TUBBATAHA REEFS

Located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha Reefs is made up of three atolls and is home to 360 coral species, 600 species of fish, and 19 species of rays and sharks. Far from civilisation, the protected area can only be accessed by liveaboards and is open four months a year, from mid-March to mid-June.

Far-reaching 100-metre walls are covered with life – sea fans, giant gorgonians, barrel sponges and soft coral thrive in abundance, while sharks and rays cruise by. Schools of hammerheads, silky sharks, whale sharks, and even tiger sharks are common visitors of the reefs, while cleaning stations are often host to manta rays and silvertips.

Stunning soft and hard coral gardens can be found 15 metres deep, teeming with life such as schools of jacks, barracudas, snappers, sweetlips, rainbow runners, turtles, Napoleon wrasses, rays and reef sharks.

MUST-SEE

There are about 20 different dive sites to explore, but the most popular are Shark Airport, Black Rock and the crack of Delsan Wreck for pelagic action, healthy reefs, and light current. Terrace is famous for its hard corals and shallow plateau, while Sea Fan Alley boasts giant gorgonians and colourful sea fans. Ko-Ok is where you can encounter schools of hammerhead sharks in the mystic blue water. Jessie Beazley is a smaller north atoll with a unique coral formation, and is known for its unexpected surprises.

WHEN

1988

WHERE

Philippines

WHAT Natural Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site

A turtle at one of the Shark Airport cleaning stations