Diving at Tubbataha on the Atlantis Adventurer Liveaboard
Discover Tubbataha Reef (Philippines) aboard the luxurious Atlantis Adventurer liveaboard. Dive into one of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems.
Travel period
Features
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Discover Tubbataha aboard the Atlantis Adventurer liveaboard
This diving vacation begins aboard the Atlantis Adventurer, a luxury liveaboard that takes you to the breathtaking Tubbataha Reefs in the Philippines. This itinerary offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the most pristine and biodiverse dive sites in the world. Expect an unforgettable diving trip, filled with impressive underwater landscapes, colorful coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and countless species of fish.
Dive on the Tubbataha Reef
The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, located in the Sulu Sea, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its exceptional biodiversity. With more than 573 species of fish and 373 species of coral, this is a diver’s paradise. Tubbataha offers unique opportunities to spot sharks, tuna and other pelagic species.
This dive site is perfect for divers who have at least their Advanced certification.
Experience luxury in Tubbataha aboard the Atlantis Adventurer liveaboard
The Atlantis Adventurer liveaboard offers everything a diver could wish for. With comfortable cabins, modern amenities, and a dedicated team of dive guides, you’ll enjoy a carefree liveaboard vacation in the Philippines. Full board is included, so you can focus on diving and relaxing. With daily dives at the most spectacular sites in Tubbataha, the Atlantis Adventurer liveaboard is the perfect choice for your diving trip to the Philippines.
Best time to travel for a diving vacation to Tubbataha in the Philippines
The best time to dive at Tubbataha in the Philippines is between March and June. During these months, the sea is calm and visibility is excellent for diving at Tubbataha. Other months this route is not sailed.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for diving in the Philippines
A 3 mm wetsuit is generally recommended for diving at Tubbataha Reef, especially from March through June, when the water temperature ranges from 28 to 30°C. This thickness provides adequate protection against the water temperature, while still being flexible enough to ensure comfort during dives.
For divers who are sensitive to the cold or on longer dives, a 5 mm wetsuit may also be more comfortable, especially when temperatures drop to around 26–28°C from January through March. The choice of wetsuit also depends on personal preference when diving on a liveaboard in the Philippines.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Days 1–3 | The Trip to the Philippines
The journey to Tubbataha Reefs, one of the world’s most pristine diving destinations, begins with a comfortable flight to Manila. After about 13 to 18 hours of flying, you will arrive in the bustling capital of the Philippines.
Take time to recover from your trip and enjoy an overnight stay at a comfortable hotel near the Manila airport. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll have some time to sample local culture Filipino food and explore the city’s historical sites.
The next morning, a domestic flight to Puerto Princesa on Palawan is scheduled. This flight takes about 1.5 hours and offers stunning views of the Philippine islands. In Puerto Princesa you will be met by our crew and followed by a transfer to the port, where the liveaboard will already be ready for departure.
Step aboard the Liveaboard Atlantis Adventurer and leave the stresses of everyday life behind. As the sun slowly sets, we’ll set sail for Tubbataha Reefs that night.
Day 4 | Northern Tip of North Atoll
The first day of your liveaboard Tubbataha adventure begins at the northern tip of the northern atoll. Here, cracks and crevices lead you to resting places of nurse sharks and whitetip reef sharks. Manta rays, eagle rays and many turtles often swim around here. The reef is covered with giant gorgonians, soft corals and impressive barrel sponges. Also expect to see blacktip and gray reef sharks patrolling this area. This first day of diving in the heart of the diving vacation Philippines promises to be unforgettable.
Day 5 | Southern End of North Atoll
On day two, explore the south side of the northern atoll, with highlights including Wallstreet, Malayan and Amos Rock. This area offers a mix of large marine life and beautiful macro species, including Denise pygmy seahorses clinging to fans. Scorpion fish, moray eels and even ghost pipefish can be spotted here. Pelagic lovers will not be disappointed, as there are tuna and mackerel. This day offers a wonderful balance for a diving vacation Philippines, with both large and small marine life.
Day 6 | Northern Tip of South Atoll
The northern tip of the southern atoll offers breathtaking dive sites such as Black Rock, T Wreck and Eiger Wall. The area teems with green and hawksbill turtles, along with stingrays in the sandy parts of the reef. You’ll often see eagle rays gliding by as well. Further, expect large fish such as groupers and giant trevally. This day of your liveaboard Philippines is ideal for turtle lovers.
Day 7 | Southern End of South Atoll
On day four you dive near the southern end of the southern atoll, famous for its lighthouse and popular dive sites such as Delsan Wreck and Black Rock. Hammerheads are the most coveted sightings here, and the occasional whale shark swims by. In the shallows, look out for guitar sharks. This part of your dive travel Philippines adventure is a highlight for large pelagic sightings.
Day 8 | Southern End of North Atoll
This day begins on a gentle slope covered with pristine corals and ends on a dramatic wall full of gorgonians. For the macro diver, pygmy seahorses can be seen, and if the current is strong, you will encounter many schools of fish. Big fish like mackerel, trevally, snappers and the occasional napoleon. Also expect to see whitetip and gray reef shark during this dive. This is a perfect day for divers who like action during their dive vacation Tubbataha.
