Apo Island, Philippines

Apo Island, a tiny volcanic island in the Philippines, is renowned for its thriving coral reefs and pioneering community-led conservation. Since the 1980s, locals have protected its 650+ fish species and 400+ coral types, creating a model marine sanctuary. Dive sites like Coconut Point teem with sea turtles, barracudas, and vibrant soft corals. Accessible from Negros Oriental, this eco-tourism gem balances sustainable fishing with breathtaking underwater biodiversity—a testament to grassroots environmental stewardship.