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 Infiniti Liveaboard.
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: Final day in Tubbataha before returning to Palawan
Usually on the final full day, two dives are offered in the morning before the return sailing commences.
Days9-10: Disembark and begin your journey back to the UK
Alternatively, you may choose to extend your Philippines stay to dive another area of this diverse and fascinating country.
Please 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 £3895 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.
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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 visiting some of the most popular areas in the Philippines, depending on the season.
Find Out More about Philippine Siren
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.
Find Out More about Atlantis Azores
Popular amongst divers, the custom designed steel hulled Infiniti liveaboard operates diving itineraries throughout the year to sought-after destinations including the Visayas, Malapascua and an extended season in Tubbataha.
Find Out More about Infiniti Liveaboard
MY Sea Gypsy is an elegant Bond-style vessel that delivers modern, sleek luxury to liveaboard diving in the Philippines. It’s a boutique vessel with massage services and accommodates just eight divers.
Find Out More about MY Sea Gypsy