Day 9 | Jessie Beazley Reef
Your liveaboard Tubbataha adventure ends with a 2 dive at Jessie Beazley Reef. Here you can see schools of parrotfish gnawing on the corals, and curious napoleons inspecting the divers. The shallow reefs are filled with colorful tropical fish such as emperor angelfish and titan triggerfish. It is a fantastic end to your diving vacation Tubbataha Philippines, full of vibrant marine life.
Days 10 & 11 | Farewell to the Tubbataha Reefs
After one last unforgettable dive on Day 10 in the breathtaking Tubbataha Reefs National Park, the Atlantis Adventurer sets course back to Puerto Princesa. Enjoy the sea breeze and the last glimpses of this paradise as we sail across the turquoise waters.
Late in the evening, we’ll dock at the port of Puerto Princesa. Here, on Day 11, after breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to the crew and the Atlantis Adventurer. From Puerto Princesa, you’ll fly back to Manila, where you can choose to extend your diving vacation in the Philippines or catch a connecting flight back home.
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The liveaboard
The ship and cabins
Atlantis Adventurer Liveaboard • Luxury & Comfort
The Atlantis Adventurer Liveaboard (formerly Atlantis Azores) is operated by Atlantis Resorts & Liveaboards and offers divers an unforgettable experience during their diving vacation in the Philippines. This 33-meter-long luxury liveaboard, which cruises the waters of Tubbataha from March through June, accommodates up to 16 guests and provides an intimate, exclusive service. On board, you’ll find 8 spacious cabins, including a luxurious Master Suite on the upper deck with panoramic ocean views. All cabins are equipped with air conditioning, en suite bathrooms with hot showers, and ample storage space.
The facilities on this liveaboard at Tubbataha are designed to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The sundeck invites you to relax and enjoy the surrounding ocean after a day of diving. The cozy lounge and bar are perfect for socializing with fellow divers. Meals on board are high quality, freshly prepared daily, and served on a full board basis. Between dives you can enjoy snacks and refreshing drinks.
The spacious dive deck features personal storage stations, sinks for camera equipment and a dedicated camera work area. For underwater photographers, the facilities are top-notch. In addition, Nitrox is available (at an additional cost), extending your bottom time and giving you more time to admire the unique marine life while diving at Tubbataha. After a day of adventure, the Jacuzzi on deck is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the silence of the ocean.
Travel costs
What is included
This diving vacation aboard the Atlantis Adventurer liveaboard can be booked at CHF 5.147 per person, based on single occupancy in a shared cabin. A number of items are included as standard in this travel package.
Prices are based on the season for Tubbataha from March through June. Other months there is no sailing at Tubbataha. Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about this diving vacation to Tubbataha in the Philippines? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from CHF 5.147 p.p.
- 7-night stay on the Atlantis Adventurer liveaboard
- Stay in a shared 2-bed Deluxe cabin below deck
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Up to 5 dives per day; 4 day dives and 1 night/early evening dive per day for 6 days
- 1 night in double room incl. breakfast in a hotel in Manila
- All transfers in the itinerary
- VZR & administration fees
- Calamity Fund
Excluding
- Flight Amsterdam - Manila CHF 1.067
- Flight Manila - Puerto Princessa CHF 296
- Marine Park Fee approx. CHF 142 weekly
Optional
- Surcharge Deluxe cabin single occupancy CHF 3.549
- Nitrox up to 32% approx. CHF 178
- Extension of trip
Email this diving holiday
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Frequently asked questions about this diving holiday
General diving information
Diving equipment
On board the Azores Liveaboard, you’ll find both connections, both DIN and INT.
For the 15L tank you pay € 10 per day extra, and for Nitrox € 150 per trip. So you really get the most out of your dive vacation Philippines at the breathtaking Tubbataha Reef!
No diving equipment is available for rent on board the Azores. You must bring your full diving equipment.
Activities, Excursions and Wellness
Snorkeling is not permitted on the Atlantis Adventurer liveaboard in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park due to the currents
Accommodation / liveaboard
The cabins aboard the Atlantis Adventurer are spacious and air-conditioned for optimal comfort during your diving trip to the Philippines. Each cabin has a private bathroom, towels, and bedding, as well as electrical outlets to charge your equipment.
Absolutely! The Atlantis Adventurer liveaboard has Wi-Fi! Please keep in mind, however, that internet speed may vary depending on the ship’s location.
On board the Atlantis Adventurer, you’ll enjoy delicious, varied meals—ranging from international dishes to local specialties. Vegetarian options are also available.
There is a hot tub on the deck of the Atlantis Adventurer liveaboard.
At Tubbataha Reef, you can indulge in a variety of diving! Think drift dives along colorful walls, drift dives with large schools of fish, and dives on pristine coral reefs.
You will make up to 5 dives per day. 3 or 4 during the day and 1 early evening or night dive, making about 25 dives throughout the trip. On the first and last day you will make fewer dives.
Yes, you can do night dives/early evening dives.
Several dives are deeper and with current so an Advanced Open Water is desired. Then you can participate in all dives without restrictions.
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