Embark on an unparalleled adventure in May 2025 as you explore the pristine waters of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park aboard the M/Y Dolphin. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning biodiversity and vibrant coral reefs, offers some of the best diving in the world.
The M/Y Dolphin, with its expert crew and top-tier amenities, promises an extraordinary liveaboard experience. Whether you’re keen on encountering majestic marine life or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the reef, diving with M/Y Dolphin in Tubbataha is an experience not to be missed.
Tubbataha Liveaboard Dive Package
Inclusions
- Welcome Drink, Tea, Coffee, Purified Drinking Water, and Juice
- 6 Nights Airconditioned Twin Sharing Accommodation with Hot and Cold private toilet and shower
- Full board buffet meals during the whole cruise. (Dinner – First day until Breakfast – Last day)
- Maximum of 4 dives per day (except last day)
- Total of 18 Dives
- Tanks, Weights and belts, skiff boat, and service of a dive professional
- Round trip transfers to and from the ship within a 10km radius of Puerto Princesa Port
Exclusions / extras
- Fuel Surcharge (USD 100 / diver)
- Gear Rental
- Soda & Alcoholic Beverages
- Dive Medical Insurance & Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
- Nitrox (USD 120 whole trip)
- Domestic and international transfers
- Marine Park Fee (USD 100)
- Internet on board (20USD / 2Gig of Data)
- Gratuities
Liveaboard Date
May 17-23, 2025
Package Price
USD 2,600 per diver in VIP Cabin (double occupancy)
USD 2,400 per diver in Standard Cabin (double occupancy)
- If you are a solo diver, we can look for another diver to room with you.
Payment Terms
- A Deposit of 30% must be sent within 10 days after the date the invoice is made. The 30% deposit is non-refundable but transferable to other guest/s. If the deposit is not made within the allowed period, the company will automatically cancel the invoice. Payment is non-refundable but transferable to other guests.
- The remaining 70% balance and marine park fee are to be paid at least 90 days before the departure date. If the balance is not deposited within the allowed period, the company has the right to cancel the booking and offer the spot to other possible guest/s.
- Full payment is required if the booking is made less than 90 days before the departure date of the booked trip.
- M/V Dolphin CMJ Diving Cruise is to receive the NETT amount as stated on the invoice.
- Client to shoulder all bank charges that may incur during the transaction.
Please note that M/Y Dolphin through Dive Plan Philippines will manage your reservation / booking. You will be entering into an agreement with the liveaboard operators and not with me (Diver Bliss). The information provided on this post is only for your reference and can change at any time. Please read the terms and agreement that M/Y Dolphin and Dive Plan Ph provides at the time of your booking.
Liveaboard Diving in Tubbataha reefs
About M/Y Dolphin
The Dolphin Liveaboard is meticulously designed to offer unparalleled comfort and convenience, featuring a range of well-appointed facilities. Originally built in Japan in 1986, the vessel was fully renovated and converted for diving in 2009, with major upgrades and repairs completed in 2016. The Dolphin has more than 10 years experience going to Tubbataha, providing exceptional diving experiences every season.
Accommodations:
- 9 Fully Air-Conditioned Cabins: Each equipped with ensuite toilet and bath, offering a comfortable retreat after a day of diving.
- Hot and Cold Shower: Available in all accommodations to suit your preference.
- VIP Rooms (#1, 2): Located at the middle deck, features a king-size bed
- 2 Twin-Sharing Cabins (#7, 8): Located at the lower deck, configured with two single beds
- 5 Twin-Sharing Cabins (#3, 4, 5, 6, 9): Located at the lower deck, furnished with a double bed and bunk bed
Ammenities:
- Indoor Dining Area: Offers a diverse selection of cuisines, including local dishes, with vegetarian options available to accommodate various dietary preferences.
- Library: Stocked with fish ID books for marine life enthusiasts
- Entertainment Center: Includes a TV, DVD player, and stereo for your viewing and listening pleasure.
- Smoking Lounge: An outdoor communal space for socializing and unwinding.
- Sundeck: Perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying panoramic ocean views
- Diving Deck: Dunk tanks and open rinse showers conveniently located for post-dive rinsing.
- 2 chaser boats: for efficient transport of divers to dive sites.
The Dolphin Liveaboard boasts a dedicated crew of 14 members, including 3 experienced dive guides, committed to providing exceptional service and ensuring a memorable diving adventure. The Divemaster ratio is 6 to 1, ensuring personalized attention and a safe diving experience for all guests.
Itinerary and daily schedule
A typical itinerary for diving in the Tubbataha Reefs aboard the M/Y Dolphin spans 7 days and 6 nights, ensuring ample time to explore the underwater wonders of this majestic marine sanctuary. The journey usually begins with boarding the vessel in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, followed by a comprehensive safety briefing and orientation.
Day 1: After settling in, the vessel sets sail in the evening, heading towards Tubbataha. You will spend the night at sea, with the crew ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey. This journey takes approximately 12 hours.
- 14:00 – Embarkation
- 17:00 – Departure Puerto Princesa
Day 2: Arrival at Tubbataha Reefs. The day kicks off with an early morning dive, followed by breakfast. Typically, there are four dives scheduled per day: early morning, mid-morning, early afternoon, and late afternoon. Each dive site offers unique marine biodiversity, from vibrant coral gardens to encounters with pelagic species like manta rays and whale sharks.
