Liveaboards visit the remote Tubbahata reef from Feb to Jun, allowing divers access to world-class dive sites and the most amazing biodiversity of marine life in the Philippines.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1993), Tubbataha Reef National Park lies in in the centre of the Sulu Sea in the southern region of the Philippines.
Plunging walls adorned in huge barrel sponges and gorgonians provide a backdrop for an amazing variety of marine life ranging from colourful reef fish, spiny lobsters, immature manta rays, and turtles in shallow waters to shoals of moorish idols, jacks and snappers in the deep. Barracuda, tuna and reef sharks patrol the reefs while manta and eagle rays, groupers and sometimes hammerheads cruise in the blue. Famous dive sites include Seafan Alley, Delsan Wreck and Washing Machine, a thrilling drift dive with sharks.
Liveaboard trips vary in length from 6 to 10 nights. The itinerary below is based on a six night trip on board the S/Y Philippine Siren.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Depart for the Philippines
Day2: Arrive Manila and overnight
Day3: Continue your journey to Palawan and set sail for Tubbataha
Days4-7: Dive the reefs and walls of Tubbataha
The Tubbataha reef system consists chiefly of two atolls (North and South) and the Jessie Beazley reefs. The reefs are home to around 600 species of fish, over 300 species of corals, nesting turtles and numerous species of shark, whale and dolphin. Above the water, the island's provide refuge for large colonies of birds.
Day8: Begin your return crossing to Palawan
Day9: Disembark and spend a final night in the Philippines
Alternatively, you may choose to extend your Philippines stay to dive another area of this diverse and fascinating country.
Day10: Arrive UK
Depart for the UK, arriving home later the same day
You should note: The above itinerary is a sample only and your actual liveaboard itinerary may vary. Marine park fees and fuel surcharges may apply. Prices based on a berth in a twin share cabin.
Key info
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 10 daysfrom £4,245 pp
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tubbataha Reef is home to some of the best big fish diving in the Philippines. The sheer walls are covered in huge seafans and sponges, while barracuda, tuna and reef sharks, mantas, eagle rays and hammerheads patrol its waters.
Ideal for viewing: spotted eagle ray, scalloped hammerhead shark, white-tip reef shark, black-tip reef shark, reef manta ray
Excellent for: Liveaboard diving, Luxury diving
This itinerary is available on the liveaboards shown below.
Please contact us for further recommendations.
A traditional 40 metre long phinisi, this is one of the most spacious vessels in the Siren Fleet. A variety of itineraries are available throughout the Philippines, depending on the season.
This luxurious liveaboard offers a number of seven and ten night trips throughout the year in different areas of the Philippines, including Malapascua, Tubbataha Reef and the Visayas. A great option for groups.