Tubbataha Reefs
A protected atoll in the middle of the Sulu Sea, open for three months a year.
At a glance
- Best months
- Mid-March to mid-June only
- Water
- 27–29°C3 mm wetsuit
- Visibility
- 20–40 m
- Current
- ModerateModerate on the walls, stronger at some points
- Certification
- AdvancedMinimum Advanced
- How you dive
- Liveaboard
When to go
Mid-March to mid-June only; April and May are usually the calmest.
Overview
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park sits in the middle of the Sulu Sea, a long overnight crossing from Puerto Princesa on Palawan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most strictly protected reefs in Asia, with walls of hard coral, reef sharks, turtles and big schools of fish.
The park is open to divers only from about mid-March to mid-June. Outside that window, monsoon winds make the crossing impractical. April and May usually have the calmest seas and the best visibility. Only a few liveaboards hold permits, so trips sell out well in advance.
Diving is on deep walls in open water, far from any help. Advanced certification and good experience are recommended.
Who it suits
Advanced Open Water recommended. Dives are on deep walls in open ocean, far from help.
What you'll see
Know the risks
- Season lasts about three months and fills fast
- Long open-sea crossing
- No medical help nearby
Sources
- Dive The World: Tubbataha best time of year
- Liveaboard.com: Best time to dive in Tubbataha
- Bluewater Dive Travel: Tubbataha liveaboard guide
Last reviewed 2026-10. Where sources disagree we use the more conservative range.