoniopsis comanthi

Malacostraca · Palaemonidae
OBIS
Last seen:
9 Apr 2016
×1records
Depth:
2–18 m

Thromidia catalai

Asteroidea · Mithrodiidae
OBIS
Last seen:
9 Apr 2016
×1records
Depth:
6–28 m

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Philippines - Apo Island - Rock Point West Reef 4K -

Mario Diving Films

Apo Island Dives/ Chapel, Rock Point West and Largahan

Keith Saddler

Diving PHILIPPINES - Apo Island | Rock Point West "The Big Blue" 4K Dauin

Ollywood - Dive & Travel
💬 3 top comments
  • Wunderschöner Tauchspot .

    @heidihone8314 · 👍 0
  • Ein Traum der Tauchplatz und ihr habt in sehr gut eingefangen. Da muss ich nochmal hin, bevor ich zu klapprig dafür bin.

    @franczidar2885 · 👍 0
  • Einen wunderschönen guten Morgen aus dem Ollywood-Frühstücksclub in Neuss. Nach einer sehr stürmischen, gewittrigen und regenreichen Nacht genießen wir die frische Luft auf unserem Balkon. Die richtige Zeit um euer neues Video zu genießen, das ist mal wieder erste Sahne und bei der Länge können wir uns bestens in diese wunderschöne Welt träumen. Die Video -und Fotoaufnahmen sind wie immer eine A

    @bodohausmann4642 · 👍 0

Local knowledge

OpenStreetMap Notes
  • "Bahura Dive Resort seems to be not existing anymore 2023-11-23"

    Totor · 2023-11-23
  • ""Dive shop run trip on Dauin and Zambonguita coastal, Apo island(min.2divers) and Sumilon(min.6divers). Dive courses available. Dive rate start from 1,500php. Dive equipment provided without extra charge. Marine park fee, dive guide and towel are included. Offer secluded beach front accommodation for divers. Small swimming pool and a boutique café on site. Room rate start from 500php/bed in dorm room, breakfast are included. All types room with private hot shower/toilet and air-conditioning." P"

    Dives Visaya · 2020-01-12
wind peaks Feb-Jan-Mar, calmest Aug-Oct-Jun, dry Jan-Apr.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Jun (100/100) Worst: Jan (0/100) Now: Sep (94/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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