Where Is Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park?

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park lies in the heart of the Sulu Sea, 150 km (93 mi) southeast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines.

Geographic Context

• Coordinates: 8°45′N 119°52′E — remote, no permanent inhabitants.
• Structure: Two large atolls — North Atoll (16 km × 5 km) and South Atoll (5 km × 3 km) — + Jessie Beazley Reef (smaller, 20 km south).
• Total area: 33,200 ha (81,980 acres) — 97% marine.
• Depth: Lagoons 10–30 m; drop-offs >100 m.

Ecological Significance

• UNESCO World Heritage (1993) — "pristine coral reef" with high biodiversity, large marine fauna, and critical habitat.
• 360+ coral species (~50% of world’s known).
• 600+ fish species — including Napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish.
• Sharks: Whitetip, blacktip, gray reef, tiger, whale shark (seasonal).
• Turtles: Hawksbill & green — nesting beaches on islets.
• Seabirds: 100+ species; 20,000+ nesting pairs (boobies, terns, frigatebirds).

Access & Protection

• Liveaboard dive trips only — March–June (calm seas).
• No fishing, no touching, no gloves — strict no-take zone.
• Ranger station on North Atoll — year-round enforcement.

Tubbataha is the Philippines’ crown jewel of marine conservation — remote, resilient, and rigorously protected.