About this tour
Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the last truly pristine coral reef systems in the world, and widely considered the best diving in the Philippines — perhaps in all of Southeast Asia. The reef is only accessible from March to June (the only months with calm Sulu Sea conditions) by liveaboard boat from Puerto Princesa.
The 5-day liveaboard typically offers 15–18 dives across the North and South Atolls. Sharks are the signature encounter — whitetip and blacktip reef sharks by the dozen, gray reef sharks, hammerheads (seasonal), and occasional whale sharks. The coral is perfect — untouched, inaccessible except by liveaboard. Manta rays, Napoleon wrasse and schools of chevron barracuda are standard encounters.
This is not a tour for beginners. You need at least Advanced Open Water certification and 50+ logged dives. The remote location (150km offshore) means no emergency services — the liveaboard carries its own hyperbaric equipment.
Highlights
- ✓UNESCO World Heritage reef — the Philippines' best diving
- ✓15–18 dives over 5 days
- ✓Dozens of sharks per dive — reef, hammerhead, whale sharks
- ✓Perfect, untouched coral inaccessible without liveaboard
- ✓Only accessible March–June
What's included
- ✓5 days/4 nights liveaboard accommodation
- ✓All meals on board
- ✓15–18 guided dives
- ✓All tanks, weights, dive guide
- ✓All park fees and permits
Frequently asked questions
What certification is required?
Advanced Open Water minimum, 50+ logged dives. Some operators require Rescue Diver. Nitrox certification recommended (most operators offer 32% Nitrox).
Why is Tubbataha only accessible March–June?
The Sulu Sea is flat and calm during these months (southwest monsoon season). Outside this window, swells make the crossing dangerous and anchorage at the atoll impossible.
How far is Tubbataha from Puerto Princesa?
About 150km (12–16 hours by liveaboard boat). The crossing is done overnight — you arrive at the reef at dawn ready to dive.
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