Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and World Heritage Site is considered to be one of the best diving spots in the Philippines. This UNESCO heritage site is the biggest and most pristine marine protected area (MPA) in the Philippines.
Here you can find 80 of the 119 coral genera in the world, 600 species of fishes, 14 species of dolphins and whales, 2 sea turtle species, and 23 species of sharks, skates, and rays. The park is also a refuge for endangered species and migratory creatures. The healthy and diverse reef makes it a dream dive destination for many scuba divers.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and World Heritage Site is Located at the heart of Sulu Sea, 150 kilometers (93.2 miles) southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, Philippines. Because of its remote location, scuba divers who want to dive Tubbataha Reefs, can only do so through a liveaboard.
If you are not familiar with what liveaboards are, these are basically boats designed to take scuba divers to remote dive destination . Liveaboards allow divers to stay in the ocean for days at time without having to return to land.
A typical Tubbataha liveaboard will have cabins, bathrooms, common areas for lounging, a kitchen, a dining area, a dive deck, and other facilities to make living on a boat pleasant for you.
The Tubbataha liveaboards are operated by highly experienced crew and dive professionals that will take care of almost everything for you. They will make you feel at home and make sure you can enjoy all the fun activities in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.
Tubbataha liveaboard packages can range from budget to luxury and everything in between. You can expect to pay Php 95,000-Php225,000 ($1900-4500) for a 7 days/ 6 nights Tubbataha dive package. This fee covers your room on board, all meals, and diving in Tubbataha.
These liveaboards will take you diving in the North Atoll, South Atoll, and the Jessie Beazley Reef, which are located within 97,030-hectare marine park.
There are currently 14 vessels that are allowed in Tubbataha Reefs. The liveaboard that enters Tubbataha must undergo accreditation to ensure that they comply with the rules and regulations of the park. They are the park’s conservation partners and they help protect Tubbataha from threats like illegal fishing.
Choosing a liveaboard can be an overwhelming process so I’ve short-listed it for you to give you options depending on your diver level, travel style, and budget.
Here are the Best Tubbataha Liveaboards you can take for the 2024 Tubbataha diving season
| Tubbataha Liveaboard | Vessel Length | Starting Price | Number of Dives offered | Number of Guests | Nitrox | Minimum Diver Requirements | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolute | 34.6 meters | USD 2,488 | 16-18 dives | 16 | Yes | AOW with 40 dives logged | Check Availability |
| Atlantis Azores | 32 meters | USD 4,595 | 22-24 dives | 16 | Yes | AOW or OW with deep specialty, 50 logged dives | Check Availability |
| Philippine Siren | 40 meters | USD 4,140 | 15 dives | 16 | Yes | OW with 20 logged dives | Check Availability |
| Solitude One | 52 meters | USD 3,240 | 16 dives | 22 | Yes | AOW with 50 logged dives | Check Availability |
| Infiniti | 39 meters | USD 2,999 | 17 dives | 25 | Yes | AOW with 50 logged dives | Check Availability |
| Discovery Palawan | 49.2 meters | USD 2,578 | 19 dives | 32 | Yes | OW with 50 logged dives | Check Availability |
| Stella Maris Explorer | 36 meters | USD 2,560 | 15-18 dives | 21 | Yes | AOW with 30 logged dives | Check Availability |
| Dolphin | 31 meters | USD 2,100 | 16-18 dives | 18 | Yes | AOW with 30 dives | Check Availability |
| Azalea | 22 meters | USD 1,980 | 18-20 dives | 10 | No | OW with 40 dives | Check Availability |
M/V Resolute
Tubbataha Reefs diving prices
M/V Resolute Tubbataha Liveaboard Rates
- USD 2,488 per person in a smaller, twin-sharing cabin
- USD 2,688 per person in twin sharing cabin
Additional Fees
- Fuel Surcharge: USD 100 per person
- Tubbataha Conservation Fees: USD 100 per person
Tipping recommendation: Tipping is not mandatory but most guests leave 10-20% of their trip package. However, the amount is entirely up to you.
