Tubbataha is best known as top scuba diving destination in the Philippines but did you know that visitors can engage in other activities in Tubbataha Reef Natural Park?
Located in 150 kilometers (93.2 miles) southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, Philippines, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its outstanding beauty. It is a marine park that is only open to visitors for three consecutive months in a year. From March to June, both local and foreign visitors may enter Tubbataha and enjoy various activities in the park.
Because of its remote location in the middle of Sulu Sea, guests can only access the park through an accredited Tubbataha liveaboard. From Puerto Princesa, it takes approximately 10-12 hours to get to TRNP. Visitors usually stay for days at a time in Tubbataha to make the most out of their trip.
Continue reading if you’re interested to learn more about these Tubbataha reef activities!
1. Liveaboard diving
Liveaboard scuba diving is the most popular activity in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. The healthy coral reefs, abundant and diverse marine life, and clear blue waters attract divers from around the globe to this special underwater paradise.
According to Tubbataha’s annual report in 2019, over 3475 visitors arrived in Tubbataha, generating over 18.7 million pesos in revenue. This helped fund the park’s day-to-day operations and finance its education and awareness campaigns.
If you want to go diving in Tubbataha Reef, various liveaboards take divers on a week long dive safari from mid-March to mid-June. These months have the most favorable conditions for diving-with clear skies, calm seas, and amazing visibility.
If you want to know more about liveaboard diving, read my guide on liveaboard diving for beginners. You can also read my personal experience in Tubbataha with MV Resolute Liveaboard.
2. Visit the Ranger Station
A trip to Tubbataha is not complete without visiting the Ranger’s Station.
At any given time, there are 10-8 marine park rangers in Tubbataha. They patrol the area 24/7, help in research and scientific studies, manage visitors, do surface and underwater cleanups, and handle any administrative tasks.
The rangers consider it an honor to be assigned in Tubbataha, but it can get very isolating and challenging to live in the ranger station on the North Atoll. The presence of visitors boosts their morale.
Have a chat with them. Play volleyball. Take pictures. Share a snack. Your visit is something the rangers look forward to when they are assigned in Tubbataha.
When you visit the ranger’s station you can also buy Tubbataha souvenirs here. The rangers get a 10% commission out of the sale of merchandise. Make sure to bring cash with you when you visit the ranger’s station.
3. Snorkeling and Freediving
Aside from scuba diving, visitors can also do some snorkeling and freediving in Tubbataha Reefs. If conditions are right and the waters are calm, you can still enjoy Tubbataha reefs even when you don’t have a scuba diving certification.
Some liveaboards can still accommodate you. So if you have a partner who scuba dive and you don’t, you can still go on a Tubbataha trip with them. Usually, dive operators will offer reduced rates for snorkelers and freedivers who want to go to Tubbataha Reefs.
4. Flying a drone
Flying a drone is another activity you can do in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. If you are a drone pilot and enjoy taking videos and photos of the ocean from the topside, this is a good place to do it.
Keep in mind though that there are some areas in Tubbataha that are off-limits. You are not allowed to fly your drone in the north and south islets where many sea birds can be found.
If you wish to fly a drone in Tubbataha, ensure you get a Drone Permit before your trip. This is free of charge.
5. Birdwatching
The islets in Tubbataha are nesting sites for migratory and resident seabird species. It is said to be the last of the few remaining intact seabird habitats and breeding grounds in Southeast Asia. More than 100 bird species have been recorded in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.
The Bird Islet and South Islet are important seabird roosting areas for six resident breeding species – Brown Booby, Red-footed Booby, Great Crested Tern, Sooty Tern, Brown Noddy, and Black Noddy. These areas are off-limits for all except for the Tubbataha Park Rangers or scientists who do surveys and studies on the seabirds.
While visitors can not set foot on these islets, aviphiles can still enjoy bird watching from their liveaboards. Photographers can bring their best telephoto lenses and try to capture the different bird species in the park.
6. Engage in Scientific Research
Aside from tourism, conducting scientific research is another activity that can be done in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.
The biodiverse and healthy reef in Tubbataha makes it an excellent venue to conduct scientific studies.
Many ocean conservation groups like Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE) have led different scientific expeditions to Tubbataha. They have done studies on sharks and rays and have provided vital information about the marine park and its residents.
Scientific researches plays an important role in the conservation of Tubbataha reef. The knowledge acquired through these initiatives can be used to further preserve and protect the marine park and surrounding ocean waters.
Findings from these researches can be used to come up with policies and action plans to help mitigate any threats to Tubbataha in the present and in the future.
Which activities in Tubbataha Reef are you interested in doing? Leave a comment below.
