Regular trip Tubbataha (Puerto Princesa - Puerto Princesa)

Palau Sport · Philippines · 6 nights

Duration
6 nights
Embarkation
Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Disembarkation
Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Dives
Approximately 18 dives in total

About this route

Embark on an extraordinary diving expedition to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a remote UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sulu Sea. This route explores the vibrant North and South Atolls, known for their dramatic wall dives, healthy coral gardens, and historical wrecks. Expect high-energy encounters with schooling pelagics and numerous shark species in one of the Philippines' most pristine marine environments.

Regions on this route

TubbatahaPuerto Princesa

Highlights

Puerto Princesa

The capital of Palawan serves as the gateway to the Tubbataha Reefs. This port city is the starting and ending point for the expedition, providing the necessary logistics for accessing the remote Sulu Sea reefs.

  • Gateway to Tubbataha
  • Logistical hub
  • Palawan embarkation

Tubbataha

A UNESCO World Heritage site situated in the middle of the Sulu Sea, known for its incredible biodiversity and massive coral atolls. Divers can expect pristine wall dives, healthy reef ecosystems, and regular encounters with large pelagics like sharks and rays.

  • UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Pristine wall diving
  • Large shark populations
  • Vibrant coral gardens

Requirements

  • CertificationAdvanced Open Water
  • Minimum logged dives50
  • ExperienceDivers must have at least 50 logged dives and an Advanced Open Water certification.

Shore excursions

  • Visit the Ranger Station on the North Atoll for a unique sandbar social event.

Good to know

  • A fuel surcharge of 100 USD is required and not included in the base trip cost.
  • Mandatory park fees of 100 USD must be paid separately.
  • A Nitrox fee of 120 USD applies for those wishing to use enriched air.
  • Itinerary and dive sites are subject to change based on weather, tides, and safety conditions.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Puerto Princesa

    Guests board the Palau Sport in Puerto Princesa during the afternoon before the vessel begins its overnight passage toward the Tubbataha Reefs.

  2. Day 2: Jeazy Beazley Reef – Pristine Walls

    The diving starts at Jessie Beazley Reef, an isolated coral structure known for its steep drop-offs and excellent visibility. The area commonly features strong currents that attract large schools of predatory fish and various reef sharks. The underwater topography often includes dramatic vertical walls covered in healthy soft and hard corals.

    Dive sites: South Park, North End Corner, Malayan Wreck, Wall Street

  3. Day 3: Tubbataha Reef North Atoll – Coral Plateaus

    Exploration continues along the North Atoll, featuring sites like Shark Airport where pelagics are frequently sighted cruising the reef edge. The topography in this region is characterized by expansive plateaus and terraced reef slopes. Visibility is typically excellent, offering clear views of the resident turtle populations and schooling jacks.

    Dive sites: Shark Airport, Washing Machine, Terraces, North East Corner

  4. Day 4: Tubbataha Reef South Atoll – Sea Fan Forests

    The South Atoll offers unique sites like Sea Fan Alley, where the reef is adorned with massive gorgonians. Divers often encounter black rock formations and steep corners where currents bring in larger marine life. The area is known for its high biodiversity, ranging from macro critters to large patrolling reef sharks.

    Dive sites: Black Rock, Black Rock Corner, Sea Fan Alley, Ko-Ok

  5. Day 5: Tubbataha Reef North Atoll – Wreck & Walls

    Returning to the North Atoll allows for deeper exploration of sites like the Malayan Wreck, which provides a haven for diverse reef fish. The walls here are sheer and often feature overhangs where nurse sharks might be found resting. The day focuses on a mix of historical structures and vibrant natural reef edges.

    Dive sites: Shark Airport, Wall Street, Terraces, Malayan Wreck

  6. Day 6: Tubbataha Reef South Atoll – Final Dives

    Final dives are conducted at the South Atoll, focusing on iconic sites like The Anchor and T-Wreck. These sites often feature dramatic topography with significant current, attracting predatory pelagics. Following the morning dives, the vessel begins the return journey to Puerto Princesa, arriving late in the evening.

    Dive sites: The Anchor, T-Wreck

  7. Day 7: Disembarkation – Puerto Princesa

    After breakfast on board, guests complete the check-out process and disembark the vessel in Puerto Princesa by 9:00 am.

Upcoming departures

  • 2027-04-10 – 2027-04-16Book

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

Palau SportPalau SportPhilippines
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