Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, is not just one of the best diving destinations in the Philippines; it is widely considered one of the top ten dive sites in the entire world. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, this protected area is a global marine sanctuary, representing a stunning, thriving example of a pristine coral reef ecosystem within the famed Coral Triangle.
The park is composed of two massive coral atolls—the North and South Atolls—and the smaller Jessie Beazley Reef. Due to its remote, oceanic location, Tubbataha acts as a massive "seed bank," providing larvae for fish and corals across the Sulu Sea.
A World of Pelagics
Diving here is characterized by dramatic vertical walls and sloping reefs, which drop off into the deep blue abyss. These nutrient-rich currents serve as a magnet for large, pelagic marine life, making every dive an electrifying experience.
Sharks: Tubbataha is renowned for its sheer abundance of sharks. Divers routinely encounter White-tip and Gray Reef Sharks, with frequent sightings of larger predators like Hammerheads and occasional Tiger Sharks. Sites like "Shark Airport" live up to their names.
Whales and Dolphins: The park is a known habitat for over a dozen species of cetaceans, including dolphins and various whales.
Mantas and Turtles: Massive Manta Rays often cruise the walls, while endangered Green and Hawksbill Sea Turtles are seen resting or navigating the reef.
Coral Diversity: The reefs boast an incredible 360 species of coral—nearly 90% of all coral species found in the Philippines—forming a vibrant, unblemished underwater landscape.
The Essential Liveaboard Experience
Tubbataha’s strict National Park status and remote location—roughly 150 km southeast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan—dictate that the site is only accessible via a liveaboard vessel. This allows for the overnight crossing and full-day diving in the center of the atolls.
Furthermore, diving is strictly limited to a short window each year, typically from mid-March to mid-June. This season coincides with the calmest sea conditions, offering optimal visibility (often 30+ meters) and maximizing diver safety and comfort for the open-ocean journey. Because of the limited season, trips sell out far in advance. Secure your opportunity to explore this world-class site with a dedicated tubbataha liveaboard.
The park's challenging currents and sheer depths make it a destination best suited for intermediate to advanced divers, promising an unforgettable journey into one of the ocean's most pristine and heavily protected marine environments.