Tubbataha Reef - Tourism

Tourism

There are no settlements on the islets or reefs. Fishermen visit the area seasonally, establishing shelters on the islets. The park is visited by tourists, particularly divers. Trips to Tubbattaha from mid-March to mid-June are all vessel-based; the park is about ten hours by boat from Puerto Princesa City. Tubbataha is considered as one of the best dive sites in the world according to CNN Travel and during the "Tubbataha Season", ships dedicated for diving are usually booked years in advance especially during the Asian holidays of Easter and "Golden Week".

The Tubbataha National Marine Park is open to liveaboard diving excursions between the months of April to June. It is in this period where the waves are most calm. As of March 2011, the park entrance fee for individuals is pegged at USD $75.00 or PHP 3,000.00. In September 2010, Palawan governor Abraham Kahlil Mitra announced that local residents of Palawan province can enter the Tubbataha Reef without paying the conservation fee. It is advised that divers book their trips towards the middle or end of April as calm seas from April to June has a short window. Strong waves may cause problems for dive excursions and underwater visibility.

Although the sand bars around Tubbataha are considered off limits to human beings, tourists are allowed to set foot at the Ranger Station where they can purchase souvenirs and tour the facility.