Explore Tubataha Reef
Tubataha Reef is a diver's paradise located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, renowned for its incredible marine biodiversity. As a World Heritage site, it offers a truly unique diving experience, accessible only by liveaboard trips between March and June. This exclusivity ensures that the reef remains a pristine and unspoiled wonder for explorers who make the journey. Divers will find themselves surrounded by over 600 species of fish and 360 species of corals, showcasing the vibrant underwater life that makes this destination so special.
The dive environments at Tubataha are diverse and thrilling, featuring stunning reefs, dramatic walls, and the occasional wreck, each offering a different perspective of the underwater ecosystem. Adventurous divers can encounter more than ten species of sharks, including majestic hammerheads and the elusive whale shark. Dolphins, whales, and nesting sites for Green and Hawksbill sea turtles add to the enchanting experience, making each dive a journey into a mesmerizing underwater world. Whether you're a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Tubataha Reef promises an unforgettable adventure.
Dive Activity
Diving in Tubataha Reef
Tubataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a diver's paradise located in the Sulu Sea, Philippines. Known for its vibrant coral walls, the reef offers an array of dive sites appealing to both novices and seasoned divers. Notable sites include the Delsan Wreck, a fascinating exploration for wreck enthusiasts, with its sunken vessel hosting a variety of marine life. This site is renowned for sightings of large pelagics like sharks and manta rays that glide gracefully above the wreckage.
Night dives at Tubataha reveal a different world, as nocturnal creatures emerge, providing unique underwater experiences. While shore dives are limited due to Tubataha's remote location, liveaboard options abound, offering the best access to its diverse marine ecosystem. This balance allows dive travelers to immerse fully in the reef's wonders, ensuring an unforgettable underwater adventure.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Tubataha Reef
Tubbataha Reef, located in the Sulu Sea of the Philippines, is renowned for its vibrant marine biodiversity, making it a diver's paradise. It hosts over 600 species of fish, including common reef dwellers like angelfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. Divers frequently encounter these colorful herds amidst the sprawling coral gardens, providing a stunning underwater spectacle.
Seasonal highlights include the sighting of majestic whale sharks and manta rays, particularly from March to June. Green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles are also common residents, often seen gliding gracefully through the waters. Sharks, such as tiger and whitetip reef sharks, are prominent throughout the year, but sightings peak during the migratory season, enhancing the thrill for adventurous divers.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
435 Sightings
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1
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0
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99
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188
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58
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72
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6
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3
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3
O
3
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0
D
2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
429 Sightings
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0
F
2
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104
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168
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101
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40
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11
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0
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1
O
1
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0
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1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
425 Sightings
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1
F
2
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85
A
188
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60
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67
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13
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2
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0
O
1
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1
D
5
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
419 Sightings
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1
F
1
M
108
A
170
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80
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43
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11
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1
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1
O
1
N
1
D
1
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle
170 Sightings
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3
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0
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58
A
40
M
30
J
26
J
10
A
1
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1
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1
N
0
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0
Alamy/National Geographic Image Collection
Oceanic Whitetip Shark
61 Sightings
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0
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0
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16
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20
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9
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16
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0
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0
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0
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0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 25
iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray
52 Sightings
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0
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0
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22
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0
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0
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28
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1
A
0
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0
O
0
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0
D
1
iStock-June Jacobsen
Whitetip Reef Shark
977 Sightings
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8
F
5
M
211
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358
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211
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144
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17
A
4
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3
O
6
N
1
D
9
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
601 Sightings
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1
F
2
M
125
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247
M
145
J
70
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4
A
2
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0
O
0
N
2
D
3
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 40
iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish
593 Sightings
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1
F
0
M
122
A
246
M
130
J
76
J
12
A
1
S
1
O
0
N
2
D
2
The best Months to dive in Tubataha Reef
Tubbataha Reef offers exceptional diving conditions, primarily from mid-March to mid-June when the weather is most favorable. During this period, water temperatures range from 26°C–30°C/79°F–86°F, providing comfortable conditions for divers. Visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet, allowing for breathtaking views of the underwater scenery.
Outside this optimal window, diving is generally not recommended due to the southwest monsoon, which brings strong winds and turbulent seas. These conditions can significantly reduce visibility and increase the strength of currents, posing challenges for divers. Therefore, planning a dive trip within the peak months ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience on the reef.