M/V Resolute Liveaboard Amenities
About the vessel: 34.6-meter, newly renovated
Cabins: 8 air-conditioned, double occupancy cabins with en suite bathrooms
Other boat features:
Food: International cuisine served as a five-course buffet
Drinks: Water, coffee, and juice are included. Alcoholic beverages and sodas are not included in the package prices
Safety Features: First aid kit and medical supplies, medical oxygen, defibrillator, fire and smoke detection system, life rafts and rescue craft, life jackets, emergency flares, GPS Satellite phone
Years of experience diving in Tubbataha: More than 10 years
Scuba diving services on M/V Resolute
Number of dives offered: 16-18 dives
Nitrox: Available for an additional USD150 per diver for the whole trip
Gear Rental: Not included in the package price but you may rent for an additional fee
Dive Courses Offered: Nitrox course
Night Diving in Tubbataha: None
Number of chase/ dive boats: 2
Diver to guide ratio: 8:1
Maximum number of divers per trip: 16 divers
Diver minimum requirements for Tubbataha: Advance Open Water with 40 dives logged
M/V Resolute Contact Information:
Far East Liveaboards, Inc.
www.dive-resolute.com
Room 307, Golden Sun Bldg., #29 Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City
02-86972697
info(a)dive-resolute.com
Liveaboard Review: Read my Tubbataha experience with M/V Resolute.
PY Atlantis Azores
“Philippines only Blue Water Rated Private Yacht, Atlantis Azores is an all aluminum boat. She was built in Louisiana for the oil rigger fields, and hence is meant to handle rough seas. Our spacious dive deck allows 16 divers to gear up in comfort with plenty of room. A roomy three-tier camera table andcharging station is available for photographers. The yacht also features an airconditioned galley, freshwater Jacuzzi and the excellent cuisine Atlantis is renowned for.”
– Roni Ben-Aharon of Atlantis Dive Resorts & Liveaboards
Tubbataha Reefs diving package
Atlantis Azores Tubbataha Liveaboard Rates
- USD 4,595 per person in twin sharing
Additional Fees
- Tubbataha Conservation Fees: USD 120 per person
Tipping Recommendation: Tipping is not required but recommended.
PY Atlantis Azores Liveaboard Amenities
About the vessel: 32-meter vessel, built in 1980’s and renovated in 2012
Cabins: 8 air-conditioned double occupancy cabins with en suite bathrooms
Food: Platted eggs for breakfast, family-style lunch, and plated 3-course dinner
Drinks: Alcoholic beverages are included in the package price
Other boat features: spacious dive deck, fresh water jacuzzi, airconditioned galley, photography and charging stations, sundeck and shaded outdoor lounge
Safety Features: First aid kit, Oxygen system with 100% demand, Defibrillator, Automatic Fire Extinguishers & Fire Fighting Equipment, Halon Fire Suppression System, 406 EPIRB – Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons on the mother boat and both zodiacs, Nautilus Lifeline Marine Rescue GPS – complimentary guest use, Life Rafts, Life Jackets with lights and whistles for all passengers & crew, Crew conducts regular drills and rescue training
Years of experience diving in Tubbataha: More than 10 years
Scuba diving services on Atlantis Azores
Number of dives offered: 22-24 dives
Nitrox: Available for an additional USD150 per diver for the whole trip
Gear Rental: No gear rental but they will take you to a dive shop in Puerto Princesa to rent from directly
Dive Courses Offered: Advanced Open Water Course, Nitrox Course
Night Diving in Tubbataha: Only one night dive at the Ranger’s Station
Number of chase/ dive boats: 2
Diver to guide ratio: 8:1
Maximum number of divers per trip: 16 divers
Diver minimum requirements for Tubbataha: Advanced Open Water or Open Water with deep specialty, 50 logged dives
Atlantis Azores Contact Information:
Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards
https://atlantishotel.com/
reservations(a)atlantishotel.com
Philippine Siren
Tubbataha Reefs Diving Prices
Philippine Siren Tubbataha Liveaboard Rates
- USD 4,140 per person for Premium Twin Cabin
- USD 4,140 per person for Premium Double Cabin
Additional Fees
- Additional Fuel Surcharge at USD 15 per person per night
- Additional Tubbataha Marine Park Fees and Permits at USD 120 per person
Tipping Recommendation: Tipping not required but appreciated.
