Tubbataha Reef

Tubbataha Reefs National Park has two atolls, which plunge down to 650 fathoms. The shallows of the southern atoll have beautiful coral gardens and a kaleidoscope of colourful reef-life, before dropping off at about 24 metres into the abyss.

On the east side, there is a wreck that ran aground and is now perched on the edge of the precipitous drop-off. The west wall is known for its Shark encounters. The atoll runs for 12km north to south. Barracuda, Whitetip & Blacktip Reef Sharks, large numbers of Green and Hawksbill Turtles, Tuna, Trevally and occasionally Manta Rays visit Tubbataha.

The larger northern atoll is famous above water for its bird-life. Thousands of Terns & Boobies jostle for space on a tiny islet at the atoll's northern-most point. Underwater, Tubbataha's northern atoll is equally rich in life.

Amos Rock, at the southern tip, is a superb site. Shallow sandy areas are good for finding smaller species, while the wall has huge Gorgonians & Whip Corals. If the current is running, numerous sharks, including Grey Reef Sharks can sometimes be seen here, along with large Groupers. Turtles are commonly encountered close-by at South Rock.

The western wall has excellent reefs and a small wreck, while the north wall has several crevices and overhangs hiding Nurse Sharks. Other smaller Sharks rest on the sandy reef-top, along with Blue Spotted Stingrays & occasionally larger Rays. Some lucky divers have seen Guitar Sharks here.

Around 20km north-west is Jessie Beazley Reef. The small, oddly named reef is almost perfectly circular. Here you will find numerous Turtles, plus plenty of Reef and Nurse Sharks. The huge sponges here are an impressive sight, while occasionally Hammerhead, Mako & Thresher Sharks cruise the blue.

Basterra Reef lies to the south of Tubbataha. This small reef plunges to the deepest depths of all the sites around here - over 1000 fathoms. At Barracuda Slope, a sandy slope turns into a wall at 16m, where corals are teeming with a kaleidoscope of smaller reef-fish. In the blue, an enormous school of Barracuda can normally be seen hovering in the current.

At the northern end of the reef, Expressway is a current-washed, adrenaline filled dive where you can encounter Manta Rays, Grey Reef Sharks & curious Whitetips. The Oceanic II is a wreck that ran aground on the reef, providing shelter to a huge variety of marine life.

These sites are not for everyone. Seas can be rough and currents can be strong, but the diving here is truly world-class and will not fail to impress even the most jaded diver.