Mamsa Point

Mamsa Point, also known as Jackfish Point, is a renowned dive site located on the east coast of Apo Island in the Philippines. The site is famous for its large schools of jacks or trevallies, from which it derives its name, as "Mamsa" is the local term for these fish. Divers can expect to encounter a high concentration and diversity of jacks, including black-tailed trevally, yellow cavalli, crevalle jack, and common jacks, often swirling in feeding formations. Yellowfin tuna also hunt the edges of the reef, and reef sharks patrol deeper sections. The dive typically begins with a descent onto a gentle reef slope, which transitions into a steep profile where the schools of jacks are frequently observed. This steep reef slope is a known area for massive schools of jacks to pass by, making for dramatic schooling fish photography opportunities. The site features vibrant coral gardens with healthy hard and soft corals, providing a rich habitat for a variety of marine life. In addition to the jacks, divers can spot clownfish, small gobies, sea turtles, snappers, groupers, parrotfish, angelfish, nudibranchs, and barracudas. The currents at Mamsa Point can range from moderate to strong, sometimes becoming unpredictable, especially around the full moon, which keeps nutrients flowing and attracts fish. Due to these currents, Mamsa Point is generally considered an intermediate to advanced dive site, requiring an Advanced Open Water certification and prior drift diving experience. Visibility at Mamsa Point is generally excellent, often reaching up to 30 meters, and can be exceptional, up to 40 meters, on clear days. The water temperature is comfortable, ranging from 25-30°C year-round. While diving in Apo Island is possible year-round, the peak season for optimal conditions, including calm seas and best visibility, is from October to May, with April to June often cited as the best months. Entry to the site is typically by boat.