A marine sanctuary covering 97,030 hectares in the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park safeguards one of the Philippines’ most untouched coral atoll systems and is located at the heart of the Coral Triangle, which is the global hub of marine biodiversity.

Tubbataha is home to a remarkable variety of marine species, providing nesting sites for sea turtles and seabirds. It is regularly listed among the best dive spots in the world, known for its steep “walls,” stunning coral structures, and opportunities to see large pelagic fish like barracuda, trevally, sharks, and manta rays.

The park is situated approximately 150km southeast of Puerto Princesa City, and consists of two major atolls (North and South) and the smaller Jessie Beazley Reef.

Tubbataha Reef has received numerous accolades that highlight its global ecological importance and the success of its strict no-take regulations. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, among other recognitions.

The Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) manages the park’s operations. A rotating group of 10–12 armed rangers stays at the North Atoll’s station for two-month periods, conducting continuous sea patrols to prevent illegal fishing and gathering data for adaptive management.

The tourism and diving season runs from mid-March to mid-June, with visibility peaking at about 30–45 meters. Access is only available through liveaboard vessels, as there are no accommodations on-site. The boat ride from Puerto Princesa takes approximately 10 hours.