Dive sites
Tubbataha
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is one of the Philippines’ most spectacular diving destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, this remote marine park is famous for pristine coral reefs, dramatic walls, strong currents and exceptional marine biodiversity.
Where it is
Tubbataha is located approximately 150 km southeast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Because of its remote location, it is accessed almost exclusively by liveaboard.
Marine life to see
Tubbataha is famous for its healthy reefs, large schools of fish and impressive pelagic encounters.
You may encounter:
- Manta rays
- Whale sharks
- Reef sharks
- Hammerhead sharks
- Tiger sharks
- Silvertip sharks
- Barracuda
- Tuna
- Giant trevally
- Napoleon wrasse
- Eagle rays
- Turtles
- Reef fish
- Nudibranchs
- Seahorses
- Shrimps and crabs
The area is also an important habitat for green and hawksbill turtles.
Macro or landscape?
Both, but wide-angle is the clear highlight.
Landscape / Wide Angle
Exceptional for:
- Dramatic reef walls
- Large coral formations
- Shark encounters
- Manta rays
- Schools of barracuda
- Giant trevally
- Napoleon wrasse
- Turtles
- Pelagic marine life
The walls and drop-offs can create spectacular wide-angle photography opportunities.
Macro
Macro photographers can also find:
- Nudibranchs
- Pygmy seahorses
- Ghost pipefish
- Shrimp
- Crabs
- Gobies
- Blennies
Recommendation: Wide-angle should be your primary setup for Tubbataha. Bring macro if you enjoy searching the reef between encounters with larger animals.
How many dives you need
Tubbataha is a remote destination with currents, deeper dives and challenging conditions at some sites. Good diving experience is strongly recommended.
Intermediate — 50+ dives
Recommended for handling current, deeper profiles and multiple dives per day with confidence.
Experienced — 100+ dives
Ideal for making the most of Tubbataha’s remote sites, strong currents, deep walls and advanced marine-life encounters.
Tip: If you have not dived for a long time, complete a refresher or Reactivate dive before joining a Tubbataha liveaboard.
On land
Ranger Station
Visit the Tubbataha Ranger Station, where park rangers protect and monitor the marine park.
Bird Island
Explore the small islands and sand cays that form part of the protected area and are home to many seabirds.
Remote Sand Cays
When conditions allow, visit pristine beaches and sandbanks surrounded by clear blue water.
Because Tubbataha is a protected and remote marine park, land activities are limited and the main focus is diving.
Why Dive Tubbataha?
Tubbataha offers some of the most pristine and biodiversity-rich diving in the Philippines. Its remote location, spectacular walls, healthy coral reefs, large schools of fish and potential encounters with sharks and manta rays make it a bucket-list destination for experienced divers.
Best for: Pristine reefs, sharks, manta rays, pelagic marine life, wide-angle photography, dramatic walls and experienced liveaboard divers.
Ask about the next course
สอบถามรอบเรียนถัดไป
Message us on LINE and we will help with dates, equipment and anything you are unsure about.