Tubbataha safari
The reefs you dive at on a Tubbataha safari are essentially vertical walls rising from the depths of the ocean. The shallow reefs that have formed on top of the underwater mountains are home to local fish life: stingrays, marble rays, spiny lobster and reef sharks are common. Angelfish, butterfly fish, rainbow runners, moorish idols, fusiliers, jacks, snappers and sweetlips follow you as you swim around the reefs.
At a majority of the dive sites you can also see large trevally, tuna, barracuda and gray and white tip reef sharks, while manta rays and eagle rays are ephemeral visitors. Green and hawkbill turtles are the most common turtles residing in the national park. Groupers and wrasse are often seen among the reefs and on a few occasions guests have witnessed hammerheads and silvertip sharks. Tubbataha is a fantastic dive site and many who have had the pleasure of diving here say it is among the best dive sites in the world.
What is included in a liveaboard package?
- Transfers airport - boat r/t
- 6 – 7 nights in a share in a double cabin with private bathroom
- All meals and drinks (no alcohol) on board
- 3-4 dives per day with a guide
- 12L bottle, weights and weight belt
- Free nitrox
Examples of travel programs, cruises and safaris to Tubbataha reefs
Day 1
You leave Scandinavia and fly to Cebu or Manila, Philippines
Day 2
When you land, you will be transferred to the hotel where you will sleep the first night. This night is recommended to secure against possible flight and baggage delays (charges apply).
Day 3
After a calm start to the day, you then fly to Puerto Princessa, where a transfer will take you to the liveaboard and you will board the boat. Make yourself at home on board to start enjoying the fantastic diving and top class service! Journey to Tubbataha reefs begins in the afternoon/evening when all guests have arrived
Day 4 – 8/9
These are your dive days! The cruises last 6-7 nights depending on the choice of boat and expect it to take 12-16 hours from the Port to the National Park. How much you will dive depends on the weather, but usually your days will look like this. You wake up to a light breakfast then it's time for your first dive of the day. A full breakfast is then served and then you can take it easy and enjoy the silence. Time to do the second dive of the day.
When you come up it's time for lunch, enjoy and then the third dive of the day. When you come up you will enjoy a great dinner and then do a sunset or night dive. On the last day you will do 2 dives or fewer dives depending on when the boat returns to port and when you fly home the next day.
Day 9/10
You check out of the boat and take a transfer to the airport and then fly home to Scandinavia again via Cebu or Manila or continue your journey in the Philippines.
Travel on or spend a night in Manila or Cebu
Depending on when your flight leaves or how your upcoming program is, an overnight stay may be appropriate. We have recommendations for what you should do here.
Please note!
Please note that the schedule is only a preliminary plan. Activities may change, or need to be replaced depending on weather or unexpected events. NOTE you should have a minimum of 20 dives for this tour. Drones are not allowed in the national park.
More information on safaris in Tubbataha with Solitude One, click here (eng text)!
More information on safaris in Tubbataha with Atlantis Azores, click here (eng text)!
Liveaboards offering this safari
Solitude One Liveaboard Philippines
Solitude One is a large ship that has been converted into perhaps one of the world's best liveaboards. There is space on board for 22 guests and of course full board is included. The boat runs several different tours depending on the time of year. Tubbataha reefs, Romblon, Ticao, Verde Island are some of the highlights.
