Apo Reef the flora, the fauna and the clarity of the water and white sand. Many species can be observed in deep or shallow waters in particular, sharks, giant napoleons, mantas and murenas. The coral is in good health and growing. The Apo Reef is a protected area of the Philippines classified as a Natural park encompassing . Of the total area, comprises the Apo Reef Natural Park while the remaining constitute a buffer zone surrounding the protected area. Prior to its declaration as a protected area, Apo Reef was first officially declared a "Marine Park" by then Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos
Apo Island species of coral can be found here, from tiny bubble corals to huge gorgonian sea fans and brain corals. Visitors and tourists pay a fee to enter Apo Island and to snorkel or dive in the marine sanctuary there. These fees are used to keep the sanctuary clean and in good condition. In 2003, Chicago's Shedd Aquarium opened a Wild Reef exhibit based on Apo Island's surrounding reef and marine sanctuary. In 2008, Sport Diver Magazine listed Apo Island as one of the top 100 diving spots in the world. As of 2017, the fish sanctuary, at the southeastern part