Tubbataha Marine Park
Tubbataha, located in the Sulu Sea, is a marine reserve and a UNESCO world heritage site. Due to its location and dependence on weather conditions is only accessible by liveaboard and dived from March till June.
The marine reserve comprises two reefs, North and South Atolls, and both enclose a beautiful sandy lagoon. At the southern tip is an islet with a lighthouse which is used as a rookery for birds and is frequented by sea turtles. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Parks is home to more than 570 species of fish, 370 species of coral, 11 species of shark, and 12 species of dolphin and whale. There is also a large population of nesting Hawksbill and Green sea turtles. Tubbataha is one of ‘THE’ places to dive for scuba adventurers.
The Philippines’ Most Stable Liveaboard
Steel hulled, double engined, and broad of beam. The Atlantis Azores is stable, safe, and comfortable while you cruise the archipelago. She gets our vote as one of the most stable dive liveaboards in the Philippines.
The Azores
Tubbataha Marine Reserve is situated …..well, quite far out in the unprotected Sulu Sea. So, as always, with a liveaboard, it makes sense to choose a dive vessel of quality that can assure you the safest journey whilst being professionally cared for.
The Atlantis Azores is a 30-metre-long aluminium monohull refitted in 2019. She boasts a 6-metre beam with a 2.2-metre draft for stability. She maintains All navigation, communication and safety equipment you should expect on a high-end vessel.
Accommodation
The Atlantis has 8 staterooms accommodating a maximum capacity of 16 guests. All cabins have individually controlled aircon and an ensuite bathroom with hot and cold water showers.
The Atlantis Azores, with its two Cummins engines and a highly experienced crew, are guaranteed to power and take you safely to the best spots in the marine park.
The Diving
You will embark on your trip at Puerto Princessa, Palawan, and travel to the north of the Tubbataha UNESCO marine reserve. Over the next six days, you will dive into the best there is to offer.
Experience crystal clear waters, healthy coral reefs, vast numbers of pelagics, sharks and always, a chance of Whale sharks. Once you have made your way around the marine park by the end of day 6, you will sail back to Puerto Princessa to disembark on Day 7—dive sites to look forward to include: Amos Rock, Shark Airport, Washing Machine, Bird Island, Malayan Wreck and Black Rock.
Food Onboard
The food onboard the Atlantis Azores, is a well thought out combination of western and local cuisine. The kitchen caters well for those on adapted diets.
Vegan, plant-based divers & cruelty-free scuba. For further details on your menu during your trip, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Atlantis Azores Features
Trip Exclusions
Kindly note trip cost excludes, Marine park | Port fees, (payable onboard), nitrox, equipment rental, (if any), and PADI course fees, (if any).
Itinerary
Day 1 Tubbataha Itinerary | Atlantis Azores
North Atoll
You will search cracks and crevices for resting nurse and whitetip reef sharks along a wall covered in huge Gorgonian fan corals, soft corals, and barrel sponges.
Looking into the blue, you will have the chance to spot Manta, Eagle rays, and numerous turtles. Usually, Blacktip, Whitetip, and Grey Reef sharks can be seen patrolling here in large numbers.
Day 2 Southern End of North Atoll
Souther of North Atoll
The entire length of this reef’s face is excellent for diving. Almost every species of native reef fish can be found here, large fish encounters will include Giant and Bluefin Trevally, Dogtooth Tuna, Great and Pick handle Barracuda. Manta rays and turtles swim closer to the surface, and a wreck can be seen during low tide.
You will dive at dusk here amongst storms of fish whilst they are feeding.
Day 3 Northern Tip of South Atoll
Northern Tip of South Atoll
There are plenty of schools of reef fish and vibrant corals to keep you occupied while you wait for Manta who can hang around and play with divers for majestic hours when they show up in an area renowned for Green and Hawksbill turtles with schools of pelagic fish and shark.
Day 4 Southern End of South Atoll
Southern End of South Atoll
The area, also known as the Lighthouse, has impressive views over the reef. You will find plenty of reef fish, corals, and sponges living in symbiosis here.
Day 5 South East of North Atoll
South East of North Atoll
Here you are sure to see Whitetip and Grey reef sharks whilst keeping your eyes open for pelagics.
If there is a current running you can spot Spanish Mackeral, Giant Trevally, Napoleon Wrasse, and Giant Groupers. Spotted Eagle ray and Rainbow runners against a background of huge Gorgonian fans where Pygmy seahorses can be found. As always a chance of Whale shark!
Day 6 Northern tip of north atoll
Northern tip of North Atoll
Plenty of pelagic action, sharks and turtles, and as always, with a chance of Whale shark!
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