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Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

national-park

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (Philippines)

Weather…

The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the middle of the Sulu Sea. Established in 1988, this protected area covers 97,030 hectares and consists of two large atolls, North Atoll and South Atoll, and the smaller Jessie Beazley Reef. It is considered one of the world's most pristine and biodiverse coral reef systems, serving as a critical habitat for a vast array of marine life. Divers flock to this remote location, which is only accessible via live-aboard boat for a few months each year, to witness its spectacular underwater vertical walls, which drop to over 100 meters. The park is a sanctuary for over 600 species of fish, 360 species of corals (about half of all coral species in the world), 11 species of sharks, 13 species of dolphins and whales, and 100 species of birds. It is also a nesting ground for Hawksbill and Green sea turtles.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	27	28	29	28	28	28	28	28	28	28
Rain mm	86	54	56	63	138	221	244	212	210	200	158	142

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Accessible exclusively via liveaboard dive boats, typically departing from Puerto Princesa. The sea journey to the remote atolls takes approximately ten to twelve hours overnight.

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Best season

The diving season is strictly limited to a short window between mid-March and mid-June. During these months, the sea is generally calm and underwater visibility is excellent.

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Terrain & paths

This is purely a marine environment intended for advanced scuba diving and snorkeling. There is no land exploration involved, as the spectacular coral reefs are submerged or barely above water.

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What to bring

Comprehensive scuba diving equipment and a dive computer are mandatory for all visiting divers. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a protective rash guard, and medications for motion sickness if prone to it.

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Parking

You will leave your vehicle or use private transfers in Puerto Princesa before boarding the liveaboard vessel. There are naturally no parking facilities at the remote marine park itself.

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Safety

Strong ocean currents are common, requiring advanced diving certification and strict adherence to dive master briefings. Immediate medical assistance is hours away, making conservative diving essential.

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Time needed

Trips to this area are exclusively multi-day liveaboard excursions. A typical diving itinerary lasts between five to seven days, depending entirely on the chosen tour package.