Dive site · access from Apo Reef Natural Park
Apo 29 (Barracuda Hill)
A submerged mound south of the main reef, dived only when conditions allow.
- Depth
- 29–45m
- Current
- Strong
- Minimum level
- Advanced open water
- Access
- Boat
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The case for it
Why dive here
- Open-water seamount whose shallowest point is 29m — a deep dive before anything else
- Schooling barracuda and trevally holding in the current
- The most likely spot on the reef for a hammerhead, though sightings stay occasional
Check before booking
What may rule it out
- Advanced open water certification is the stated minimum.
Access and timing
Plan this through Apo Reef Natural Park
Best overall months: Mar, Apr, May. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.
Wildlife
Seen around Apo Reef Natural Park
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed
These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at Apo 29 (Barracuda Hill).
Humphead wrasse
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | destination closed |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Reef manta ray
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | destination closed |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Bumphead parrotfish
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | destination closed |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Grey reef shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | destination closed |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Hawksbill turtle
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | destination closed |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Nearby alternatives
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Sources & last checked
Checked August 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 2 sources and checking notes
- Apo Reef diving guide, Underwater Asia
- Map of dive sites in Apo Reef, Mindoro, Philippines, Starfish.ch
Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.