Philippine Siren Liveaboard Amenities
About the vessel: 40 meter vessel built in 2010, renovated in 2013
Cabins: 8 air-conditioned cabins with en suite bathrooms
Food: Western and local dishes served buffet style
Drinks: Unlimited water, juice, coffee and tea. Alcoholic beverages are charged extra.
Other boat features: lounge with cocktail bar, covered outdoor dining area, upper-level sun deck
Safety Features: First aid, Emergency Oxygen, Life Jackets, Life Rafts, VHF ship-to-tender radios, Fire fighting equipment, AED, Smoke detectors
Years of experience diving in Tubbataha: did not specify
Scuba diving services on Philippine Siren
Number of dives offered: Approximately 15 dives
Nitrox: Extra charge of USD 90 for a 6-night trip
Gear Rental: Dive equipment (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, dive computer) is USD 150 for 6-night trip
Dive Courses Offered: PADI Advanced Open Water, PADI Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx), PADI Deep Diver Specialty
Night Diving in Tubbataha: Either a sunset or a night dive
Number of chase/ dive boats: 2
Diver to guide ratio: 8:1
Maximum number of divers per trip: 16
Diver minimum requirements for Tubbataha: Open water with 20 logged dives
Philippine Siren Contact Information
Master Liveaboards
https://masterliveaboards.com/
30 Gay Street, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2PA, United Kingdom
+44 (0) 208 099 2230
dive(a)masterliveaboards.com
MV Solitude One
Tubbataha Reefs Diving Package
MV Solitude One Tubbataha Liveaboard Rates
- USD 3,240 per person for Quad cabin
- USD 3,510 per person for Deluxe cabin
- USD 3,810 per person for Staterooms
Additional Fees
- Additional Fuel Surcharge at USD 30 per person per night
- Additional Tubbataha Marine Park Fees at USD 100 per person
Tipping Recommendation: Tipping not required but appreciated.
Solitude One Liveaboard Amenities
About the vessel: 52-meter ex-merchant vessel, fully renovated in 2013
Cabins: 10 air-conditioned cabins with en suite bathrooms
Food: Western and local dishes served buffet style
Drinks: Unlimited water, juice, coffee, and tea. Alcoholic beverages are charged extra. No corkage for personal bottles
Other boat features: saloon, outdoor dining, sun deck, camera station, jacuzzi
Safety Features: Emergency Position-Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB), Life Rafts, Emergency Survival Packs, Semi-Automated Fire Suppression Sprinkler System, VHF/SB Radios, VSAT Satellite Phone & Internet, Inmarsat-C, Local Navigation Maps with Furuno GPS Chart Plotter, Radar (Long/Short), Weather Plotter, Depth Sounder, 50000-L Water Storage with On-board Water-Maker
Years of experience diving in Tubbataha: did not specify
Scuba diving services on MV Solitude One
Number of dives offered: Approximately 16 dives
Nitrox: USD 135 for all dives
Gear Rental: Dive equipment (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, dive computer) is USD 40 per day
Dive Courses Offered: PADI Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx)
Night Diving in Tubbataha: None
Number of chase/ dive boats: 2
Diver to guide ratio: 6:1
Maximum number of divers per trip: 22
Diver minimum requirements for Tubbataha: Advanced Open Water with 50 logged dives
MV Solitude One Contact Information
Solitude Liveaboards & Resorts
https://solitude.world/
emailus(a)solitude-liveaboards.com
Infiniti
“Infiniti is the only RINA-certified boat in the Philippines. Best service and competitive price, team Infiniti will make sure you have the most memorable dive trip. Our trip price includes complimentary transfers from the airport or a hotel within 5 km, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, full set of dive gear rental and nitrox at a nominal charge.”
