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

Explore the prestigious Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity. This journey traverses both the North and South Atolls, offering a diverse mix of dramatic vertical walls, flourishing coral gardens, and historical underwater wrecks. Divers can expect high-energy encounters with numerous shark species and large schools of pelagic fish amidst pristine reef conditions. The itinerary combines world-class diving with scenic sailing across the Sulu Sea.

Regions on this route

TubbatahaPuerto Princesa

Highlights

Puerto Princesa

The capital of Palawan serves as the gateway to the Sulu Sea. While primarily a logistics hub for embarkation, it marks the start and end of the journey to the Philippines' most remote diving destination.

  • Expedition gateway
  • Palawan capital

Tubbataha

This UNESCO World Heritage site consists of two massive coral atolls and the smaller Jessie Beazley Reef. It is celebrated for its immense vertical walls, high shark density, and pristine coral health in a remote offshore location.

  • UNESCO World Heritage site
  • High shark density
  • Vibrant coral walls

Requirements

  • CertificationAdvanced Open Water
  • Minimum logged dives50
  • ExperienceA minimum of 50 logged dives and Advanced Open Water certification are required for this route.

Shore excursions

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

Good to know

  • A mandatory fuel surcharge of 100 USD applies to all guests.
  • Park fees totaling 100 USD are required for entry into Tubbataha.
  • Nitrox is available for a fee of 120 USD for the duration of the trip.
  • Advanced Open Water and 50 logged dives are prerequisite requirements.
  • Itinerary and dive sites are subject to change based on weather and tides.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Puerto Princesa

    Guests board the Palau Sport in Puerto Princesa during the afternoon to begin their journey. Following the welcome briefing and cabin assignments, the vessel commences its overnight transit toward the remote Tubbataha Reefs.

  2. Day 2: Jessie Beazley Reef – Coral Outposts

    Diving commences at the isolated Jessie Beazley Reef, a small coral cay known for its steep drop-offs and vibrant marine life. The underwater terrain often features dramatic walls and healthy plateaus where currents frequently attract large schools of predatory fish. The afternoon includes a transition toward the North Atoll to explore historic wreckage and reef corners.

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

  3. Day 3: Tubbataha North Atoll – Shark Territory

    The day is spent exploring the vast reef system of the North Atoll, featuring sites famous for high shark activity and sloping reef structures. Divers will navigate through areas known for cleaning stations and dramatic terraces covered in hard and soft corals. A special visit to the Ranger Station sandbar is planned for the late afternoon to enjoy the unique topside environment of the park.

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

  4. Day 4: Tubbataha South Atoll – Vertical Walls

    Exploration moves to the South Atoll, which is celebrated for its sheer vertical walls and massive sea fans. The sites here often feature deep drop-offs where pelagic species commonly cruise in the blue water, while the reef crests host a staggering density of reef fish. Visibility is typically excellent, highlighting the intricate topography of the southern reef edges.

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

  5. Day 5: Tubbataha North Atoll – Wrecks and Walls

    Returning to the North Atoll, the program revisits some of the most iconic sites including wreck habitats and expansive terraces. These locations are known for their reliable sightings of schooling fish and large reef residents like Napoleon wrasse. The mix of shallow reef flats and deep drop-offs provides varied underwater scenery for the day's final full diving schedule.

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

  6. Day 6: Tubbataha South Atoll – Final Descents

    The final morning of diving takes place at the South Atoll, focusing on sites characterized by large anchors and varied reef structures. Following the morning dives, the ship begins the long return journey toward Palawan. Guests can enjoy the sunset during the transit back to the port of Puerto Princesa.

    Dive sites: The Anchor, T-Wreck

  7. Day 7: Disembarkation – Puerto Princesa

    After a final breakfast on board, guests disembark the vessel in Puerto Princesa by mid-morning to continue their travels or head to the airport.

Upcoming departures

  • 2027-05-15 – 2027-05-21Book

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

Palau SportPalau SportPhilippines
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