Day 3-5: Over the next few days, you’ll experience a variety of dive sites within the North and South Atolls, as well as Jessie Beazley Reef. The diving schedule remains consistent with four dives per day. Due to safety concerns, there will be no night dives.
Between dives, guests can relax on the sundeck, indulge in sumptuous meals prepared by the onboard chef, or participate in educational briefings about the local marine life. The itinerary also includes a visit to the Ranger’s Station located at the North Atoll.
A typical diving day will normally be like this:
- 06:00am – light breakfast
- 07:00am – first dive
- 09:00am – heavy breakfast
- 10:00am – second dive
- 12:00pm – lunch
- 01:30pm – third dive
- 03:00pm – snack
- 04:00pm – fourth dive
- 06:00pm – dinner
Day 6: Final dives in the morning before the vessel starts its return journey to Puerto Princesa. This is also a great time to share your underwater photos and experiences with fellow divers and crew.
- 15:00 – Departure Tubbataha
Day 7: Arrival back at Puerto Princesa in the early morning, followed by disembarkation after breakfast. The crew bids farewell, concluding an unforgettable diving expedition.
- 3:00 – Arrive Puerto Princesa
- 9:00 – Disembarkation
Schedule and number of dives per day may change depending on weather conditions.
If you plan to fly right after disembarkation, please schedule your flight for 3:00 PM or later to ensure a 24-hour no-fly period following your dive.
Dive Sites and Marine Life in tubbataha Reefs
The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is celebrated for its remarkable marine biodiversity and pristine coral reefs. The North and South Atolls, along with Jessie Beazley Reef, offer some of the finest diving experiences globally. Each location features vibrant coral gardens, dramatic walls, and an abundance of marine life.
Covering approximately 97,030 hectares, Tubbataha is one of the largest marine protected areas in the Philippines. Home to over 600 species of fish and 360 species of coral—two-thirds of the world’s known coral species—the park boasts remarkable biodiversity. Adding to its ecological richness are 11 species of sharks and 2 species of sea turtles: the Hawksbill and the green sea turtles.
Divers can encounter a variety of pelagic species, including manta rays, whale sharks, and barracudas, dolphins and whales! Large schools of jacks and snappers are common, and the occasional sighting of hammerhead and tiger sharks adds to the excitement.
Additionally, these reefs offer essential habitats for marine birds, supporting their breeding and feeding needs within this delicate ecosystem.
With its stunning underwater landscapes and diverse marine inhabitants, Tubbataha is a dream destination for divers who wants to see the best of what the Philippines has to offer.
Diving Conditions in Tubbataha
Diving in Tubbataha Reefs is best experienced during the diving season, which runs from mid-March to mid-June. During this period, the sea conditions are typically calm, ensuring safer and more enjoyable dives. Tubbataha’s remote location means it is only accessible by liveaboard.
The visibility is often exceptional, ranging from 30 to 45 meters (99 to 148 feet), allowing divers to fully appreciate the vibrant marine life and stunning coral formations. Water temperatures are warm, usually between 26 to 30°C (79 to 86°F), making it comfortable even for extended dives.
It’s important to plan and book well in advance, as liveaboards can fill up quickly due to the limited diving season and high demand.
Diving Requirements for Tubbataha
Firstly, divers are expected to have an advanced open water certification or equivalent, as the dive sites can sometimes present strong currents and require deeper dives. It is also highly recommended that divers have a minimum of 40 logged dives, to ensure that they have adequate experience in diverse underwater conditions.
Additionally, divers should be in good physical health and are advised to bring a recent medical statement if they have any pre-existing conditions that might be of concern. A comprehensive dive insurance policy is also a must, covering both emergency evacuations and any potential health issues that could arise during the trip. Given Tubbataha’s isolated location, it’s vital to have coverage that includes remote diving locations.
My Personal Review for M/Y Dolphin
My trip with M/Y Dolphin was extraordinary, filled with moments that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Having visited in 2021, I had a general idea of what to expect: 18 dives in 5 days, a routine of eat-dive-sleep-repeat, and the stunning beauty of the Tubbataha Reefs. However, I wasn’t sure how the MV Dolphin would operate. Initially, it wasn’t even on my radar due to limited information and reviews, but after a week aboard, I would happily recommend it to other divers.
The accommodations on MV Dolphin were spacious enough and didn’t feel too tight for two divers. It was comfortable, with windows allowing natural light to make the space less claustrophobic. After every dive, we were treated to delicious buffet-style meals with a mix of local and international dishes. We even had a pizza and barbecue night – a delightful treat in the middle of nowhere. Lounges and sitting areas on all decks allowed us to rest, socialize, and catch breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. I particularly loved the top deck, where I spent one night sleeping under the stars.
But what truly set M/Y Dolphin apart was the exceptional crew. Jeru’s little touches, like his daily morning announcements over the PA system, taking pictures of us during dives, and organizing a fun karaoke dance party, added a unique charm. The dive masters, Bhong, Rufo, and Allan, were fantastic guides through Tubbataha’s mesmerizing depths, displaying unparalleled expertise and enthusiasm. And of course, this trip would not have been a success without the crew behind the scenes who ensured our safety and comfort. From the captain to the deckhands who worked tirelessly so we could fully immerse ourselves in the magic of Tubbataha without worry. Thanks Dolphin for inviting me on board and ensuring everything ran smoothly.
M/Y Dolphin not only showcased the breathtaking beauty of Tubbataha but also forged bonds and memories that will last a lifetime.