– Ms. HK Bassi of Infiniti Liveaboard
Tubbataha Reefs Diving Prices
Infiniti Tubbataha Liveaboard Rates
- USD 2,999 per person for Standard double cabins (twin sharing)
- USD 2,999 per person for Standard triple cabins (triple sharing)
- USD 3,299 per person for Deluxe upper deck (twin sharing)
- USD 3,299 per person for Main upper deck cabin (twin sharing)
Additional Fees
- Additional Fuel Surcharge at USD 110 per trip
- Additional National Park Fees and Port Fees at USD 110 per trip
Tipping Recommendation: Tipping is a matter of personal choice and is not obligatory. However, gratuity is always appreciated and is shared equally amongst the onboard crew.
Infiniti Liveaboard Amenities
About the vessel: 39-meter liveaboard built in 2013
Cabins: 11 cabins rooms with en suite bathrooms
Food: Multi-cuisine, American Pan Asian, Thai, Filipino served buffet style
Drinks: Drinking water, soft drinks, tea & coffee, and alcoholic beverages are included in the package
Other boat features: Indoor dining area, spacious indoor lounge, outdoor lounge, and a massive sundeck
Safety Features: Automatic inflatable life rafts, throw-rings, life jackets (adults/minors), radio and satellite communications, navigation systems, chase boats, fire extinguishers, first aid kit, emergency oxygen kits, AED, and crew are trained to provide first aid
Years of experience diving in Tubbataha: 3 years
Scuba diving services on Infiniti
Number of dives offered: Approximately 17 dives in total
Nitrox: Nitrox is extra at USD 8 per tank or USD 125 for the entire trip
Gear Rental: Dive equipment (BCD, Regulator, Wetsuit, Mask, and Fins) is free to use
Dive Courses Offered: PADI Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx)
Night Diving in Tubbataha: None
Number of chase/ dive boats: 2
Diver to guide ratio: 6:1
Maximum number of divers per trip: 25
Diver minimum requirements for Tubbataha: Advanced Open Water with 50 logged dives
Infiniti Contact Information
Infiniti Liveaboard Inc.
https://www.infinitiliveaboard.com/
7171 Belair Drive Richmond, B.C. Canada V7A1B4
+17788287200
sales(a)infinitiliveaboard.com
M/Y Discovery Palawan
“
“Discovery Palawan is the largest ship in Tubbataha with an ice-classed (meaning very heavy )hull, so she is the most stable ship to be on in Tubbataha. We are well known for our excellent service, very good food, and terrific crew attitude. Our chef gets the loudest round of applause at the end of the trip when we introduce the people that are behind the scenes. We run our dive trips with the safety and comfort of our passengers as our no.1 priority. Our dive pros hold an instructor certification as a minimum requirement. We lend out safety balloons to those who don’t have them and there is always a safety tender on the surface when people are in the water.”
– Yvette Lee of Discovery Palawan
Tubbataha Reefs diving package
M/Y Discovery Fleet Tubbataha Liveaboard Rates
- USD 2,578 per person for a double occupancy cabin on the Lower Deck
- USD 3,058 per person for a double occupancy cabin on the Upper Deck
- USD 3,858 per person for a single occupancy cabin on the Lower Deck
- USD 4,578 per person for a single occupancy cabin on the Upper Deck
Additional Fees
- Fuel Surcharge: USD 100 per person
- Tubbataha Conservation Fees: USD 105 per person
Tipping Recommendation: Crew gratuities or service fees are not included in the price. We believe that this should be voluntary based on your satisfaction with the service of the crew. We suggest 10% of the tour price.
M/Y Discovery Palawan Liveaboard Amenities
About the vessel: 49.20 meters- built in 1972, refitted in 2006, renovated and renamed in 2013.
Cabins: 20 airconditioned cabins with double occupancy ensuite toilet and bath
Food: Buffet-style Continental and Asian Cuisines
Drinks: Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee are included in the package. Sodas and alcoholic beverages are charged extra. If would like to bring your own drinks, the corkage fee is USD20 per bottle and USD1 per can of beer.
Other boat features: Air-conditioned salon and dining area, camera room, sun deck, 2 shaded decks, outdoor dining area and bar.
