Dive in Tubbataha, the Philippines’ Most Biodiverse Reef!

Why We Love It

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is the most remote and pristine reef in the Philippines. It is only accessible by liveaboard, and this UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts some of the richest biodiversity in the world. It boasts 360 species of corals, 13 species of dolphins and whales, 11 species of sharks, and countless fantastic critters! With only nine liveaboards holding a permit to go to Tubbataha, these spots are highly sought after and sell out quickly, so plan your trip early.

Conservation

The dive operator donates to the NGOs Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE), Marine Research and Conservation Foundation (MARECO), and Manta Trust to support research and conservation of whale sharks, turtles, sharks, and rays. Scientists are invited onboard as well to conduct research. Single-use plastics are prohibited in Tubbataha per local regulations.

Who Is It For?

For advanced divers who like big and small. Divers are required to have an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, a minimum of 30 logged dives, and have experience with strong currents. If you have the experience but not the certification, you can do the Advanced Open Water course on board; just ask us.

Prices and Dates

Dive Briefing!

Marine Life

• Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park comprises North Atoll, South Atoll, and Jessie Beazley Reef and is often rated as one of the world’s best diving destinations.
• Large trevally, tuna and barracuda, grey reef and white tip reef sharks, stingrays, and marble rays can be spotted on the majority of the dive sites.
• Green and hawksbill turtles are commonly sighted too, whilst mantas, whale sharks, and eagle rays are occasional visitors.
• Expect to dive along with big schools of surgeonfish, rainbow runners, and sweetlips too, and of course, you'll get to see many angelfish, butterflyfish, rainbow runners, Moorish idols, fusiliers, jacks, and snappers.
• The macro life is rich too, with nudibranchs, ornate ghost pipefish, seahorses, and frogfish to name a few.
• In addition to breath-taking dives, you will have the opportunity to visit the ranger station on the North Atoll to learn more about the marine protection of the area.

Dive Conditions

• Season: from the end of February to June
• Currents: medium to strong on some sites
• Visibility: 10 to 35 m (30 to 115 ft)
• Water temperature: 27° to 30°C (81° to 86°F) with some thermoclines
• Depth: mostly deep dives

Dive Sites

• Crossing time from Puerto Princesa to Tubbataha is between 12 to 16 hours. There is no diving on embarkation day.
• Dive sites consist mainly of vertical walls or near drop-offs rising out of great depths, with shallow reef tops teeming with local reef fish.
• Some of the sites you'll visit are Delsan Wreck, Washing Machine, North East wall, Shark Airport, Amos Rock, Staghorn Point, Jessie Beazley Reef, and Malayan Wreck.
• Dives are limited to 60 minutes.

The Team

• Operation created in 2013
• PADI courses available onboard: Advanced Open Water, Nitrox, and Specialties - ask us
• Languages spoken on board: English
• 6 people maximum per dive guide

Safety Information

• Equipment Recommended: a 3mm wetsuit is usually enough. Note that gloves are forbidden in Tubbataha unless you have a medical condition for which you'll be asked to present a doctor's certificate. The use of reef hooks, tank bangers, and nudi pointers is also forbidden in Tubbataha.
• Insurance: Both dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory. We recommend DAN Europe which has plans to cover both - ask us for a quote
• Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: nearest chamber is in Coron or Cebu.

Visas, Flights, and More!

Visa Requirements

• You must have a valid passport to enter the Philippines, and a return ticket
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the period you intend to stay
• Most citizens do not require a visa to stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days
• Please check current visa policies that apply for your country on Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs website

How to Get There

• There are direct flights from Manila (MNL) to Puerto Princesa (PPS) with Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, or Philippines Airlines
• Meeting point for embarkation is the Hotel Centro, Puerto Princesa at 12:30. Embarkation is at Baywalk Pier, Puerto Princesa at 13:00
  • Transfer from Puerto Princesa Airport and local hotels to Hotel Centro, and from Hotel Centro to Baywalk Pier are provided free of charge on embarkation day
• Disembarkation is at Baywalk Pier, Puerto Princesa at 10:00
  • There are two morning dives on the second-last day, so plan your flight accordingly
  • Transfer from Baywalk Pier to local hotels or Puerto Princesa Airport is provided free of charge upon disembarkation at 10:00
• Transfers from and to hotels and resorts outside of the Puerto Princesa area can be arranged for an additional charge
• Important: We advise that all guests carry ALL dive-related equipment (including a regulator) in their check-in luggage rather than their carry-on luggage. The Philippine Office for Transportation Security includes 'scuba equipment' on a list of blunt instruments that are NOT allowed to be carried in hand luggage on flights originating in the Philippines

More...

• The Philippines is subject to malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. Take necessary precautions to avoid them
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, and a rash-guard