Dive Site: Jessie Beazley Reef

About Jessie Beazley Reef

Jessie Beazley Reef, an integral component of the Tubbataha Reefs National Park, is a celebrated dive destination within the Philippines, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. Declared a marine park in 1988 and later expanded in 2009 to include Jessie Beazley, this area is vital for maintaining the ecological balance of the broader Tubbataha system. Its isolation in the Sulu Sea contributes to its pristine condition, making it a true frontier diving experience. The reef's distinctive mushroom shape is a key topographical feature, with a plateau that is undercut before gradually sloping to approximately 12 meters, then plunging into depths beyond recreational limits. The shallow reef tops are adorned with thriving porites and Acropora corals, supporting a kaleidoscope of reef fish. Deeper sections reveal dramatic walls teeming with filter feeders like gorgonian sea fans and barrel sponges, constantly fed by strong tidal flows. Jessie Beazley is a hotspot for pelagic encounters, with frequent sightings of various shark species, including whitetips, blacktips, hammerheads, and even occasional whale sharks. Schools of barracuda, mackerel, and tuna are common, alongside manta and eagle rays. The reef's location within the Coral Triangle also ensures a rich macro life, with nudibranchs, frogfish, and other unique critters making it a paradise for observant divers. Visibility typically ranges from 20 to 45 meters, and water temperatures hover between 27°C and 30°C. Access to Jessie Beazley Reef is exclusively via liveaboard, departing from Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The dive season is restricted to a narrow window from mid-March to mid-June, coinciding with the calmest weather conditions. Dives at sites like North End, South End, White Sand Cays, and Reef Shark Point often feature strong and unpredictable currents, requiring experienced divers to follow strict guide instructions for safe and rewarding exploration.

Dive site facts: Jessie Beazley Reef

Depth

5–40 m+

Typical dive

15–30 m, 60 min

Current

Medium to strong, unpredictable

Visibility

20–45 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Liveaboard tender / backroll

Level

AOWD, minimum 30 logged dives, current experience required

Dive type

Wall, drift, pelagic, macro

Night dive

Possible (site-dependent)

Region / port

Sulu Sea / Palawan

Coordinates

9.195, 119.92

Conditions & Currents

Jessie Beazley Reef is known for its dynamic and often challenging currents, which can reach up to two knots and change speed and direction without warning. This makes dives exhilarating, frequently featuring drift conditions, but also demands a high level of diver skill and situational awareness. Your dive guide's instructions are paramount for safe navigation and to maximize encounters with the abundant marine life that thrives in these nutrient-rich flows. Surface conditions can also be rough, especially outside the peak season, so good entry and exit techniques are essential. Visibility remains excellent, generally between 20 to 45 meters, even with strong currents, due to the reef's remote, open-ocean location and lack of land-based runoff. Thermoclines can occasionally be encountered, bringing cooler water. Divers should be prepared for varying conditions and consult their guide fo

Marine life & sighting chances

Whitetip reef shark

March–June · common

Blacktip reef shark

March–June · common

Hammerhead shark

March–June · occasional

Manta ray

April–May · occasional

Eagle ray

March–June · occasional

Whale shark

April–May · occasional

Barracuda

March–June · common

Tuna

March–June · common

Parrotfish

March–June · common

Triggerfish

March–June · common

Nudibranch

March–June · common

Frogfish

March–June · occasional

Hawksbill turtle

March–June · common

Green sea turtle

March–June · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Jessie Beazley Reef typically begin with a tender drop-off close to the reef, often requiring a negative entry due to potentially strong surface currents. Common dive sites like North End or South End involve descending along sheer walls that plunge into deep water. The profile usually follows the reef's contour, starting near the shallower plateau at around 5-12 meters, where vibrant reef life congregates. Divers then drift along the wall, observing pelagic species in the blue and inspecting gorgonians and sponges for macro subjects. The current dictates the drift, making it a dynamic experience. The dive often concludes by ascending back towards the reef top for a safety stop, where more reef fish are observed, before surfacing for tender pickup.

Underwater photography

Jessie Beazley Reef offers outstanding opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle, the sheer walls and vast schools of fish against the deep blue backdrop demand a fisheye or wide-angle rectilinear lens. Early morning dives can provide dramatic lighting for reefscapes and silhouettes of passing sharks or turtles. Utilize natural light as much as possible given the excellent visibility, but strobes are crucial to bring out the true colors of corals and fish at depth. For macro photographers, patience is key. Explore the coral heads and cracks for nudibranchs, frogfish, and other unique critters. A dedicated macro setup or a wet close-up lens will be invaluable for capturing the rich diversity of small life. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the fragile corals, especially given the strong and unpredictable currents. Remember that gloves, reef hooks, tank bangers, and nudi pointers are forbidden within Tubbataha to protect the delicate ecosystem.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Tubbataha Reef

  Main atolls of the national park, often combined with Jessie Beazley in liveaboard itineraries

Getting there & logistics

Access to Jessie Beazley Reef is exclusively via liveaboard, with trips typically lasting 6, 7, or 11 nights. The primary departure point is Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan. Divers usually fly into Manila or Cebu City from international destinations, then take a domestic flight to Puerto Princesa. Liveaboard crossings to the reef take between 12 to 15 hours. Booking well in advance, ideally 9-12 months ahead, is highly recommended due to the limited season (mid-March to mid-June) and high demand. A marine park fee, usually included in the liveaboard package, is mandatory. Itineraries typically include multiple dives per day at Jessie Beazley and the main Tubbataha atolls.

Safety & environment

Diving at Jessie Beazley Reef requires adherence to strict safety protocols due to its remote location and dynamic conditions. Divers must carry mandatory dive insurance and travel insurance. The nearest recompression chambers are located in Coron or Cebu, meaning any serious dive-related incident would require a significant evacuation time, potentially over 12 hours. Site-specific hazards include strong and unpredictable currents, which necessitate excellent buoyancy control and a proficient dive guide. Gloves are generally forbidden unless with a medical certificate, and the use of reef hooks, tank bangers, and nudi pointers is strictly prohibited to protect the marine environment. Divers must hold an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, with a minimum of 30 logged dives and experience in strong currents to ensure preparedness for these challenging yet rewarding conditions.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Jessie Beazley Reef FAQ

Liveaboards diving Jessie Beazley Reef

These liveaboards may visit Jessie Beazley Reef on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Infiniti

Philippines

25 guests39 m

$280/day

Seadoors

Philippines

16 guests25 m

$335/day

Resolute

Philippines

16 guests34.6 m

$314/day

Dolphin

Philippines

18 guests31 m

$326/day

Navis 1

Philippines

22 guests23 m

$250/day

Philippine Siren

Philippines

16 guests

$309/day

Palau Sport

Philippines

24 guests38.35 m

$215/day

Philippines Aggressor

Philippines

26 guests42.7 m

$381/day

Stella Maris Explorer

Philippines

20 guests33 m

$398/day

Solitude One

Philippines

24 guests52 m

$460/day

Atlantis Adventurer

Philippines

16 guests32.5 m

$421/day

Philippines Aggressor II

Philippines

26 guests42.7 m

$247/day