Gorgeous diving, awesome snorkelling with turtles and a homey stay at Mario’s resulted in the perfect Apo Island experience. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone who is interested in diving (they also offer PADI courses)
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Pascal
Aachen, GermanyCozy hideaway with amazing diving
Review of Mario's Scuba Diving and Homestay
Reviewed Dec 11, 2022via mobile
I came here originally to stay one or two nights for some scuba diving, but already while heading into the bay I could tell that I would end up staying longer and ended up doing my advanced open water diver here.
Apo Island is just something else. The way the village is built into the treeline and how friendly everyone here is - you owe it to yourself to stay on the island for at least a night and not just to pass by on a boat.
As for Mario‘s - it‘s everything I could have asked for. Accomodations are clean and comfortable (though note that the entire island has limited times for electricity, it never became an issue but maybe don‘t plan on working remotely here or sth). Also, the entire Team of divemasters and Mario himself are just caring, competent and generally super likeable.
Amazing place!
Date of stay: December 2022Apo Island is just something else. The way the village is built into the treeline and how friendly everyone here is - you owe it to yourself to stay on the island for at least a night and not just to pass by on a boat.
As for Mario‘s - it‘s everything I could have asked for. Accomodations are clean and comfortable (though note that the entire island has limited times for electricity, it never became an issue but maybe don‘t plan on working remotely here or sth). Also, the entire Team of divemasters and Mario himself are just caring, competent and generally super likeable.
Amazing place!
Trip type: Traveled solo
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All reviews home stay small room own bathroom scuba diving two nights comfortable stay running water sea life home away from home the entire island night dive jed electricity apo accommodation turtles roosters
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maggiemadsen
Copenhagen, Denmark
4
Date of stay: December 2022
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Mario Pascobello, Owner at Mario's Scuba Diving and Homestay, responded to this reviewResponded February 24, 2023
Hello, Maggie!
Thank you so much for taking the time to review our place. And we’re so glad you had a great time on the island! It was a pleasure having you and Isabell stay and dive with us!
Looking forward to welcoming you when you visit the Philippines in the future.
All the best,
Mario’s Scuba Diving and Homestay Team
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mariegroscheveux
Porto, Portugal
24
via mobile 
Mario’s diving center and Homestay on Apo Island was such a great experience.
When we reached the place we directly went for a diving refresher with dive master Lindton, he is great and was very patient with us.
The whole crew in the Homestay was lovely, food was nice and we felt at home right away.
We met with Mario who shared his experience about marine sanctuaries and how important it is to take care of the sea life, and how he passes on his knowledge with the next generation.
I could tell that the coral reefs is being well take care of and saw so many colorful fishes and will leave with beautiful memories.
Would definitely try to come back to dive some more! Highly recommended
Date of stay: December 2022
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Frenchpotatoe
Paris, France
3
We had an amazing time there, unlimited coffea at breakfast, amazing pancakes. All the staff and diving instructors are amazing. We saw turtles every day. Super for snorkeling and diving. There's a short walk around the island that's nice too.
The food is basic but just what you need. Cerfew at 10pm which we apreceate. Be sure to take earplugs as there are many chickens on the island that like to wake up from 4am!
We didn't want to leave. Would definitely go back!
Date of stay: February 2020
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LennonAM
Stockholm, Sweden
2311
via mobile 
Oh yes! Kick back and reconnect with nature at Mario and Mila’s hideaway on the fabulous Apo Island. This has to be a destination for real travelers, electricity only from 18-22.00 so the perfect chance to really cut off. Diving was amazing - thanks Big Mac, you are great. Snorkeling was nearly as brilliant and we met too many turtles to count! Mario is a legend and I hope you meet him. Laid back but smooth, everything works and the staff (specially Liza) quickly become family.
Date of stay: January 2020
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Linda P
Stockholm, Sweden
4218
via mobile
We stayed at Mario & Milas for 2 nights. We did 3 dives with smashing dive master Mac, and what a master he is! (Big Mac)
It truly was great dives at 3 different sites and we saw plenty of beautiful things.
The coral reef is the most gorgeous I’ve ever seen and there is lots of gorgeous turtles!
We did a super drift dive with negative entry. “Apo Island Rollercoaster” - highly recommend!
As for the stay, we could not have asked for more. Lovely, basic home stay with the nicest people on the planet. Elisa greeted us upon arrival and made sure we were looked after at all times. Really nice meals and a very kind and friendly vibe, which we really appreciated.
Mario and Mila are such a genuine, smashing people and it was a privilege to meet you both.
The only regret we have is not diving with Master Mario and not staying longer, but we sure will next time. 👌🏻
Thanks EVERYONE including Juno for being incredible people and looking after us so well.
We sure will be back!
Date of stay: January 2020
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