+91-8929175340
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, about 150 kilometers southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, Philippines. It is one of the most pristine marine ecosystems in the world and is considered the crown jewel of Philippine diving destinations. Covering nearly 97,000 hectares of protected marine area, Tubbataha is home to an extraordinary diversity of marine species, including over 600 species of fish, 360 species of corals, sea turtles, sharks, and seabirds. The park consists of two massive atolls—the North and South Atolls—and the smaller Jessie Beazley Reef, surrounded by deep ocean waters that sustain its incredible biodiversity.
The only way to reach Tubbataha Reefs is by liveaboard dive boats that depart from Puerto Princesa. The journey typically takes 10 to 12 hours of sailing through the open Sulu Sea. Due to its remote location, there are no permanent settlements or commercial facilities on the reefs. The liveaboard vessels serve as both transport and accommodation for divers and visitors.
Flights to Puerto Princesa are available from Manila, Cebu, and other major Philippine cities. Once in Puerto Princesa, travelers board their liveaboard ships from the port. Trips are seasonal, running only from mid-March to mid-June when sea conditions are calm and visibility is at its best. Booking should be made months in advance since the number of vessels and slots is strictly limited for conservation reasons.
The best weather for visiting Tubbataha Reefs is during the dry season, specifically from March to June. During this period, the sea is calm, skies are clear, and underwater visibility can exceed 40 meters—ideal conditions for diving and photography. The rest of the year, especially from July to February, strong winds and rough seas make the park inaccessible. Water temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C throughout the year, offering comfortable conditions for divers. Always check weather forecasts before embarking, as trips are dependent on sea conditions.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is open to visitors only during its diving season from mid-March to mid-June. Each liveaboard trip lasts between 5 to 7 days, depending on the itinerary. Because of its remote location, day trips are not possible. The park’s management limits visitor numbers to ensure the reef’s protection and sustainability, so early planning and reservations are essential.
Tubbataha is globally famous as one of the top diving sites in the world. It is celebrated for its exceptionally rich marine biodiversity, untouched coral reefs, and high ecological integrity. Divers from around the world come to witness its pristine underwater landscapes, abundant marine life, and dramatic drop-offs that plunge over 100 meters deep. The area’s protection status, established since 1988, has kept it free from destructive human activities, allowing it to thrive as a sanctuary for endangered species like hawksbill turtles, manta rays, and various shark species. Its isolation has preserved its natural beauty, making it a true underwater paradise.
All visits to Tubbataha are highly regulated. The following details are important for visitors:
Tubbataha’s name originates from the Samal language, meaning “a long reef exposed at low tide.” Historically, the reefs were known to local fishermen and seafarers but remained largely untouched due to their remote location. In 1988, Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park was established to protect its ecosystem from illegal fishing. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and later expanded and renamed Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in 2009. There are no architectural structures within the park except for the ranger station built on the North Atoll, which serves as the base for marine rangers and researchers who monitor and protect the area year-round. The station is a symbol of conservation success in the Philippines.
Tubbataha is primarily a diving destination, offering some of the most extraordinary underwater experiences in the world. Here are the top activities:
• Tubbataha Reefs cover nearly 100,000 hectares of protected marine space.
• It is part of the Coral Triangle, known as the world’s center of marine biodiversity.
• Over 360 coral species (almost 90% of Philippine coral types) and more than 600 fish species have been recorded.
• It serves as a breeding ground for marine turtles, sharks, and seabirds.
• The park is patrolled year-round by rangers to prevent illegal fishing and maintain reef integrity.
Here are some useful tips for visiting Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park:
Final note: Visiting Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that immerses travelers in the purest form of marine wilderness. Its remote location, pristine waters, and remarkable biodiversity make it a global treasure and a shining example of marine conservation success in the Philippines.