Safety Features: Emergency O2, AED, satellite phones, Life rafts, and vests. The boat and dive staff undergoes an Emergency First Responder (EFR) and Decompression Sickness (DCS) seminar prior to each Tubbataha season.
Years of experience diving in Tubbataha: More than 10 years
Scuba diving services on M/Y Discovery Palawan
Number of dives offered: Maximum of 19 dives
Nitrox: Additional fee of USD 12 per tank
Gear Rental: USD 30 per day for full equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, weights)
Dive Courses Offered: PADI Advanced Open Water Course, PADI Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx),
Night Diving in Tubbataha: None
Number of chase/ dive boats: 3
Diver to guide ratio: 8:1
Maximum number of divers per trip: 32 divers
Diver minimum requirements for Tubbataha: Open Water Diver Certified with 50 logged dives
M/Y Discovery Palawan Contact Information
Discovery Fleet Corporation
https://discoveryfleet.com/
4/F JTKC Centre, 2155 Chino Roces Ave., Makati City, Philippines 1231
+63 2 8 5195674
info(a)discoveryfleet.com
Stella Maris Explorer
Tubbataha Reefs diving prices
Stella Maris Explorer Tubbataha Liveaboard Rates
- USD 3060 per person for DeLuxe (twin sharing ensuite toilet and bath)
- USD 2860 per person for Standard (twin sharing ensuite toilet and bath)
- USD 2560 per person for Premium Economy (triple sharing ensuite toilet and bath)
- USD 2560 per person for Economy (twin sharing ensuite toilet and bath)
Additional Fees
- Dive Permit, Entry and Port Permit,Park Fees,Fuel Charges for Regular Trips – USD 270.00
- Dive Permit, Entry and Port Permit, Park Fees,Fuel Charges for Transition Trips – USD 370.00
Liveaboard Amenities
About the vessel:36-meter twin screw, full service dive cruiser; renovated 2015; refurbished 2020
Cabins: 10 spacious ‘retro-chic’ cabins with en suite bathrooms
Food: Western and local food served buffet style
Drinks: Unlimited Drinking Water, Freshly Brewed Coffee and Tea are free of charge. Wine, Beer, and Alcoholic Beverages are available with charges.
Other boat features: Jacuzzi, multiple spacious lounge areas
Safety Features: Fire Extinguishers are readily available, slip-reduction floorings
Years of experience diving in Tubbataha: 8 years
Scuba diving services on Stella Maris Explorer
Number of dives offered: 15 to 18 dives
Nitrox: Included in the package price
Gear Rental: Full gear rental (BCD, Regulator, Wetsuit, Mask, and Fins) is USD 30 per day
Dive Courses Offered: PADI Advanced Open Water Course, PADI Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx), PADI Drift Diver Specialty, PADI Deep Diver Specialty
Night Diving in Tubbataha: None. Highly discouraged since 2019 to avoid marine nocturnal predators.
Number of chase/ dive boats: 2
Diver to guide ratio: 4 to 6 divers : 1 guide (4 DMs onboard per trip)
Maximum number of divers per trip: 21 divers
Diver minimum requirements for Tubbataha: Advanced Open Water with 30 logged dives
Stella Maris Contact Information
153 Island Republic, Inc.
http://expeditionfleet.com
72 Scout Boromeo Ave., Quezon City
+63 917 550 1936
expeditionfleet1539(a)gmail.com
M/Y Dolphin
“All cabins on M/Y Dolphin are over the waterline with panorama windows that can be fully open for Guest who don’t want airconditioning and prefer fresh air. We have 9 Cabins and can accommodate 18 divers to Tubbataha. The Vessel has 2 engines, 3 generators, and 3 diving air compressors so in case of equipment breakdown the diving can still continue and will not be canceled.”
– Manfred Tauber of M/Y Dolphin
Tubbataha Reefs Diving Package
MY Dolphin Tubbataha Liveaboard Rates
- USD 2,100 per person for double occupancy standard cabins
- USD 2,400 per person for double occupancy VIP cabin
Additional Fees
- Tubbataha Conservation Fees: USD 100 per person
Tipping Recommendation: We recommend around $100.
