We travelled to Tubbataha aboard MV Philippines Agressor II

The Tubbataha Reef system off Palawan, Philippines is a spectacular natural site.

While it is well known as a top diving location in the Philippines, it should not be forgotten that it is also considered one of the world’s most pristine coral reefs.

This world-renowned underwater site occupies an area over 130,000 hectares and consists of three atolls and a large deep sea area where numerous marine habitats can be found.

Tubbataha Reef is considered one of the top diving spots in the world for good reasons: It offers a magnificent underwater world that is made grander by its turquoise, clear, and pristine waters that will let you see corals and fish even at 10 metres below!

While a popular diving spot, Tubbataha’s dive season is only from March to June. Diving activities in the area are conducted under the guidance of the rangers and the money earned from this tourist activity goes into the preservation of the reefs.

The Tubbataha Reef and its underwater formation was created from the eruption of undersea volcanoes and eventually became one of the biggest marine ecosystems in the world.

The name Tubbataha is derived from the ancient language Sama-Bajau which translates to ‘long reef exposed at low tide.’

Whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles, and Napoleon wrasse are some of the marine life that you can find in the Tubbataha Reef area. Aside from the huge range of fish life there are over 360 types of coral present.

Tubbataha Reef helps sustain a high diversity of marine life. It is a habitat of fish and invertebrate larvae that benefit the Sulu Sea and the eastern coastline of Palawan.

Aside from providing a marine habitat, Tubbataha Reef is also essential in the process of reproduction, dispersal, and colonization by marine organisms in the entire Sulu Sea system.

It also houses numerous species of seabirds: Ground nesters and tree nesters can be found in this natural reef. Some of the ground nesters include the Brown Booby, Brown Noddy, Great Crested Tern, and Sooty Tern.Tthe tree nesters include the Red-footed Booby and the endemic Black Noddy.

The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park was announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. With this recognition, Tubbataha is given massive seascape complete protection from all sorts of destructive activities.

National protected areas legislation and different environmental legislations govern the Tubbataha Reef in Palawan. This makes it possible for actions to be taken against threats such as marine debris removal and illegal fishing. A ranger station to ensure the protection of the marine ecosystem is situated permanently on the north atoll.

Here are some videos produced around the Tubbataha Reefs:

We travelled to Tubbataha aboard the Philippines Aggressor II:

The Philippines Aggressor II is 140 feet long with a 26 ft. beam, built and powered for comfort, safety and stability. There is a beautiful spacious salon, sun deck with shading, chaise lounges and deck chairs, bar, and grill. The yacht is diesel powered, cruises at 8 knots and has 220V and 110V power onboard.

Our cabins (1 to 8) are described as Deluxe Staterooms: A comfortable room with 2 single side by side beds (Staterooms 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 can be made into a king bed or kept as two single beds). Every room has a panoramic window and comes with a private bathroom & shower. All rooms have individual climate control, a TV monitor with a media player and a hair dryer. Room Size: 10' x 14'. Single Bed size: 36 x 76 inches.

This is diagram of the boat layout. We have block booked the 8 cabins on the lower deck.

Each stateroom has ample storage and individual climate controls. Staterooms have a safe aboard to store valuables such as passports, cash, credit cards or anything else.

There is a variety of nightly entertainment, including diving, fish identification presentations, movies, games and more. If you have a favourite movie or presentation to share, we encourage you to bring it along. A small library of books for exchange is maintained onboard as well as fish identification books for reference.

All meals, snacks and beverages are provided. Board Basis is full board, for drinks they state “The Aggressor’s beverage selection includes fruit juices, soft drinks, iced water, iced tea, coffee, and a limited selection of local beer and wine, which are complimentary. You are also free to bring your own alcohol aboard.

Fifteen crew are on hand to cater to guests, providing guided dives, evening entertainment and chef-prepared meals. Other amenities include a hot tub and wet bar, indoor lounge and restaurant, and state-of-the-art scuba facilities include nitrox fills and two dive tenders.

Boat features

• Sundeck
• Hot tub
• Outdoor dining area
• Leisure deck
• Bar
• Indoor dining area
• Common area
• Audio & video entertainment
• Indoor saloon
• Air conditioning throughout the vessel
• Wi-Fi in selected areas

Boat facilities

• Dive deck
• Individual dive lockers or stations
• Charging station
• Separate rinse tank for camera or electronics
• Nitrox
• Dive courses
• Equipment rental
• Tender(s)