Tubbataha Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is Tubbataha Reefs?

Tubbataha Reefs is located in the center of the Sulu Sea between the Island of palawan and the Visayan islands. The jump off point is  Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

 
2. When is the best time to go to Tubbataha Reefs?

The best time to go to Tubbataha Reefs is during the Philippine Summer season  from mid-March to mid June.

Days are hot and dry and sea conditions are at their calmest and clearest.

 
3. What is Tubbataha Reef Transition 1?

 Tubbataha Reef Transition 1 is the transition of the ships from its home port in Anilao Batangas to Tubbataha Reefs, stopping at Apo Reef and Cuyo Islands for a day of diving in each location before reaching Tubbataha. Guests have to book a flight out from Pto Princesa at the end of the trip.

 
4. What is Tubbataha Regular Trip?

 Tubbataha Regular Trip starts and ends at Puerto Princesa. All diving is done in the Tubbataha Reefs National Park.

 
5. What is Tubbataha Transition Trip2?

 Tubbataha Reef Transition 2 is the transition of the ships from Tubbataha to their home port in Anilao, Batangas. The itinerary is similar to that of the Transition trip 1 but in reverse.

 
6. How do I get to Tubbataha Reefs?

Cruise Island Adventure can arrange your airtickets going to/from  Puerto Princesa. There are 3 (Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific Airlines) flights in the morning.

 
Here are the flight schedules:

Philippine Airlines

Manila/ Puerto Princessa PR 195

ETD: 0800H ETA:0915H

Puerto Princessa/Manila PR 196

ETD: 1015H ETA:1115H

 
Air Philippines

Manila/ Puerto Princessa 2P213

ETD: 0915H ETA:1025H

Puerto Princessa/Manila 2P214

ETD: 1100H ETA: 1210H

 
*** Schedule are subject to change without prior notice.

 
7. What time does the boat leave on the day of departure/arrive day of arrival.

 The ships embark for Tubbataha between 6-8 pm on the day of departure. Arriving guests are picked up at the Airport and transferred to the ship, assigned a dive crate and checked into their rooms.

 They have the whole afternoon at leisure to take in the city attractions, go last minute shopping for toiletries.

 A pre- departure briefing will be done during the evening of arrival when guests will be asked to fill out forms and sign waivers, be given boat assignments and informed of dive schedules as well as ship/park  safety regulations and procedures.

On the day of arrival, the ship is usually in port by 6 am and guest are disembarked after breakfast . 8 am is the usual disembarkation time but guests who have later flights are free to remain on board until airport transfer time.

 Pto Princesa Airport/ship transfers are included in your package.

 
8. How long does it take to go to Batangas from Manila?

 From Manila, it is approximately 2 ½ hours going to Batangas.

 
9. Can you arrange transfers going to Batangas? Hotel stays in Manila?

 Yes, Cruise Island Adventure can help you arrange your land transfers/ hotel arrangements.

 
10. What is included in the Tubbataha Reefs Liveaboard Package?

 Accommodations on board, unlimited no decompression diving, tanks, weights, weight belt, boat, services of a divemaster roundtrip transfers from Puerto Princesa airport to boat, all meals, and complimentary tea, coffee, juice.

11. How many dives they could do in one day?

Guests can do maximum of 4 Dives a Day and 1 Night Dive. Night dive is not included on the last diving day.

 
12. When should I arrive in Puerto Princessa for transition and regular trip?

Guests can arrive anytime before 6 pm.

 
13. What are the taxes or fees not included in the package?

The taxes that are not included in the package is the Tubbataha Reefs Conservation Fees which is US $75.00/person, airport taxes entry and exit in Puerto Princessa, gear rentals, courses,  soda/alcoholic drinks and souvenir items on board.

 For Transition Trip, there is an additional charge of US $38.00/person Apo Reef Conservation Fee.

 
14. Do I need a Visa and Passport?

A valid passport is required. Visas are not required for tourists who will no longer than 21 days provided that they have an onward or return journey tickets and do not belong to restricted nationality. For long staying guests visas are required, you can apply to your nearest Philippine consulate.

 
15. How will I go onboard the Explorer Boat?

Upon arrival in Puerto Princessa, our Expedition Fleet Staff will welcome you with a banner.

 
16. What is the weather in Philippines?

The Philippines is a tropical country with an average temperature of 32°C (80°F). March to June is hot and dry (36°C); rains and typhoons abound from July to October; November to February is pleasantly cool ( around 23°C) and dry. In mountainous regions, temperatures dip to about 15°C.

 
17. Are tender boats used?

Yes, all of our dives are conducted in small groups from tender boats ensuring quick entry and exit from the water.

 
18. Is there night diving?

Yes there is, please take a look our sample itinerary.

 
19. Should I be an advanced diver?

Not necessarily. All dives begin with a back-roll onto the reef top which is usually around 15 meters. After everyone has trimmed their buoyancy and are comfortable, the dive leader will then bring the group to the drop off and down the wall.

 
Current is usually present in Tubbataha and thus drift diving is the norm. Divers go with the flow of the current and upon surfacing, are picked up by the chaseboat.

 
20. When is check-out time on the vessel?

The check-out time in the vessel is 0800am on the last day.

 
21. What wetsuit should I use in diving?

The weather is quite warm during the trip because it is the summer season. A 3mm suit is more than adequate.

 
22. Are there gear rentals?

 Yes we have gear for rent but we do NOT have torches/flashlights for rent. There are torches available for sale on board.

23. Are there other places I should visit while I am in Puerto Princesa?

 Yes, we usually encourage our guests to avail of the St Paul subterranean River Tour on the day of arrival and spend an additional night in Pto Princesa. This is to allow divers to maximize the last day’s dives without violating the NO FLY Period.

 The St Paul Subterranean River is also a UNESCO World heritage Site just like Tubbataha.

 
24. Where else can I go if I want to extend my holiday in the Philippines?

 The Expedition fleet has 2 sister resorts—Bahura which is in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental and Outrigger in Anilao, Batangas.  We have special rates and discounts for guests who avail of our live aboard services and wantto continue their diving at either of the 2 resorts.

25. Does the ship have a satellite phone?

 Yes. Rates are 1 USD per minute and parts there of.

26. Where is the nearest recompression chamber:

 The nearest Recompression chamber is in Cebu City.