Tubbataha plays in a league of its own. Located in the Sulu Sea, around 150 km southeast of Puerto Princesa, this marine natural park is one of the most impressive underwater enclaves on the planet. It has not only been declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, but is also considered one of the best diving destinations in the Philippines and in the world.
At Te Moana Expeditions, we have prepared a very special departure to discover this underwater paradise: March 20, 2027 on board the M/Y Resolute. A trip designed for those looking for more than just a diving holiday: a genuine expedition to one of the wildest, most remote and spectacular marine ecosystems in Asia.
Where is Tubbataha and why is it so special?
Tubbataha lies right in the heart of the Coral Triangle, a region known for holding one of the greatest concentrations of marine biodiversity on the planet. The park is made up of two large coral atolls, North Atoll and South Atoll, as well as Jessie Beazley Reef, a formation located around 20 km further north.
What makes this destination unique is a powerful combination: remote location, limited access, strict protection and reef health that many other places in the world would envy. Only a few liveaboard vessels are allowed to operate here, and only during a short season, when sea conditions make access possible. That isolation has been key to preserving Tubbataha in an almost pristine state.
A marine sanctuary with extraordinary biodiversity
Tubbataha is home to at least 600 species of fish, 360 species of coral, 12 species of sharks, 13 species of dolphins and whales, 100 species of birds and 2 species of sea turtles. In short: an underwater festival.
Among the most common or possible sightings in the area are grey reef sharks, white-tip and black-tip sharks, reef manta rays, eagle rays, barracudas, large schools of jacks, tuna and even, on occasion, whale sharks. All of this in waters with visibility ranging between 30 and 50 metres, so the visual spectacle is guaranteed.
Diving in Tubbataha: walls, pelagics and reefs teeming with life
One of Tubbataha’s greatest strengths is the variety of its dives. In the North Atoll, the larger of the two, coral slopes, ocean-facing walls, caves, cracks and an enormous amount of reef life dominate the scenery. It is also common to see large pelagics patrolling the barrier, with mantas and turtles near the surface.
The South Atoll has a similar structure, with coral slopes, large sea fans, barrel sponges and a good chance of encounters with eagle rays, mantas, turtles and grey reef sharks. With current, tiger sharks may even appear.
Meanwhile, Jessie Beazley Reef stands out for its schools of fish, barracudas, turtles, reef sharks and for also offering interesting options for those who enjoy macro diving.
Real conservation: Tubbataha is a gem
One of the most remarkable things about Tubbataha is that it is not only impressive for what you see underwater, but also for how it has been protected. After facing threats from overfishing and destructive practices in the 1980s, it was declared a Marine National Park in 1988, becoming the first of its kind in the Philippines. Later, its protected area was expanded, and today it benefits from permanent surveillance and management focused on long-term conservation.
Diving season at Tubbataha Reef
The diving season in Tubbataha is very short. Diving is only possible there between March and June, when wind and sea conditions make access possible.
That limited access is part of the destination’s magic. It is not a crowded place or a reef you reach “on the way”. Tubbataha is a true expedition, one of those trips you plan with excitement because you know you are going somewhere truly special.
Diving trip to Tubbataha Reef in 2027 with Te Moana Expeditions
At Te Moana Expeditions, we will travel to Tubbataha on March 20, 2027 on board the M/Y Resolute to experience a diving adventure in one of the planet’s last great marine sanctuaries.
This is an ideal trip for divers looking for:
- Big pelagic encounters
- Reefs in excellent condition
- Dives on walls and remote atolls
- A liveaboard experience in an exclusive destination
- A diving trip that truly leaves a mark
Are you coming to Tubbataha?
If you have been dreaming for a while about a great diving trip in the Philippines, Tubbataha Reef should be very high on your list. And if you also want to do it as part of a carefully organised expedition, with guidance and the peace of mind of travelling with specialists, this departure from Te Moana Expeditions could be your next trip.
Book your place for Tubbataha Reef 2027 and discover one of the best diving destinations in the world.
