What are the different species found in Tubbataha?
Whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles and Napoleon wrasse are amongst the key species found here. The reef ecosystems support over 360 species of coral and almost 700 species of fish. The reserve also protects one of the few remaining colonies of breeding seabirds in the region.
What is Tubbataha famous for?
Tubbataha Reef is known for its extraordinary biodiversity, abundant marine life and breathtaking drop-offs into the open ocean. The area covers 130,028 hectares of high quality marine habitats containing three atolls and a large area of deep sea.
What is the threats of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park?
Human-induced climate change is perhaps the single biggest threat to the future of Tubbataha. Under stress, such as increased water temperatures and ocean acidification, corals may expel their zooxanthellae, which leads to a lighter or completely white appearance, termed ‘bleached’.
What nest is on the north islet?
The two atolls are named the North and South Reefs or Islets. The most prominent feature in this reef is the North Islet or North Rock, which is a 1.5-2.0 ha wide flat coraline-sand cay which serves as the nesting site of seabirds and marine turtles.
Where can we find Tubbataha Reef?
Palawan
Tubbataha reef lies in the middle of the Sulu Sea, approximately 50km southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, the most western province of the Philippines.
How much does it cost to dive in Tubbataha?
The Budget Tubbataha Liveaboard trip cost 1365 USD including the environmental fees.
How do you get to Tubbataha Reef?
Going on a liveaboard is the only way to reach Tubbataha Reef. The two atolls are completely uninhabited, except for a small ranger station. Due to the short 3 month season and the remoteness of the reef, only a handful of liveaboards visit the area.
Where is Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park?
Where is Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park?
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a 97,030-hectare Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Palawan, the westernmost Philippine province. It is located 150km southeast of Puerto Princesa City, at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the global centre of marine biodiversity.
What is the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park?
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a marine protected area and world-renowned scuba diving site. It is home to more than 1,200 marine species, including sea grasses and algae, corals, sharks, rays, fishes, sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals.
Where is Tubbataha scuba dive?
The reef of Tubbataha lies approximately 50 km southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, with most liveaboard scuba diving boats using Puerto as their launch pad to Tubbataha. Tubbataha scuba diving liveaboard boats typically leave Puerto’s harbor at sunset for the 10 to 12 hour journey, arriving at Tubbataha reef at sunrise.
When is the best time to dive the Tubbataha Reefs?
Anytime can visit and dive the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. However, typically the best time to dive in Tubbataha runs between March and June. This peak season usually gives exceptional diving conditions bright skies, flat seas and amazing visibility of approximately between 30 meters and 45 meters.
How to get to Tubbataha Reef from Puerto Princessa?
It takes around 10 hours to get to Tubbataha Reef from Puerto Princessa. It is only possible to get there via liveaboard. The liveaboard diving season in Tubbataha typically runs from March to June. There are numerous good liveaboard options in Tubbataha from mid-range boats to luxury yachts.