Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Two coral atolls in the middle of the Sulu Sea, far from any town, and open to divers for only three months a year.
Quick answer
- What it is: a protected marine park of two atolls and Jessie Beazley Reef in the Sulu Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Who it is for: certified scuba divers. There are no hotels, beaches to visit or day trips.
- How to go: on a licensed liveaboard boat from Puerto Princesa, about 10 to 12 hours' sailing each way.
- When: only in the dive season, roughly mid-March to mid-June, when the sea is calm enough to cross.
- Plan ahead: boats fill up months in advance, and a park conservation fee applies.
Why it is a wonder
Tubbataha is about as far from a crowd as you can get in the Philippines. Its two atolls, the North Atoll and South Atoll, together with Jessie Beazley Reef, sit in the middle of the Sulu Sea, with nothing around them but open water. Below the surface, coral walls drop away into deep blue, patrolled by reef sharks, turtles and big schools of fish.
The reefs became a national marine park in 1988 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, later extended to take in Jessie Beazley Reef. Rangers live on a station on the reef all year, and the park is widely seen as one of the country’s great conservation successes.
Beat the crowds
There are no crowds in the usual sense, because only a limited number of liveaboards operate each season. The challenge is getting a place:
- Book early. Popular boats fill up many months ahead.
- Pick your month. April and May usually have the calmest seas. March and June can bring rougher crossings but sometimes better availability.
Getting there
Fly to Puerto Princesa in Palawan, usually from Manila or Cebu. Liveaboards board in the evening and sail overnight to the reefs, about 150 km away. Trips usually last five to seven nights. Arrive in Puerto Princesa at least a day early in case of flight delays.
A perfect day on board
- Wake up at the reef after the overnight crossing.
- Make three or four dives, including a wall dive where the reef drops into the deep.
- Rest between dives on deck, far out of sight of land.
- Stargaze at night with no city lights anywhere near.
Through the seasons
- Mid-March to mid-June: the only time boats run, with calm seas and good visibility.
- The rest of the year: the park is closed to tourism, and rangers stay on the reef to guard it.
Respect the place
Tubbataha’s rules are strict for a reason. Don’t touch or stand on coral, don’t collect anything, keep your distance from wildlife, and follow your dive guide and the rangers. Drones need a separate permit.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Tubbataha without diving?
In practice, no. The park is far out at sea with no facilities, and trips are liveaboard dive cruises. Some boats may take non-divers, but you would spend the week on board.
When is the Tubbataha dive season?
Roughly mid-March to mid-June. Outside those months the crossing from Puerto Princesa is usually too rough, and boats don't run.
How far is Tubbataha from Puerto Princesa?
About 150 km to the southeast, which is around 10 to 12 hours by boat, usually overnight.
Is there a park fee?
Yes. Visitors pay a conservation fee to the Tubbataha Management Office, usually collected through the liveaboard operator. Check the current amount with your boat when you book.
What can you see at Tubbataha?
Steep coral walls, reef sharks, turtles, big schools of fish, and sometimes manta rays and whale sharks.
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We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