MY Dolphin Liveaboard Amenities
About the vessel: 31 meters long, build in 1986, fully renovated in 2009 and another main upgrading and repair 2016
Cabins: 9 double occupancy cabins with en suite bathrooms
Food: Buffet-style Western and local cuisines
Drinks: Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee are included in the package.
Other boat features: Restaurant with Bar, Diving Area with Rinse Station, 2 Diving Platform, Smoking Area, Sundeck Area with Sunbed Table and chair for outside Dining and Party Area on the upper Deck
Safety Features: First aid station with oxygen resuscitator, SOLAS complaint, SSB radio, Marina VHF, Furuno Depth Finder Radar, GPS Furuno GP500, Iridium Satellite Phone, AIS Receiver, SONAR Helix 7 SI GPS.
Years of experience diving in Tubbataha: More than 10 years
Scuba diving services on MY Dolphin
Number of dives offered: 16-18 dives
Nitrox: Additional fee of USD 10 per tank
Gear Rental: USD 30 per day for full equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, weights)
Dive Courses Offered: None for Tubbataha
Night Diving in Tubbataha: None
Number of chase/ dive boats: 2
Diver to guide ratio: 6:1
Maximum number of divers per trip: 18 divers
Diver minimum requirements for Tubbataha: Advanced Open Water with 30 dives
M/Y Dolphin Contact Information
CMJ Diving Cruise Ship
http://dolphin-liveaboard.com/
Dolphin Bay Beach front Resort, Palangan, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, 5203
+63 9082096936
dolphinbayresort(a)hotmail.com
M/Y Azalea
Tubbataha Reefs Diving Package
M/Y Azalea Tubbataha Liveaboard Rates
- USD 1,980 per person
Additional Fees
- Tubbataha Conservation Fees: USD 100 per person
Tipping Recommendation: We recommend tipping the whole crew because they will share it equal. 10 to 15 USD per day is the average.
M/Y Azalea Liveaboard Amenities
About the vessel: 22-meter liveaboard built in 2018 and frequently updated
Cabins: 5 Double Bed or Bunk Bed cabins with en suite bathrooms
Food: Plated local and European cuisines
Drinks: Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee are included in the package. Sodas and alcoholic beverages are charged extra. If would like to bring your own drinks, the corkage fee is USD20 per bottle and USD1 per can of beer.
Other boat features: Air-conditioned salon and dining area, camera room, sun deck, 2 shaded decks, outdoor dining area and bar.
Safety Features: Emergency Oxygen, Defibrillator, Satelite Phone, Lifeboats, Lifevest
Years of experience diving in Tubbataha: 5 years
Scuba diving services on M/Y Azalea
Number of dives offered: 18-20 dives
Nitrox: No Nitrox Available
Gear Rental: USD 18 per day for full equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, weights)
Dive Courses Offered: PADI Advanced Open Water, PADI Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx)
Night Diving in Tubbataha: Possible if the weather and water conditions allow
Number of chase/ dive boats: 1
Diver to guide ratio: 5:1
Maximum number of divers per trip: 10 divers
Diver minimum requirements for Tubbataha: Open Water Diver Certified with 40 logged dives
M/Y Azalea Contact Information
Azalea Diving Services
www.liveaboard-diving-philippines.com
Sitio Katumbal, Lucbuan, Puerto Princesa, Palawan 5300
+63 977 240 9460
info(a)liveaboard-diving-philippines.com
How to choose your Tubbataha liveaboard?
I know that choosing a liveaboard can be an overwhelming process. Here are the things you can consider when booking your Tubbataha Liveaboard:
Budget
This is usually the top consideration for anyone booking a liveaboard. How much will it be? Most liveaboard will offer the same thing: room, board, and diving so it’s a matter of your personal preference as to how luxurious or basic you want your Tubbataha experience will be.
Check what is included and not included in your package. Each liveaboard will have a published base rate that includes all your meals, your private room and bathroom, and diving in Tubbataha.
