Tubbataha Reef National Park

Tubbataha Reef National Park Information

Dive Sites

Tubbataha Reef Natural Park offers some of the most dramatic dive sites in the Philippines, famed for their stunning visibility (often exceeding 30 metres), vast drop-offs, and abundant marine life. From colorful coral gardens to steep, gorgonian-covered walls, the diversity of underwater topography is extraordinary.

Amos Rock is a must-see for fans of deep walls. The site boasts a beautiful coral-covered reef top that transitions into a dramatic drop-off adorned with giant gorgonians. Seafan Alley similarly offers a stunning view of expansive coral formations and sea fans. Both sites teem with fish, including schools of trevally, napoleon wrasse, and barracuda, making it perfect for big fish enthusiasts.

For a truly unique experience, head to the Washing Machine. Known for its strong and swirling currents, this site provides an exhilarating drift dive experience where marine life is abundant, and the underwater action is intense. Divers need to be ready for unpredictable conditions, but it’s well worth the ride.

Malayan Wreck is another highlight of the area, offering a glimpse of history among the marine ecosystems. While coral growth has started to encrust the wreck, divers are often drawn to the site to spot groupers, trevallies, and even the occasional manta ray gliding by.

At Shark Airport, divers are almost guaranteed sightings of whitetip and grey reef sharks, as well as nurse sharks resting in the sandy areas. Black Rock and The Lighthouse are also home to these majestic predators, alongside vibrant coral gardens and schools of rainbow runners, jacks, and barracudas.

These dive sites combine breathtaking underwater scenery with exhilarating marine life encounters, making Tubbataha Reef Natural Park a dream destination for any diver.

Marine Life

Tubbataha Reef’s marine life is as spectacular as its dive sites. Its pristine waters host a diverse range of species, from tiny invertebrates to large pelagic predators, making each dive a thrilling adventure.

At the northern tip of the North Atoll, you can expect to encounter manta rays, stingrays, and spotted eagle rays, alongside an abundance of turtles—including both green and hawksbill turtles. During the day, divers will also come across nurse sharks and whitetip reef sharks resting on the seabed.

The southern end of the North Atoll is a hotspot for endemic fish species and invertebrates like nudibranchs, sea cucumbers, and flatworms. Larger fish are plentiful, including giant trevally, dogtooth tuna, barracuda, and manta rays gliding close to the surface.

At the northern tip of the South Atoll, divers will be greeted by schools of reef fish and larger pelagic species such as Spanish mackerel, giant trevally, and great barracuda. Whitetip reef sharks, black-blotched stingrays, and eagle rays are also frequent visitors here. The occasional arrival of manta rays often leads to extended and magical interactions, where these graceful creatures seem to play with divers.

At the southern end of the South Atoll, smaller marine life such as reef fish, sponges, and anemones make this site a vibrant and colorful display. Meanwhile, the southeastern part of the North Atoll is known for sightings of the elusive pygmy seahorse, alongside larger species like red snapper, napoleon wrasse, and groupers. The area is also home to whitetip and grey reef sharks, while manta rays and spotted eagle rays are often seen gliding near the surface.

Tubbataha’s healthy reefs and varied marine life make it a diver's paradise, with encounters ranging from the smallest critters to some of the ocean's most impressive predators.

Wreck Diving

Malayan Wreck is a small shipwreck located at the start of the dive, after which divers often venture into the open Sulu Sea in search of large sharks and other pelagic species.

Delsan Wreck is known for its rich marine life which includes schools of jacks, barracudas and sometimes hammerhead sharks.

Things to do in Tubbataha

On land, small islets within the reef offer pristine beaches perfect for relaxing and Bird Islet offers fantastic seabird watching opportunities. Tubbataha Reef is free of human habitation and activity, populated by only a single ranger station for conservation efforts.

Terrestrial Wildlife

In addition to offering world-class diving, the park is an important habitat for internationally threatened and endangered marine species and the reserve also protects one of the few remaining colonies of breeding seabirds in the region.