An optical pulse wave detection apparatus includes a light emitting element, a light receiving element, a first control unit, a second control unit, and a pulse wave detection unit. The first control unit obtains a first signal by causing the light emitting element to emit light of a first light quantity, and by causing the light receiving element to receive reflected light, which is reflected by a living organism, of the light of the first light quantity. The second control unit obtains a second signal by causing the light emitting element to emit the light of a second light quantity that is smaller than the first light quantity, and by causing the light receiving element to receive the reflected light of the light of the second light quantity. The pulse wave detection unit detects a pulse wave of the living organism based on the first and second signals.