Freediving Siquijor and Apo island

Siquijor and Apo Island are both located in the Visayas region of the Philippines. Specifically, Siquijor is an island province south of Negros and west of Bohol, while Apo Island is a smaller volcanic island found off the southeastern coast of Negros Oriental.


how to get there

The easiest and fastest way to get to Siquijor is by traveling through Dumaguete City, as it’s the nearest major city with an airport and a frequent ferry terminal.
Here is the breakdown of the easiest route:
Fly to Dumaguete City (DGT):
Siquijor does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest and most convenient airport is Dumaguete–Sibulan Airport (DGT) on Negros Oriental island.
You can find direct flights to Dumaguete from major Philippine hubs like Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB). The flight time from Manila is about 1.5 hours.
Travel from Dumaguete Airport to Dumaguete Port:
Once you arrive at the airport, take a quick tricycle or taxi ride (about 15-30 minutes) to the Dumaguete Sea Port (near the boulevard).
Take a Ferry to Siquijor:
This is the final and shortest leg of the journey. There are multiple ferry operators (like OceanJet, Montenegro Lines, Anika Star) with frequent trips throughout the day from Dumaguete Port to Siquijor.7
The ferry ride typically takes between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the vessel (fast craft is faster).
Siquijor has two main ports: Siquijor Pier (in Siquijor town) and Larena Pier. Check which port is closer to your accommodation.
In summary, the most straightforward path is: Fly to Dumaguete , take a Tricycle to Dumaguete Port and the Fast Ferry to Siquijor.
Get from Dumaguete/Dauin to Apo Island
Apo Island is a day trip from the mainland.
For Snorkeling/Freediving Day Trips: The most common way is to book a tour (either through your resort in Dauin or a dive shop). The boat ride from Dauin resorts to Apo Island takes about 30–45 minutes. This is the easiest and most hassle-free option.
DIY to Apo Island: You can travel to Malatapay Pier (one municipality south of Dauin) via bus or tricycle, and then take a local public boat (banca) from the pier to Apo Island. This is cheaper but requires waiting for the boat to fill up.

Special Features of Siquijor and Apo island

Siquijor, often called the “Island of Fires” (Isla de Fuego) by early Spaniards due to its myriad fireflies, is known for a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural mystique.
Mystical Reputation: The island is widely known as the “Island of Healers,” a center for traditional healing practices, herbal medicine, and spiritual rituals, adding a unique cultural layer to the visit.
Diverse Landscape: It features white-sand beaches fringed by coral reefs, clear-water waterfalls (like Cambugahay Falls), caves, and a mostly hilly or mountainous interior, rising to Mt. Bandilaan.
Fringing Coral Reefs: The entire island is a coralline island surrounded by shallow fringing reefs, seagrass beds, and some spectacular wall reefs on the western and southern coasts, creating numerous accessible dive/snorkel spots.
Relaxed Atmosphere: Siquijor generally has a quieter, more laid-back ambiance compared to some of the larger, busier islands.
Siquijor offers a wider variety of coastal marine environments—from fringing reefs to walls—combined with a rich cultural and terrestrial experience, with numerous accessible snorkeling spots directly off its beautiful beaches and local sanctuaries.
Generally has crystal-clear water and tropical, warm temperatures year-round, ideal for long sessions.

Apo Island is a small volcanic island recognized globally as a pioneering and successful example of community-managed marine conservation.
World-Class Marine Sanctuary: The island is primarily famous for its Marine Protected Area (MPA), one of the oldest and most successful community-run marine sanctuaries in the Philippines, established in 1982.
Volcanic Topography: It’s a small volcanic island with a total land area of only about 74 hectares, rising to a height of 120 meter
Exceptional Coral Reefs: The reefs boast an incredibly high coral cover and diversity, estimated to have over 400 species of corals (most of the Philippines’ species).
Abundant Marine Life: The sanctuary is home to over 650 documented species of fish and a large, healthy population of Green and Hawksbill sea turtles, which are easily encountered.

Both locations offer prime conditions for freediving and snorkeling, but for slightly different reasons, centering on marine health and water conditions.

recommended for freedivers in Siquijor :

Siquijor Freediving

Siquijor’s first freediving school and a Molchanovs instructor training center

freediving nomads

offering aida courses

What else
to do ?

