Far from the mainland and civilization, in the center of the Sulu Sea, lies Tubbataha — a vast underwater wilderness where nature rules and time seems suspended. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Marine Protected Area, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is accessible only by liveaboard and is open for a limited period each year. But those who make the journey are rewarded with world-class diving: dazzling coral walls, cruising sharks, mantas, and some of the most vibrant marine biodiversity in the Coral Triangle. Timing, however, is everything. Here’s your complete guide to the best time to dive in Tubbataha and what to expect once you're there.

Quick Summary

• Best time to dive: Mid-March to mid-June (official diving season)
• Water temperature: 27–30°C (81–86°F)
• Visibility: 20 to 45 meters (65–150 feet)
• Marine highlights: Grey reef sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, pristine coral walls
• Season type: Single, short dive season (liveaboard only)

Diving Season in Tubbataha

March to June (The Only Season)

Diving in Tubbataha is only permitted between mid-March and mid-June, when the seas are calm enough to allow safe liveaboard crossings from Puerto Princesa, Palawan. This brief season coincides with the dry months in the Philippines, providing the most stable weather, warm water, and excellent visibility. Outside of this window, strong monsoon winds and rough seas make diving impossible.

Within the season, April and May are typically the most stable in terms of weather and sea conditions. March may still experience transitional weather, while June can bring early signs of the southwest monsoon. But throughout the season, you’ll find incredible diving conditions — vibrant coral walls, big fish encounters, and vast stretches of reef with virtually no other boats in sight.

Marine Life Highlights

Tubbataha is located within the Coral Triangle and boasts over 600 species of fish and 360 species of coral. Its isolated location, far from fishing pressure and human settlement, makes it one of the healthiest reef systems in the world.

Divers can expect daily encounters with grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, turtles, schooling jacks, tuna, and barracuda. Sites like Amos Rock, Black Rock, and Washing Machine are known for strong currents and pelagic action. Delsan Wreck, despite being little more than a name, is one of the best places for spotting whale sharks and manta rays, especially in April and May.

Macro life is also abundant, with nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, harlequin shrimp, and ghost pipefish hiding among the coral heads and rubble slopes. Night dives often reveal crustaceans, moray eels, and hunting octopuses.

Photography Tips

With excellent visibility and bright sunlight, wide-angle photography thrives in Tubbataha. The vertical coral walls at sites like South Atoll Wall, Black Rock, and Shark Airport offer the perfect backdrop for reefscapes and silhouettes of passing sharks or turtles. Early morning dives provide dramatic lighting on the reef face.

Macro photographers should not overlook the smaller subjects hiding in soft corals and cracks in the reef. Although Tubbataha is known for its large animals, patient eyes will be rewarded with unusual nudibranchs and camouflaged crustaceans, especially during calmer dives or along the shallows of the Malayan Wreck.

Dive Travel Tips for Tubbataha

• Liveaboards only: There are no resorts or day trips. Access is only available to liveaboards departing from Puerto Princesa, with trips lasting 5 to 7 nights.
• Booking in advance: Trips sell out far in advance due to the limited season and high demand. Book at least 9–12 months ahead, especially for peak trips in April and May.
• Permits: A Marine Park fee is required and usually included in the liveaboard package. Divers must follow strict rules to protect the reef.

Liveaboards and Dive Operators

Top liveaboards operating in Tubbataha offer full-service trips with up to four dives per day, nitrox availability, and expert dive guides familiar with every current and corner of the reef.

Itineraries typically include dives at Amos Rock, Delsan Wreck, Black Rock, Washing Machine, and Malayan Wreck, with occasional exploratory stops depending on weather and marine activity. Some boats offer citizen science or photography-focused itineraries, appealing to divers who want to contribute to reef monitoring or sharpen their skills.

Other Top Dive Destinations by Season

If you're planning your dive calendar around limited-access marine parks, you may also enjoy:

• Best Time to Dive in Raja Ampat
• Best Time to Dive in Galápagos
• Best Time to Dive in Socorro

When to Dive in Tubbataha

With only a narrow window each year to explore it, Tubbataha is one of the world’s most exclusive and untouched dive destinations. The best time to dive is between mid-March and mid-June, when the weather stabilizes, the seas calm, and marine life activity peaks. Whether you’re hovering above coral-covered walls, drifting through shark-filled passes, or watching mantas glide into view, diving in Tubbataha is as wild and beautiful as the ocean gets.