Sherbien Dacalanio/Pacific Press/LightRocket/Getty ImagesWhen Gebhardt first started diving in Apo Reef in the early 1990s, it was beautiful but clearly in trouble.
Apo Reef and its surrounding waters were upgraded to protected natural park status in 1996.
Apo Reef Natural Park is currently the second-largest no-take zone in the Philippines.
Challenges remainThe Pandan Island Resort, a pioneering eco-dive resort, is a popular option for Apo Reef visitors.
Beyond divingWhile diving is the star attraction, an Apo Reef visit offers a few other things to do.
Persons:
CNN — Wilfried Gebhardt, Gebhardt, Napoleon wrasse, I’ve, ”, “ It’s, Krystal Dayne Villanada, ’, Villanada, Apo, Jan Sidney “ Sid ” Mahusay, ” Mahusay, “, Mahusay, It’s, Jan Sidney Mahusay, it’s, ‘, Wilfried Gebhardt, Wall
Organizations:
CNN, UNESCO, Pacific Press, Apo, Municipal Administration, Sablayan, Philippines ’ Department of Environmental, Natural Resources, CNN Travel, Conservation, Shark
Locations:
German, Sablayan, Mindoro, Manila, Apo, Germany, Pandan, Philippines, parrotfish, overtourism