Tubbataha Reefs

Tubbataha Reefs

A UNESCO atoll only liveaboards reach.

AdvancedPhilippines
Depth
5–30 m+
Visibility
20–40 m
Water
28–30 °C
Current
Mild to strong
Best time
Mar – Jun
Signature life
Grey & whitetip sharks

The dive

Why dive Tubbataha Reefs

Two pristine atolls in a no-take marine park: sheer walls, dense shark and turtle life, and some of the healthiest hard coral left in the region.

Marine life

Grey & whitetip sharksTurtlesBarracudaManta raysPristine hard coral

Dive profile

WallSharkReefDrift

When to go

Best time: Mar – Jun

A short liveaboard-only season from mid-March to mid-June, when the Sulu Sea is calm and visibility is at its best.

Readiness

Who it suits

Advanced-level site — suits Advanced Open Water divers and up. Typical requirements:

Advanced Open WaterDriftNitrox recommended

Not sure you're ready? Read our readiness guide or check yourself in the planner.

Logistics

Getting there & staying

Getting thereDomestic flight + ~10 hr liveaboard crossing. Fly to Puerto Princesa (PPS), Palawan, then board a liveaboard for the ~10-hour crossing to the atoll.
Where to stayLiveaboard only. Liveaboard only — Tubbataha sits 150 km offshore with no land base.
Operator to look forReviewed Sulu Sea liveaboards operating the short March–June park season.

Sources

Further reading

Links checked 29 September 2026. They cover the site's location, protection status and background. Costs, difficulty and season windows are ScubaRogue's editorial estimates, so confirm them with your operator before you book. How we research

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