Tubbataha Reefs Liveaboard, The Philippines
Overview
6–7+ Days | Tubbataha Reefs Liveaboard Expedition
Dive into the remote crown jewel of Philippine diving. Located in the isolated center of the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site reachable exclusively by liveaboard during a strictly controlled 3-month season. Experience sheer wall drop-offs, pristine coral coverage, unmatched visibility, and dense populations of apex predators, including schooling hammerheads, whale sharks, white-tips, silvertips, and tiger sharks.
Duration
6–7+ Days
Best Season
March – June
Pickup Point
Puerto Princesa, Palawan (PPS)
Price
from 3,395$ Per Person
Destination & Expedition Guide
Overview & Diving Season
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a remote 97,000-hectare UNESCO World Heritage site located 150 km offshore in the middle of the Sulu Sea. Recognized as the absolute crown jewel of Philippine scuba diving, this isolated sanctuary features two massive atolls and a solitary reef, offering sheer drop-offs, pristine coral coverage, and visibility frequently exceeding 30–40 meters.The diving season in Tubbataha is strictly limited to just three months a year, running from mid-March to mid-June. During this window, calm seas, clear skies, and optimal underwater visibility create ideal conditions for liveaboard exploration. Because access is tightly regulated and the season is short, liveaboard charters for Tubbataha book out well in advance.
Regions & Dive Highlights
North Atoll & Wall Drop-Offs: Home to legendary dive sites like Amos Rock and Wall Street. Features dramatic vertical walls covered in giant gorgonian fans and soft corals, frequented by schooling trevally, barracuda, and green sea turtles.
South Atoll & Delsan Wreck: A high-action site known for its apex predator encounters. Divers regularly spot schooling hammerheads, grey reef sharks, silvertips, whale sharks, and occasional tiger sharks in the blue.
Jessie Beazley Reef: A solitary atoll north of the main park offering pristine shallow coral gardens that plunge into deep drop-offs, perfect for encounters with manta rays and big pelagics.
Abundant Marine Life: Over 600 fish species, 360 coral species, and 11 shark species thrive here, along with frequent sightings of hawksbill turtles, napoleon wrasse, and bumphead parrotfish.
Getting There & Logistics
Main Gateway: Fly into Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) on Palawan Island.
Domestic Connections: Direct 1.5-hour flights operate daily to Puerto Princesa from Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB) via Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, or AirAsia.
Embarkation: Liveaboards depart directly from Puerto Princesa Port, located just 15 minutes from the airport. Transfers are typically arranged by the boat operator.
Diving Conditions & Experience: Water temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C (80°F–86°F). Due to deep wall profiles and open-ocean currents, an Advanced Open Water certification and a minimum of 30–50 logged dives are strongly recommended.
How It Works
3 Simple Steps to Book Your Expedition
1-Submit Your Preferences
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2-Personalized Matching
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3-Secure Your Expedition
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Find Your Perfect Liveaboard
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