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 mix of dramatic wall dives, historic wrecks, and lush coral gardens. Guests can expect high-energy encounters with various shark species and schooling pelagics while sailing through one of the Philippines' most pristine maritime environments.

Regions on this route

TubbatahaPuerto Princesa

Highlights

Puerto Princesa

Serving as the gateway to Tubbataha, this vibrant coastal city is the starting and ending point for liveaboard expeditions. The surrounding waters provide a transition into the deep, biodiverse regions of the Sulu Sea.

  • Expedition gateway
  • Coastal scenery
  • Sulu Sea access

Tubbataha

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a remote marine sanctuary in the Sulu Sea, famous for its massive coral atolls and vertical walls. Divers can expect pristine reef systems that support a vast array of marine life, from tiny nudibranchs to massive hammerhead sharks.

  • UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Pristine coral atolls
  • Hammerhead shark sightings
  • Massive vertical 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

  • Experience a social sand bar party hosted at the Ranger Station on the North Atoll.

Good to know

  • A mandatory 100 USD Fuel Surcharge is not included in the trip cost.
  • A 100 USD Park fee and 120 USD Nitrox fee are payable separately.
  • The itinerary is subject to change based on weather, tide, and safety conditions.
  • Certification and minimum dive requirements must be met for park entry.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Puerto Princesa

    Boarding takes place in the afternoon at Puerto Princesa before the vessel begins its overnight transit toward the remote reefs of Tubbataha.

  2. Day 2: Jeazy Beazley Reef – Vibrant Walls

    Begin the diving adventure at Jeazy Beazley Reef, characterized by its impressive vertical drop-offs and healthy coral cover. The area is known for steady currents that attract grey reef sharks and large schools of reef fish. Underwater explorers will visit sites like Wall Street and the Malayan Wreck, which often feature a mix of macro life and larger pelagic visitors.

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

  3. Day 3: Tubbataha North Atoll – Shark Sanctuary

    Spend the day exploring the North Atoll, famous for the bustling marine activity at Shark Airport. These plateau and slope dives commonly feature resting sharks and cruising rays amidst vast coral fields. The region often features cleaning stations where large groupers and turtles are frequently observed by divers.

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

  4. Day 4: Tubbataha South Atoll – Deep Walls

    Head to the South Atoll to experience dramatic underwater topography, including the famous Black Rock. These sites are known for their steep walls adorned with massive sea fans and sponges, creating a haven for smaller critters and large predators alike. Typical sightings in this area include schooling snappers and the occasional hammerhead shark patrolling the blue.

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

  5. Day 5: North Atoll – Reef Return

    Returning to the North Atoll allows for deeper exploration of iconic sites like the Terraces and Wall Street. The topography here often features tiered coral formations that provide shelter for a diverse array of reef fish. Visibility is typically excellent, offering clear views of the resident shark populations and schooling barracuda.

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

  6. Day 6: South Atoll – The Final Descent

    Concluding the diving portion of the trip, the vessel visits the South Atoll's unique sites like The Anchor and T-Wreck. These locations offer a final chance to observe the rich biodiversity of the Sulu Sea before the return journey begins. The afternoon is spent sailing back toward Puerto Princesa under the tropical sun.

    Dive sites: The Anchor, T-Wreck

  7. Day 7: Disembarkation – Puerto Princesa

    Enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking in Puerto Princesa to conclude the voyage.

Upcoming departures

  • 2027-05-01 – 2027-05-07Book
  • 2027-05-08 – 2027-05-14Book

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

Palau SportPalau SportPhilippines
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