Tubbataha Scuba Diving
97,000 hectares of marine preserved area in Tubbataha Reef National Park means scuba diving in a well-preserved marine life with thriving reefs and a high an abundance of marine life of all shapes and sizes. Scuba diving in Tubbataha Reef National Park is an opportunity for divers to see the results of an environment that represents the true beauty of what can be underwater.
Tubbataha is made up of three islands: Jessie Beazley Reef, North Atoll, and South Atoll, all of which are uninhabited except the local rangers who patrol the area, and are considered some of the best dive sites in the world. The north and south Atolls are part of the marine and bird reserve, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Scuba diving in Tubbataha is only available on a liveaboard dive trip, as all the islands are uninhabited, and you would always depart from Puerto Princesa, which is around 150 km (93 mi) north of Tubbataha.
This area is part of the Coral Triangle, the world's largest coral reef region. It is estimated that there are around 350 species of corals, over 500 species of fish, 13 species of whales and dolphins, and 11 recorded shark species. If you are planning a dive trip here, do not forget your camera, as the turquoise waters, excellent visibility, vibrant colors, and fantastic photo subjects await. Some of the marine life here includes small reef fish such as butterfly fish, angel fish, and parrot fish, whose schools brighten the reefs even more; some more unique fish such as lionfish and scorpion fish; and then schools of larger fish, including trevally, grouper, and tuna. The biggest spectacles include hawksbill and green turtles, which gracefully float through the waters, manta and eagle rays that fly by you while you are scuba diving, blacktip and whitetip sharks that lurk in the deeper areas, and the fabulous Hammerhead shark that pops up now and then for some extra excitement.
JESSIE BEAZLEY REEF: This is the smallest reef of the three; stretching only 1.5 km (9 mi) in width, it can be covered in two dives, but they are no ordinary scuba dives! Even though it falls outside the marine protected area, it is still flourishing, with a coral-covered reef floor sloping from a 7m depth down to 12m, leading to a wall that drops 50m. Here you have a chance to see black-and-white tips, Hammerheads, and much more.
NORTH ATOLL: In this area is a breeding site for Green turtles and Hawksbill turtles, which means they are there in high abundance, which is always a beautiful thing to see. There is also a high abundance of colorful nudibranchs and sea cucumbers scattered over the seabed, along with endless corals.
SOUTH ATOLL: This dive site is around 24 meters deep (70 feet), with a sea wall stretching 12 kilometers (7.5 mi), and is inhabited by numerous schools of fish and interesting microsea life. For wreck divers, this is the place to go; here, the Deslan wreck is located for something a little different. A wide variety is seen during scuba diving trips here.
SEASONS AND CONDITIONS: The absolute best time to go scuba diving in Tubbataha is during the dry season, which stretches from March to June. It brings warm, dry, and calm weather and fantastic visibility. From September to December, it is typhoon season, which can affect diving conditions. There is a large variation in visibility; it ranges from 5m - 45m (16ft- 148ft) completely depending on the time of the year.
WATER TEMPERATURE: The water temperature also varies, but is always pleasant. The lowest temperature is 23°C (73°F), and it heats up to 30°C (86°F). You only need a wetsuit; in the dry season, with the warmest water temperatures, a shorty wetsuit will suffice, or even no wetsuit!
Diving in Tubbataha National Park means seeing some of the best dive spots in the world, and it is possible for everyone at any diving level. There are numerous dive sites in each dive area, and each has its own level of difficulty. In general, it is very beneficial for you to have your Open Water Certification, and for some dives, including wreck dives, a further certification is required.
The closest largest city to Tubbataha National Park is Puerto Princesa which is Palawan's capital. The airport is named Puerto Princesa International Airport, but for passenger flights they only fly to Cebu and Manila. If you are planning to take a Philippines liveaboard to the Tubbataha National Park then it will depart from the port of Puerto Princesa. There are multiple activities in and around Puerto Princesa for visitors to enjoy including exploring its flourishing jungles, visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River and even do some island hopping.
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