It is every diver’s dream to be able to dive Tubbataha Reefs and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This well-protected National Marine Park in the Philippines is a mecca for scuba divers and model for coral reef conservation. The Tubbataha Reefs is the apex of Philippine Diving and has become recognized as one of the most remarkable coral reefs on our planet. It is home to nearly half of all coral species found in the world as well as over 180 threatened (or near threatened) species. Be one of the lucky few to enter the otherworldly terrain and awe-inspiring underwater world filled with sharks, manta rays, and school of fish.
Due to its isolation, the Tubbataha Reefs can only be visited by experienced divers (40+ dives) on a liveaboard boat. Scuba divers who choose this once-in-a-lifetime dive experience will have exclusive access to Tubbataha’s rich biodiversity, witness an underwater landscape unlike any other, and encounter large marine animals such as sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles. The fees that the divers pay contribute to approximately 60% of the funds needed to conserve and protect the gem of diving in the Philipines.
The Tubbataha Reefs National Park is one of the last remaining dive sites in Asia with guaranteed shark sightings on almost every dive. Those who will dive Tubbataha can expect to encounter Hammerhead, White Tip, Nurse and Grey Reef Sharks.
Best Time to Dive Tubbataha
Divers can dive Tubbataha from mid-March through mid-June only due to sea and weather conditions. An average of 1200 divers visits the National Marine Park every year. The small weather window and its ‘exclusivity’ guarantee the pristine conditions of the marine flora and fauna.
We expect sunny and hot days with above water temperatures around 35°C or more and in water temperature of around 28-29°C. We suggest that you look at the weather forecast before setting off. Tubbataha is not searchable but Puerto Princesa, Palawan is. Keep in my mind that it is about 160km away.
Liveaboard
Divers will board a Philippine-registered dive and pleasure yacht with a highly experienced crew. It is one of the longest-running liveaboard vessels in the country. From March to June, all the lucky divers will experience 5 days of Tubbataha diving. From July to October, the vessel moves to other equally impressive dive sites in the Philippines such as Apo Reef and Cebu.
The liveaboard vessel has complete basic first aid kit onboard including medical supplies, medical oxygen, and an AED. Although not required, getting a clearance from your doctor is highly recommended as it can be stressful to dive Tubbataha.
Safety is our topmost priority. The boat will not proceed if the captain perceives that there is a major threat to the guests, crew, and boat due to bad weather or other factors.
Our dive guides and crew are trained emergency personnel. They know how to handle simple accidents and health concerns. For more serious conditions, the TMO and rangers help out with care and evacuation to Puerto Princesa City. There are hospitals and a recompression chamber in the City.
Please talk to our itinerary specialist for groups or dive boat charter.
Source: http://www.tubbatahareef.org/
Note: Below is a suggested Tubbataha itinerary only and is subject to change depending on the tide, current, weather, and sea conditions.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Welcome to Puerto Princesa
We will meet you at your hotel or airport to transfer you to the port. Early arrivals will have the chance to do some last-minute shopping and lunch in the city. The ship will lift anchor at approximately 5-6pm.
- Transfer to port upon arrival in Puerto Princesa City.
- Dive briefing
- Free time in the afternoon/leisure
- 1800H – Lift anchor for departure to Bird Island, North Tubbataha (11 hours)
- Accommodation and meals onboard
Day 2: Dive Tubbataha 1 (North Tubbataha)
- Arrive at Bird Island, North Tubbataha
- Dive sites: Shark Airport, Washing Machine(Larry’s Reef), Seafan Alley
- Whole day diving at North Tubbataha (4 dives)
- Night dive (optional)
Day 3: Dive Tubbataha 2 (North Tubbataha)
- Whole day diving at North Tubbataha (4 dives)
- Dive sites: Ranger’s Station and Amos Rock
- Night dive (optional)
- Early morning departure for Light House, South Tubbataha
Day 4: Dive Tubbataha 3 (South Tubbataha)
- Arrive at Lighthouse, South Tubbataha
- Whole day diving at South Tubbataha (4 dives)
- Dive sites: Black Rock, North Wall of South Atoll
- Night dive (optional)
Day 5: Dive Tubbataha 4 (South Tubbataha)
- Whole day diving at South Tubbataha (4 dives)
- Dive sites: Lighthouse, Delsan Wreck, Staghorn Point
- Night dive (optional)
Day 6: Dive Tubbataha 5 (South or North Tubbataha)
- Day diving only (2-3 dives)
- Departure for Puerto Princesa City
Day 7: Back to Puerto Princesa
- 0600H – Arrive at Puerto Princesa City
- Breakfast onboard
- 0800H – Transfer to hotel/airport
At the end of your Tubbataha dive trip, we will pick you up at the port to transfer you to your hotel in Puerto Princesa or to the airport.
Note: Departure flights are recommended 24 hours after your last dive
Inclusions
- Full board accommodation in a twin sharing cabin
- Full dive gear (regular air tanks, weight belts, BCD, regulator, dive computer, wetsuit, mask, fins, and booties)
- Diving (4 no-decompression dives a day)
- PADI Certified divemaster
- Meals, snacks, tea, coffee, juice and filtered water
- Land transfer to/from the ship
- Park entrance fees and dive permits
- Fuel surcharge
- Service charge
- Personalized service and email reminders
- 24/7 client support
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Dive, travel and medical insurances
- Hotel accommodations and meals before or after the cruise
- Softdrinks,beer, wine or spirits
- Nitrox fills
- Gratuities for the crew
- Laundry service onboard
See: Flights to Palawan: Top Domestic Airlines in the Philippines
Booking Conditions
Tubbataha Dive reservations are subject to availability. We may book you with a comparable liveaboard vessel with available slots. Rates and inclusions may vary. Please talk to our itinerary specialist to inquire about the available slots for 2019.
- Please read our Terms & Conditions before making a reservation.
- Reservations may be made online or by email at travel@palawanalternative.com
- To reserve the slot, 35% deposit is required within 7 days of the booking request.
- Full and final payment is due 120 days before the sailing date.
- For short notice bookings made within 120 days of sailing date, the full amount is due when booking.
- All payments can be made via Paypal (+5% Paypal Fee) or Bank Transfer (bank fees may apply).
- All guests must complete the Waiver Agreement and Medical Statement/Release of Liability.
Reminders
- Valid passport is required.
- Minimum of 40 logged dives is required – no need for advanced license but the diver should be experienced.
- A minimum pre-flight surface interval greater than 18 hours is suggested.
- We strongly recommend that you purchase your own dive, travel and medical insurance.
- Decompression dives are not allowed.
- There is intermittent mobile service in Tubbataha.
- Special occasions are always a cause for celebrations. Please inform us in advance for any special occassions such as birthdays, honeymoon or even milestone dives.
