Dive Locations : Tubbataha Reefs
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Introduction
The Sulu Sea has hundreds of isolated reefs and islets that are so remote that they can only be visited during four months of the year. The best-known reefs for diving in this area are the Tubbataha Reefs, located 182 km. south-east of Puerto Princesa on Palawan Island. Together with Jessie Beazley these make up the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. Diving
 The are is strictly a "live-aboard" destination, and this is probably where one can find the Philippines' best diving. Everything is BIG and large animals are guaranteed on almsot all dives. All of the reefs consist of vertical walls or near-vertical drop-offs rising out of great depths. The shallow reef-tops are teemign with local reef fish, and in many places Stingrays, Manta Rays, Turtles, Leopard Sharks and Guitar Sharks are common. Caves in the walls often contain Nurse Sharks and White Tip Reef Sharks, as well as SPiny Lobsters. But it is the deeper waters that these reefs show their true worth. Shoals of angelfish, butterfly fish, moorish idols, jacks, snappers and sweetlips follow you around. Large Tuna and Barracuda come out of the blue. Grey Reef Sharks and White Tip Reef Sharks partol, giant Manta Rays fly overhead. This is definitely the best place to see soem of the best of Philippine marine life up close. You can expect to encounter strong currents. If a current is not strong at a particular moment it will probably pick up or reverse during the course of a dive. It is adviseable to carry bright orange rescue tubes as groups often get seperated, especially when photographers stop to take pictures. All dives are drift dives and the best time to visit is March through June. Novices should stay close to their dive master and good chase boat cover is essential. |
Dive Sites:
1. Jessie Beazley Reef - Southern End |