Initially, there was hesitation on the part of the locals, but after a three-year dialogue, Dr. Alcala convinced the island community to establish the sanctuary.

Visitors and tourists pay a fee to enter Apo Island and to snorkel or dive in the marine sanctuary there.

In 2008, Sport Diver Magazine listed Apo Island as one of the top 100 diving spots in the world.

[6] The fish sanctuary, at the southeastern part of the island has been closed "temporarily" since 2011 after it got devastated by typhoon Sendong.

In the north part of the island, currents offer exceptionally clear waters with a school of jacks, 13 barracudas, few groupers located near Coconut diving spot.