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit Siquijor

Dry Season (Best Time): November to May are generally the driest months, offering blue skies, warm weather, and calm seas perfect for outdoor activities like snorkeling and beach hopping.
High Season Peak: March to May is the high season, with the best weather. However, the island can get especially crowded and accommodations may be pricier around Holy Week (Easter), so consider avoiding this period if you prefer a quieter trip.
Shoulder Season: November and possibly late October can be great, offering good weather at the start of the dry season with fewer crowds and more reasonable prices than the peak months.
Rainy Season: June to October is the rainy season, where you can expect heavier rainfall and occasional storms. While it’s low season (meaning cheaper and fewer tourists), ferry cancellations and muddy roads can be a risk, and the waterfalls might be murky after heavy rain.

Accommodations: Budget vs. Luxury

Siquijor caters well to budget and mid-range travelers, though luxury options do exist.
Budget & Mid-Range: This is the dominant type of accommodation. You’ll find many affordable guesthouses, hostels, simple bungalows, and inns, especially in and around the main tourist hub of San Juan (the best area for most travelers) and town centers like Siquijor and Lazi. Rooms can go for under PHP 1,000 to moderate prices for nicer, air-conditioned rooms.
Luxury & Upscale: There are a few highly-rated, more upscale resorts, such as Coco Grove Beach Resort, which offer better amenities like pools, beachfront access, and higher comfort levels. Some newer boutique resorts also provide a more “design-forward” experience.

Restaurants and Food Scene

The food scene is a blend of local Filipino cuisine and international options, primarily centered in San Juan:
Local Filipino: Look for lechon (roasted pig), grilled seafood, and traditional Filipino dishes at local eateries (carinderias) for budget-friendly and authentic meals. Dalahikan in San Juan is known for its budget-friendly Filipino grilled food by the sea.
International: You’ll find excellent international cuisine, including:
Italian: Dolce Amore Italian Restaurant & Resort and Marco Polo are highly recommended for pizza and pasta.
Fusion/Eclectic: Places like Baha Ba’r offer great atmosphere, craft beers, cocktails, and a fusion menu of Filipino and international dishes, often with live music.
Healthy/Vegan: Spots like Shaka are popular for healthy, vegan-friendly options like smoothie bowls.
Scenic: Larena Triad and Bucafe are known for scenic views alongside snacks, coffee, or light meals.

How to Get Around

The most popular and convenient ways to explore Siquijor are:
Motorbike Rental (Scooter): This is the most flexible and recommended way to get around. You can rent a scooter for around PHP 250–500 per day. The island has a main ring road that is generally in good condition, and traffic is minimal, making it easy to drive yourself.
Tricycle/Multi-cab Tour: If you are not comfortable driving, you can hire a tricycle or multi-cab driver for a full-day tour (often costing PHP 1,000–1,200 for a tricycle) or for point-to-point transport. Drivers often act as informal guides.
Jeepneys / Easyrides: These are cheaper options that operate on fixed routes between towns but require waiting time and can be slow.
Van: Vans for hire offer speed and convenience for groups but are the most expensive option.

Who is Siquijor Recommended For?

Siquijor is an excellent destination for travelers seeking:
Nature Lovers & Adventurers: The island is perfect for exploring waterfalls (Cambugahay Falls), marine sanctuaries (Tubod Marine Sanctuary for snorkeling/diving), beaches (Paliton Beach for sunsets, Salagdoong Beach for cliff jumping), and caves (Cantabon Cave).
Budget Backpackers: It’s an affordable island with many budget accommodations and food options.
Travelers Seeking a Chill, Laid-Back Vibe: Compared to more commercial islands like Cebu or Bohol, Siquijor feels less developed, less crowded, and offers a more raw and local experience.
Those Interested in Filipino Culture/Mysticism: Siquijor is famous for its history of folk healing and witchcraft, which adds a unique cultural layer to the visit, particularly during the annual Lenten Festival of Herbal Preparation.
Motorbike Enthusiasts: The calm, relatively traffic-free roads are ideal for leisurely exploring the entire island on a scooter.