The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is one of the best diving spots in the Philippines (and the world) because of its pristine coral reef with a 100-m perpendicular wall, lagoons, and coral islands. It covers 130,028 hectares, including the North and South Reefs, with the North Islet serving as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles.

As the Philippines’ only National Marine Park, Tubbataha is protected as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, preserved for generations to come. A team of rangers are stationed on the reef year-round and only certified divers are allowed to visit from March until June.

To get to Tubbataha, you can join live-aboard diving trips to explore the vast area for 5-7 days. There are also organized tours for people who just want to snorkel, but diving is highly recommended to see the wide variety of colorful marine life. There is only a small window of time to visit this World Heritage site – during the summer (from late March to early June) because of the stability of the weather.

How to get to The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park?
The marine park is accessible only by boat and boats offering rides to the park are usually for live-aboard trips since it will take you approximately twelve hours from Puerto Princesa to reach the marine park.

Boats usually leave in the evenings and by morning; you will already be within the perimeters of the marine park.