Tubbataha Reefs was discovered in the late 1970’s

Since then it was recognized as one of the most remarkable coral reefs on our planet. This world heritage site and Natural Marine Park is protected area of the Philippines. It is located in the middle of Sulu Sea. Tubbataha Reefs is one of the best nature spots in the Philippines because of its two huge atoll coral reef systems named the North Atoll and South Atoll. The smaller Jessie Beazley Reef covering a total area of 97,030 hectares is located 150 kilometres southeast of Puerto Princesa City. The uninhabited islands and reefs are part of the island municipality of Cagayancillo, Palawan, located roughly 130 kilometres to the northeast of the reef.

tubbataha reefs

Aside from being a marine sanctuary, Tubbataha is also reknowned as a bird sanctuary.

Divers can experience the reefs’ dramatic  underwater terrain, awe-inspiring biodiversity, and encounter large marine animals such as sharks, turtles and manta rays. Around the Tubbataha, there are tens of thousands of masked red-foot bobbles, terns, and frigate birds resting during their annual migration.

This place is home to a great diversity of marine life.

Whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles and Napoleon Tubbataha Reef National Marine Parkwrasse are amongst the key species found here. The reef ecosystems support over 350 species of coral and almost 500 species of fish. The reserve also protects one of the few remaining colonies of breeding seabirds in the region.
Tubbataha Reefs is a natural laboratory for the study of ecological and biological processes. Displaying the ongoing process of coral reef formation, and supporting a large number of marine species dependant on reef ecosystems. It also offers a demonstration site to study the responses of a natural reef system.

The property supports the highest population densities known in the world for white tip reef sharks. Pelagic species such as tuna, barracuda, manta rays, whale sharks and different species of sharks are common in this area. The property is a very important nesting, resting and juvenile development area for two species of endangered marine turtles: green turtles and hawksbill turtles.