Ultimate Guide to Diving in Tubbataha Reefs: Best Season, Top Dive Sites, Skill Level & Photography Tips

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of the Sulu Sea, is the crown jewel of Philippine diving. With pristine coral walls, dramatic drop-offs, and a thriving population of marine life, it’s a dream destination for divers and underwater photographers alike. If you're planning a trip, here’s everything you need to know:

Best Season to Dive in Tubbataha Reefs

Tubbataha is a seasonal destination. The best — and only — time to dive here is between March and June. The park is closed the rest of the year due to rough seas and conservation efforts.

• March to early April – Ideal for calm seas and crystal-clear visibility, making it perfect for underwater photography.

• Mid-April to May – Warmer waters and more pelagic activity. Whale sharks and manta rays are more frequently spotted.

• June – Slightly choppier seas begin, but still excellent diving, especially for larger pelagics.

Top Dive Sites in Tubbataha: Where the Action Is

Tubbataha boasts over 600 species of fish and 360 coral species. Here are the most popular and marine-life-rich sites:

🌊 Shark Airport

– The name says it all. Expect a “runway” of white-tip and black-tip reef sharks chilling on the sandy bottom. Highlight: Hammerheads and sometimes tiger sharks in deeper waters.

🐢 Amos Rock (Southwest Rock)

– Wall diving at its finest. A kaleidoscope of soft corals and sea fans. Highlight: Schooling jacks, barracudas, and Napoleon wrasse.

🐠 Black Rock

– A diver’s favorite for strong currents and pelagic action. Highlight: Thresher sharks, eagle rays, and occasionally manta rays.

🦈 Washing Machine (Jessie Beazley Reef)

– Expect swirling currents and big-fish action. Highlight: Tuna, reef sharks, and bumphead parrotfish.

Who Should Dive in Tubbataha? Skills and Experience

Tubbataha isn’t for first-timers — it’s remote, deep, and current-prone.

• Recommended logged dives: At least 50-100 dives.

• Required skill level: Advanced Open Water Diver certification is a must, with Deep Diver and Drift Diver specialties highly recommended.

• Experience in strong currents is essential — several sites have fast-moving waters that require good buoyancy control and awareness.

• Liveaboard experience is a plus since all trips to Tubbataha are done via liveaboards for several days.

Underwater Photography in Tubbataha: What to Bring

Tubbataha is a paradise for photographers — from wide-angle reefscapes to close-up critters.

📸 Best Camera Setups:

• DSLR or Mirrorless Camera in an underwater housing is ideal.

• For compact users, a high-end point-and-shoot like the Sony RX100 series in housing with strobes will still give stunning results.

🔍 Lenses to Pack:

• Wide-Angle Lens (10–17mm or 16–35mm) Perfect for massive schools of fish, shark encounters, and coral-covered walls.

• Fisheye Lens Amazing for reef scenes and capturing the scale of pelagics.

• Macro Lens (60mm or 100mm) If you want to focus on small critters like nudibranchs or blennies — not as common as in muck sites, but still possible!

💡 Pro Tip:

Bring two strobes or video lights for better color and depth, especially when shooting wide-angle. And always carry extra batteries and memory cards — you’ll need them.

Diving in Tubbataha is more than just a dive trip — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime expedition. From hammerheads to vibrant coral walls, this site offers experiences that leave you awe-struck and inspired. Whether you're a seasoned diver or an underwater photographer looking for your next masterpiece, Tubbataha is calling.