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 a spectacular diving adventure through the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its pristine marine environment. The journey explores both the North and South Atolls, offering a diverse mix of dramatic wall dives, historic wrecks, and vibrant coral gardens. Divers can expect exceptional visibility and encounters with a vast array of pelagic species in one of the Philippines' most protected offshore regions.

Regions on this route

TubbatahaPuerto Princesa

Highlights

Puerto Princesa

The capital of Palawan serves as the gateway to the Tubbataha Reefs. This coastal city is the starting and ending point for liveaboard expeditions, providing the necessary logistics for reaching the remote offshore marine park.

  • Expedition gateway
  • Palawan hub
  • Logistical starting point

Tubbataha

A remote UNESCO World Heritage site in the middle of the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is famous for its incredible biodiversity and massive coral walls. The area consists of two large atolls and the smaller Jessie Beazley Reef, all offering world-class diving with frequent sightings of large pelagics.

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Massive coral walls
  • High pelagic density
  • Remote Sulu Sea location

Requirements

  • CertificationAdvanced Open Water
  • Minimum logged dives50
  • ExperienceAdvanced Open Water certification with a minimum of 50 logged dives is required.

Shore excursions

  • Visit the Tubbataha Ranger Station for a social gathering and beach time on the sandbar.

Good to know

  • A fuel surcharge of 100 USD is required and not included in the trip price.
  • Mandatory park fees of 100 USD must be paid separately.
  • Nitrox is available for an additional fee of 120 USD for the duration of the trip.
  • Daily schedules and dive sites are subject to change based on weather and safety conditions.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Puerto Princesa

    Guests board the Palau Sport in Puerto Princesa during the afternoon, followed by a welcome briefing and equipment setup. The vessel begins the long transit toward the remote Tubbataha Reefs as the sun sets.

  2. Day 2: Jessie Beazley Reef – Coral Slopes

    The first day of diving begins at the isolated Jessie Beazley Reef, known for its steep slopes and healthy coral cover. Later, the vessel moves to the North Atoll to explore famous drop-offs and a historic wreck. The area is known for strong currents that attract schooling fish and various shark species.

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

  3. Day 3: Tubbataha North Atoll – Shark Sanctuaries

    Today focuses on the North Atoll's most famous sites, including deep plateaus and drift dives along vertical walls. The morning is often spent at high-action corners where pelagics congregate in the moving water. A late afternoon visit to the Ranger Station provides a unique topside break on a remote sandbar.

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

  4. Day 4: Tubbataha South Atoll – Vertical Walls

    The cruise shifts to the South Atoll to explore sheer drop-offs decorated with massive gorgonian sea fans and colorful soft corals. These sites commonly feature large schools of snappers and jacks patrolling the reef edge. The topography often features dramatic overhangs and swim-throughs at various depths.

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

  5. Day 5: Tubbataha North Atoll – Return to the North

    Returning to the North Atoll allows for a second look at its premier sites, focusing on areas with high shark activity and wreck topography. The dives typically feature wide-angle vistas of vibrant coral reef systems and busy cleaning stations. Visibility in this region is often exceptional, reaching over 30 meters.

    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, targeting iconic landmarks and submerged wrecks. After the second dive, the vessel begins its return journey to Palawan. The long crossing allows for relaxation and equipment cleaning as the ship sails toward Puerto Princesa.

    Dive sites: The Anchor, T-Wreck

  7. Day 7: Disembarkation – Puerto Princesa

    After a final breakfast on board, guests check out and disembark in Puerto Princesa for their onward travel or airport transfers.

Upcoming departures

  • 2027-05-22 – 2027-05-28from 6 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

Palau SportPalau SportPhilippines
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