Diving at Tubbataha with the Azores Liveaboard
Discover the Tubbataha Reef (Philippines) aboard the luxury Azores liveaboard. Dive in one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world.
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Discover Tubbataha aboard the Azores liveaboard
This diving vacation begins aboard the Azores, 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, 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 at Tubbataha with liveaboard Azores
The Azores liveboard offers everything a diver could want. With comfortable cabins, modern amenities and a dedicated team of dive guides, you’ll enjoy a worry-free liveaboard vacation in the Philippines. Full board is included so you can concentrate on diving and relax. With daily dives at the most spectacular sites in Tubbataha, the Azores liveaboard is the perfect choice for your diving trip 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 usually recommended for diving in Tubbataha Reef, especially from March to June when water temperatures range between 28-30°C. This thickness provides sufficient protection from the water temperature while still being flexible enough for comfort during dives. For divers who are sensitive to cold or on longer dives, a 5mm wetsuit may also be more comfortable, especially when temperatures drop toward 26-28°C during January to March. The choice of wetsuit also depends on personal preference diving on a liveaboard in the Philippines.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 to 3 | The journey 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 Liveaboard Azores and leave the stresses of everyday life behind. As the sun slowly sets, we sail towards that night toward Tubbataha Reefs.
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.
Day 10 & 11 | Goodbye Tubbataha Reefs
After a final unforgettable dive on Day 10 in the breathtaking Tubbataha Reefs National Park, the Azores sets sail 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 dock in the port of Puerto Princesa. Here you say goodbye, on day 11, after breakfast to the crew and the Azores. From Puerto Princesa you will fly back to Manila, where you can choose to extend your diving vacation Philippines or connect with a flight back home.
How about staying at the beautiful Atlantis Puerto Galera Resort? Discover the fascinating underwater world of Puerto Galera and enjoy the luxury and comfort of this resort.
The liveaboard
The ship and cabins
Azores Liveaboard - Luxury & Comfort
The Azores Liveaboard, managed by Atlantis Resorts & Liveaboards, offers divers an unforgettable stay during their diving vacation in the Philippines. Crossing the waters of Tubbataha from March to June, this 33-meter luxury liveaboard accommodates up to 16 guests and provides intimate, exclusive service. On board you will find 8 spacious cabins, including a luxurious Master Suite on the upper deck with panoramic ocean views. All cabins are equipped with air conditioning, ensuite 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 with Liveaboard Atlantis Azores can be booked from US$ 4.559 per person based on 1 person in a shared cabin. A number of things are included by default 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.
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Included in this diving trip, from US$ 4.559 p.p.
- 7 nights stay on Azores 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 necessary transfers tbv program
- VZR, Calamity Fund & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight Amsterdam - Manila US$ 945
- Flight Manila - Puerto Princessa US$ 262
- Marine Park Fee approx. US$ 126 weekly
Optional
- Surcharge Deluxe cabin single occupancy US$ 3.144
- Nitrox up to 32% approx. US$ 157
- Extension of trip
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Frequently asked questions about this diving vacation
Diving general information
Diving equipment
On board the Azores Liveaboard, you’ll find both connections, both DIN and INT.
For the 15L tank you pay US$ 10 per day extra, and for Nitrox US$ 157 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 they do not allow at Azores liveaboard in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park due to the current
Accommodation / liveaboard
Cabins aboard the Azores are spacious and air-conditioned for optimal comfort during your dive trip Philippines. Each cabin has a private bathroom, towels and bedding, and power outlets to charge your equipment.
Yes indeed, the Azores liveaboard has wifi! Just keep in mind that internet speed may vary depending on the location of the ship.
On board the Azores you will enjoy delicious, varied meals. From international dishes to local specialties. Vegetarian options are also available.
On the deck of the Azores liveaboard you will find a Jacuzzi.
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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