Diving in Tubbataha Reef

Loggerhead Turtle

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Loggerhead Turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle, named for its massive head. While less common than Green and Hawksbill turtles on Caribbean reefs, they can be spotted at deeper reef sites.

Bull Shark

General species description, not specific to this destination

Bull sharks are one of the most impressive predators divers can encounter in warm coastal waters. These robust sharks are easily recognized by their broad, blunt snout, stocky build, and grey coloration with a white underside. Growing up to 11 feet long, they have a powerful, muscular appearance that commands respect underwater. Bull sharks are known for their curious nature and may approach divers, maintaining a confident but generally non-aggressive demeanor. They're often seen cruising along reef walls or in open water, sometimes in small groups. Their ability to tolerate both saltwater and freshwater makes them unique among sharks, and they're excellent hunters with a varied diet including fish, rays, and other marine life.

Green Sea Turtle

Destination note

Regularly seen grazing on seagrass beds and resting under ledges. Bird Island and the shallow reef flats are prime viewing areas throughout the season.

Hawksbill Turtle

Destination note

Less common than green turtles but observed regularly on the reefs feeding on sponges. The no-take protection of the park makes it a vital refuge for this critically endangered species.

Spotted Eagle Ray

Destination note

Regularly seen cruising along the atoll walls and in the channel between North and South Atolls. Sightings are particularly reliable at Amos Rock and the Shark Airport cleaning stations.

Great Hammerhead

Destination note

Occasional visitor to the outer walls, particularly North Wall and Black Rock in the later part of the season (May-June). Sightings are less frequent than scalloped hammerheads but provide unforgettable encounters.

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Destination note

Regularly encountered riding bow-waves of liveaboard vessels during crossings. Also seen hunting in the channel between atolls. Tubbataha hosts 13 species of marine mammals.

Great Barracuda

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Great Barracuda is an impressive predator with a streamlined body and powerful jaws filled with razor-sharp teeth. They can grow over 6 feet long and often hover motionless near the reef, curious about divers.

Common Lionfish

Destination note

Commonly seen sheltering under coral overhangs and in wreck structures throughout both atolls. The Malayan Wreck and Delsan Wreck are reliable sites for lionfish sightings.

Grey Reef Shark

Destination note

The signature species of Tubbataha — encountered on virtually every dive along the atoll walls, forming large aggregations at cleaning stations and current-swept points like Shark Airport.

emperor angelfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Emperor Angelfish is one of the most iconic and visually stunning inhabitants of Indo-Pacific reefs. Divers will easily spot adults by their vibrant blue bodies adorned with bold, parallel yellow stripes, a bright yellow tail, and a distinctive dark mask across their eyes. Juveniles, however, sport a completely different look: a dark blue body patterned with mesmerizing concentric white and light blue rings. This dramatic transformation makes observing both life stages a unique treat. These graceful fish are typically solitary, but occasionally seen in pairs, elegantly navigating coral gardens, reef walls, and ledges. They are usually curious but maintain a respectful distance.

Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse

General species description, not specific to this destination

A small, slender wrasse with a vivid blue-and-black stripe that runs 'cleaning stations' where larger fish queue to have parasites removed.