But on top of that, there will be additional charges you might need to factor in. In most cases, liveaboards will charge you extra for the following:
- Tubbataha Marine Park Fee
- Fuel surcharges
- Scuba diving equipment rental fee per day
- Nitrox
- Alcoholic beverages
- Other services like (satellite phone calls, laundry services, massage services, etc)
So while some liveaboard may appear within your budget at first, always factor these extras before booking your liveaboard.
Gratuities are optional but if you want to tip, you may also want to factor this in your budget.
Boat specifications and services
Remember that you will be staying on this liveaboard for a week so check if you’ll be happy and content in the living spaces and the food on board.
Are the rooms spacious enough for you? Do the beds look comfortable? Are the bathrooms nice and clean? What features does the room have that you may or may not need?
Will you enjoy the food and drinks that will be served? Check out food pictures or even go to the extent of asking for a sample menu. Will they be able to accommodate your dietary requirements?
How big is the liveaboard and is there enough space for everyone? What are the common areas you can enjoy when you are not diving?
What safety features does the liveaboard have? Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park does not have hospital facilities and is 10-12 hours away from the mainland of Palawan. Is your boat equipped to handle any emergency?
These are just some questions you might want to ask when choosing the best Tubbataha liveaboard for you.
Dive services
The next thing I check is the dive services offered on board. Find out how many dives you will be doing and if it is commensurate to the liveaboard price.
As I have my own gear, gear rental is not an issue for me, but if you need to rent, find out what the fees are and if they even have your size.
I prefer to dive using Nitrox for multiple dive days, so a liveaboard that did not offer nitrox wasn’t an option for me.
I also considered the number of divers on board and the diver-to-guide ratio. Remember that you will be living and diving with these people days at a time. Think of your comfort level when it comes to interacting with other divers on the liveaboard and underwater.
When you scuba dive in Tubbataha, you will use a smaller dive boat or a chase boat to go to the dive sites. It is always good to know if they have enough boats and what kind of dive boats they have. Some will have boats made of rubber while others will be made of fiber glass. Will you be comfortable with that?
Each liveaboard will also have different minimum dive requirements. Some will accept Open Water Divers and some will only accept Advanced Open Water with a specific minimum number of dives. Find out if you’re even qualified to begin with and if not make sure to meet the requirements before your trip.
If you are an advanced open-water diver, I would suggest booking a liveaboard that only accommodates the same level of experience as you. I have heard stories of divers diving with a less experienced diver and it ruined their experience underwater. And while this is not always the case, choosing a liveaboard that has a stricter requirement lessens that chance.
Itinerary
Most Tubbataha Reefs liveaboards will have similar itineraries.
| Day 1 | Embarkation and depart Puerto Princesa |
| Day 2 | Arrive at Tubbataha; Diving day |
| Day 3 | Diving day |
| Day 4 | Diving day |
| Day 5 | Diving day |
| Day 6 | Half-day diving ; Depart Tubbataha |
| Day 7 | Arrive at Puerto Princesa and disembarkation |
Depart from Puerto Princesa on the first day, have 4-5 diving days, and then return back to Puerto Princessa on the 7th day.
Some liveaboards may have longer trips. And some might even offer what they call transition trips.
For transition trips, the port of embarkation and disembarkation is different and other dive sites outside Tubbataha Reefs are visited. Always check the itinerary as these things might also affect the pricing and duration of the liveaboard.
Check reviews
Before booking your Tubbataha liveaboard vessel, always check recent reviews.
Some liveaboards may have had good reviews 5 years ago but their services could have deteriorated over time. And some liveaboards may have had really bad reviews 5 years ago but have made significant upgrades or changes in management.
I recommend booking with Tubbataha reefs liveaboard that has been recently tried and tested by a friend. You can also check social media and search online for independent reviews to see if there are any red flags.
I hope that this helped you choose the best Tubbataha liveaboard for you. If you are going on a liveaboard for the first time, don’t forget to check out my post on Liveaboard diving for Beginners.
You may also want to read my liveaboard packing list, to find out what you should and shouldn’t bring to your Tubbataha trip.
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What do you think of these Tubbataha liveaboard vessels? Which one would you want to take to go scuba diving in Tubbataha? Leave a comment below!
