Tubbataha

Imagine jumping in the water and finding yourself staring down the side of a mountain. The twin atolls of Tubbataha have huge slopes and vertical walls with often 30 metres plus visibility, giving you the feeling of flying next to an aquatic Everest. From the shallows to the depths, Tubbataha is carpeted with corals and, given its remote location in the middle of the Sulu sea 100 miles from our departure port Puerto Princesa on the island of Palawan. It’s a place of shelter and a hunting ground for a lot of the Big Stuff. Tubbataha attracts some of the biggest marine megafauna – whale sharks, manta rays and sharks.

 

There are hundreds if not thousands of grey reef sharks at Tubbataha, seen on virtually every dive, and out in the blue, usually at depth, hammerheads and tiger sharks are often spotted along with whale sharks and mantas. Besides the big guys, Tubbataha also has spectacular schools of fish like jacks and barracuda, thousands strong, and a never-ending carpet of coral stretching out both horizontally and vertically along the atolls themselves. The sheer size and scale of the atolls means every dive is epic. Tubbataha is more than just the Philippines’ finest diving destination – it’s an important part of the country’s national heritage. Tubbataha was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993 and is also featured on the 1000 Philippine peso banknote.

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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. Our home for the week will be the fabulous All Star Infinity!! Infiniti is a 133-foot steel hulled yacht. Its 11 cabins are newly renovated each with a private bath. Cabins are housed on the Upper, Main and Lower decks. The four-deck vessel can accommodate up to 25 guests. The various decks also provide ample space to relax and hang out.

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For those interested. some of are going 5 days earlier to stay, dive, and explore around Puerto Princesa and Palawan Island. One of the highlights will be a visit to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National park. This is also a UNESCO world heritage site. The 5 mile plus underground river of which almost 3 miles is navigable was voted one of the new wonders of nature in 2011. Visit the UNESCO web site for more information regarding both Tubbathaha and the park.

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We could only book 6 cabins to this epic destination so spaces will sell fast. To secure a spot we need a $1,000.00 deposit per person before we put your name on the board. 

 

Costs: 3 Double Cabins reserved for 3 couples @ $3,299.00 per person.

           1 Standard Double cabin reserved for 2 singles or 1 couple @ $2,999.00 per person.

           2 large cabins reserved for 3 persons @ $2,999.00 per person or 2 persons or couples 

              @ $3,199.00 per person.

 

Includes: Full board in private en-suite cabins.

               3 – 4 dives per day, except last day when 2 are offered. (17 max)

               Dive guides, tanks and weights.

               Airport to dock transfers in port of call within 6K of dock.

               Coffee, tea, juices, beer and wine.

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Not Included: Tips for crew.

                       Nitrox $8/tank or $125.00 unlimited

                       Dive travel insurance required.

                       Fuel and park fees of $210.00 paid on board.

Note: After initial deposit full payment due 90 days before trip

          Credit card payments will be subjected to a 5% service fee.