BLOG, DESTINATIONS, INTERESTS, ITINERARIES, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES, REVIEWS, TRAVEL, TRAVEL RESOURCES

Tubbataha Reef: A Guide to Diving and Snorkeling

Tubbataha Reef is a protected marine area located in the Sulu Sea in the Philippines. It is considered one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, with an abundance of marine life and coral reefs that are home to hundreds of species of fish, sharks, and other marine creatures.

Traveling to Tubbataha Reef Palawan for the first time? This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to navigate your way inside, save money, and maximize your time.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 🌈 Shell (@shellwanders)

Follow me in Instagram >>

Follow me in Youtube >>

Get Started

How to Get to Palawan

✓ ENTRY POINT MANILA (NAIA)

By Airplane (Cebu Pacific, Airasia, or Philippine Airlines)

Direct flights are available.
Travel time is around 1 hr and 15 mins.

By Ferry (2-GO)

It has 2 trips in a week. (Tuesday and Friday at 1:30 pm)
Travel Time is about 30 hours.
The Minimum Price is around PHP 1200 (SGD 30, $ 24, € 20) – PHP 1800 (SGD 45, $ 36, € 30).

✓ ENTRY POINT CEBU (Mactan Cebu International Airport)

By Airplane (Cebu Pacific, Airasia, or Philippine Airlines)

Direct flights are available.

✓ ENTRY POINT CAGAYAN DE ORO (Laguindingan Airport)

By Airplane (Cebu Pacific, Airasia, or Philippine Airlines)

Flights are available with a stop-over in the Cebu area.
Flight Duration is 2 Hours 30 Minutes.

Exact location: Palawan, Philippines

MAP ON HOW TO GET TO PALAWAN

How to Get Around Palawan

By Tricycle
1. Offers the cheapest way to travel around Palawan.
2. Maximum of 4 passengers.
3. On average, you can expect to pay PHP 10.00 (SGD 0.25,$ 0.2, € 0.17) per person.

By Motor Bike Rental
1. Recommending you to use a mode of transport with a driver.
2. Small car rental price starts at PHP 700 (SGD 17.5,$ 14, € 12) per day.

By Car Rental
1. Recommending you to use a mode of transport with a driver.
2. Small car rental price starts at PHP 2500 (SGD 62.5,$ 50, € 42) per day.

By Bus and Mini-Van
1. Most fares cost around PHP 400 (SGD 62.5,$ 50, € 42). Standard trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido.
2. Travel time takes around 6 to 9 hours.

By Private Van
1. Puerto Princesa to El-Nido costs around PHP 600 (SGD 15,$ 12, € 10)
2. It can accommodate up to 8-10 passengers.

By Ferries and Boats
1. El Nido to Coron. Most fares cost around PHP 2000 (SGD 50,$ 40, € 34).

🏷️10% OFF Private Mactan-Cebu Airport Transfers (CEB) for Cebu or Mactan

🏷️ 5% OFF 4G WiFi (MNL Airport Pick Up/Delivery) for the Philippines

🏷️10% OFF [SALE] Oslob Whale Shark Watching from Cebu City or Mactan Island

🏷️18% OFF Private Cebu & Mactan Twin City Tour

Philippines 3G/4G internet data sim card & pocket WiFi rental

RENT WIFI AND INTERNET DATA HERE >>

See more blogs & travel guides

🏷️13 Best Things to Do in Ormoc, Leyte

🏷️Ultimate Cebu Bucket List (101 Things to Do in Cebu)

🏷️10 Things to Do in Tacloban City, Leyte

🏷️10 Things to Do in Palawan

🏷️12 Things to Do in Isabel, Leyte

🏷️36 Best Things to Do in Baguio

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What’s in Plaza Cuartel and Immaculate Conception Cathedral?

The Tubbataha Reef was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, and it covers over 97,000 hectares of protected marine area. The reef is composed of two atolls, known as the North and South Atoll, which are separated by a deep channel. The reef’s shallow waters are home to over 600 species of fish, including large schools of colorful reef fish, rays, and sharks.

Tubbataha Reef is also home to over 360 species of coral, making it one of the most diverse coral reef ecosystems in the world. The coral reefs provide habitat and shelter for a wide variety of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales.

Aside from its ecological significance, Tubbataha Reef also has cultural importance. The reef has been an important fishing ground for the indigenous communities in the area for centuries. The Tagbanua people, who live on the nearby islands, have been instrumental in the conservation of the reef, serving as stewards of the natural resources and protecting the area from destructive fishing practices.

Despite its protected status, Tubbataha Reef faces a number of threats, including overfishing, climate change, and pollution. In recent years, there have been reports of coral bleaching and damage caused by illegal fishing practices.

Efforts to protect and conserve Tubbataha Reef are ongoing, with the Philippine government and conservation organizations working together to enforce regulations, educate the public, and promote sustainable fishing practices. The reef is also a popular destination for tourists and scuba divers, who come to explore its stunning underwater scenery and experience its rich biodiversity.

In conclusion, Tubbataha Reef is a natural wonder that plays an important role in the ecological and cultural heritage of the Philippines. Its unique and diverse marine ecosystem is a testament to the importance of preserving and protecting our natural resources. Through continued efforts to promote conservation and sustainable practices, we can ensure that Tubbataha Reef remains a thriving ecosystem for generations to come.

Exact Location

in the middle of the Sulu Sea, approximately 50km southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, the most western province of the Philippines.

Permit to Operate in Tubbataha Reefs

Any person or entity who shall conduct commercial tour operations in TRNP should secure a Permit to Operate (PO) from the TMO at least two (2) months prior to the first scheduled entry. For the complete guide on a permit application, please refer to the Permitting Procedure.

Estimated time to spend in the place?

You will spend around 30 minutes – 5 hours in this place.

Are food and drinks available in the area?

There are many food places available near the area.

How much are the Entrance Fee and Other Noted Fees?

Payment of Conservation Fees. Applications for an entry permit must be accurately completed and Conservation Fees paid prior to the issuance of a permit to enter the Park. Fees must be paid in Philippine currency. The rates of Conservation Fees shall be as indicated below:

Rule 14.1. Vessel Entry.

100 gross tons and below P3,000.00
101-200 gross tons P4,500.00
201 gross tons and above P6,000.00

Rule 14.2.Visitor Entry.

Visitors P5,000.00/person
Divemaster P250.00/person

Opening and Closing Time?

This historical landmark is perfect for students, history lovers, families, solo travelers, couples, or groups of friends who appreciate Philippine history’s richness.