Apo Reef

Apo Reef
View from the Apo Reef Lighthouse on Apo Island
Map showing the location of Apo Reef
Map showing the location of Apo Reef
Location in the Philippines
Map showing the location of Apo Reef
Map showing the location of Apo Reef
Apo Reef (Philippines)
LocationMindoro Strait, Philippines
Nearest citySablayan
Coordinates12°39′42″N 120°24′52″E / 12.66167°N 120.41444°E / 12.66167; 120.41444
Area34 square kilometres (13 sq mi)
Governing bodyDepartment of Environment and Natural Resources
Municipal Government of Sablayan

Apo Reef is a coral reef system in the Philippines situated in the western waters of Occidental Mindoro province in the Mindoro Strait. Encompassing 34 km2 (13 sq mi), it is considered the world's second-largest contiguous coral reef system, and is the largest in the country.[1] The reef and its surrounding waters are protected areas administered as the Apo Reef Natural Park (ARNP). It is one of the best known and most popular diving regions in the country, and is on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.[2]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference UNESCOWHSubmission was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Hutchinson, Gretchen and Ventura, Edgar M. (1987). "Philippine Dive Versions", pg. 74. Philippine Dive Versions, Makati.