Tubbataha Reefs (Live Aboard)

Rare and superlative marine life

In the heart of the Sulu Sea lies the Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park, 98 nautical miles from Palawan's capital of Puerto Princesa.

Picture this scenario: reef-tops abounding with turtles, stingrays, Spiny Lobsters, Leopard Sharks and Guitar Sharks; wall covered in varieties of corals, huge barrel sponges, gorgonian sea fans; snappers and Moorish Idols dart everywhere. Deeper down the vast expanse, Grey Reef Sharks patrol their territories while giant Manta Rays fly overhead.

Tubbataha boasts of a diverse coral assemblage. It has been reported to host 46 coral genera with coral cover reaching some 70 to 80 percent in many parts of the reef slope and edges. Its sea floor is home to an impressive number of exotic fishes-at least 140 families with 379 species. All dives are drift dives and maximum depth extends beyond 200 ft. Ideal dive season is from March to June.

Tubbataha Reefs is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.



Dive Sites

 Average
Depth

 Maximum Depth
Jessie Beazley Reef
Southern End of the Reef
Tubbataha Reef-North Islet, North face
Tubbataha Reef-North Islet, East face
Tubbataha Reef-North Islet, South face
Tubbataha Reef-North Islet, Southeast Corner
Tubbataha Reef-South Islet, NNE End
Tubbataha Reef-South Islet, SSE/SW End
Basterra Reef, North End
Basterra Reef, East Face
Basterra Reef, South Wall
Bancoran Island
Calusa Island
Cavili Island
Arena Island, East End

28 meters
28 meters
30 meters
20 meters
20 meters
20 meters
20 meters
20 meters
25 meters
25 meters
25 meters
20 meters
20 meters
20 meters
20 meters

60 meters
60 meters
60 meters
60 meters
60 meters
60 meters
60 meters
60 meters
60 meters
60 meters
60 meters
40 meters
45 meters
35 meters
40 meters


 
HOW TO GET THERE

Live-aboards are the only way to dive the Tubbataha Reefs. Live-aboard cruises are available out of Batangas on the following boats, mostly from the end of June to February;

MY Aquastar
MY Blackfin
MY Tristar A



 

TOP TEN DIVE SITES

  

Anilao
 		 Subic Bay Puerto Galera
 		 Busuanga
 		 Cabilao Island
 		 Balicasag Island
 		 Moalboal
 		 Apo Island
 		 Malapas- cua
 		 Tubbataha Reefs National Park