Tubbataha Reef
Tubbataha Reef
5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
216 reviews
Excellent
187
Very good
22
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Dianne A
Brisbane, Australia155 contributions
Mar 2020
My husband and I had booked a live aboard dive trip to Tubbataha to go to sea aboard Expedition Fleet's M/V Oceanic lll Explorer on 26th March 2020. I'd been dealing directly with Janet and Lars Chua who run the fleet. I'd read many reviews for this wonderful location, travelling with Expedition Fleet and in nearly every one Janet's name appeared as a great person to deal with. For the months leading up to our sailing date there was so much helpful friendly advice and super prompt replies from Janet. Very sadly on 16th March we were told everything in the Philippines was shutting down due to Corona. Airports, and all other transport, hotels, restaurants and all dive stores were to close. All tourists including us were given 48 hours to leave or we could be stranded there for months. I reached out to Janet by e-mail asking her advice and she located a private charter to take us from Coron where we were to Clark airport. It was only because of Janet's help we managed to flee. The airport near Coron Town had already closed, with the exception of the few charter flights ferrying tourists north. Tubbataha was the star of our 5 week holiday which was cut down to 2 weeks with the panic to evacuate. I am so grateful to Janet for all her help and Pete and I are determined to get to Tubbataha as soon as the world's restrictions are lifted. Dianne.
Written April 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisabeth
12 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Great liveaboard to dive in Tubbataha, boat very well maintained, high standard, Crew more than friendly, food exceptional, you feel very welcome and pampered by the staff.
Although the diving level of the guests varied a lot they tried to make every dive a great one for all of the divers!
The reefs in Tubbataha are magnificent, we saw white trips, grey sharks, hammerheads , loads of turtles, Jacks and barrakudas and even once a whaleshark. If you are interested there is also beautiful macrolife to find.
Hope they will do some other destinations too, will definitely join them again
Although the diving level of the guests varied a lot they tried to make every dive a great one for all of the divers!
The reefs in Tubbataha are magnificent, we saw white trips, grey sharks, hammerheads , loads of turtles, Jacks and barrakudas and even once a whaleshark. If you are interested there is also beautiful macrolife to find.
Hope they will do some other destinations too, will definitely join them again
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
경호 민
2 contributions
May 2022
Awesome trip with Stella Maris Liveaboard, which is great boat ever!!
Calm and Peaceful Sea, Big stuff, wonderful Coral garden, great visibility.
My tip is 6N7D with Stella Maris Liveaboard. this boat is perfact customize for scuba diving. kind crew, professional guide, great meal and clean room.
hardly recomand to go that reef, and ride that boat.
want go again, ASAP
Calm and Peaceful Sea, Big stuff, wonderful Coral garden, great visibility.
My tip is 6N7D with Stella Maris Liveaboard. this boat is perfact customize for scuba diving. kind crew, professional guide, great meal and clean room.
hardly recomand to go that reef, and ride that boat.
want go again, ASAP
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil Guanzon
1 contribution
May 2022 • Solo
MY Stella Maris Explorer
Have been in tubbataha trice. With the experience of the dive crew of this boat i felt really safe throughout the whole trip plus the comfort that i get during my stay was superb.The cleanliness of this boat is excellent and everything is well maintained. The crew of the boat was very hospitable that i felt like i'm staying in a 5 star hotel. Food was outstanding and the owner is so friendly to everyone. Value for money is really worthit!!These are the reasons why i keep comming back in tubbataha with stella maris explorer 👍👍🤙 The best liveaboard out there 🦈🦈🦈
Have been in tubbataha trice. With the experience of the dive crew of this boat i felt really safe throughout the whole trip plus the comfort that i get during my stay was superb.The cleanliness of this boat is excellent and everything is well maintained. The crew of the boat was very hospitable that i felt like i'm staying in a 5 star hotel. Food was outstanding and the owner is so friendly to everyone. Value for money is really worthit!!These are the reasons why i keep comming back in tubbataha with stella maris explorer 👍👍🤙 The best liveaboard out there 🦈🦈🦈
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter Z
1 contribution
Mar 2022
The Stella Maris Tubbataha Reef expedition that I went on was the everything I could have dreamed of in a Liveaboard trip and more. I would grade every major category of the experience exceptional. The food was great, I was excited to eat after every dive, the crew was very friendly and accommodating, the dives were unreal and the rental equipment was great, and the rooms were really nice as well as the entire vessel itself and lounge areas. King was my dive instructor who helped me out during my advanced diving certification and was the best dive instructor that I have had. Was very helpful in delivering the course work and was very attentive to myself and the rest of the group to ensure our safety, while at the same time having the uncanny ability to find amazing schools of fish out of the blue as well as spotting individual fish/creatures
Written May 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yian Chen
Taiwan1 contribution
May 2023 • Friends
Thanks to all the crew members from Stella Maris, my friends and I have wonderful memories in Tubbataha. The stunning view underwater is breathtaking. Every time when we get back to the ship, the only things we need to do are eat, chat, and sleep, which give us enough energy for the next dive. Couldn't believe we could have such delicious food far from land at sea until we saw it.
Written May 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
boyeon
Seoul, South Korea1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Friends
Tubbataha Reef, Needless to say, has everything - big pelagics, coral diversity, good visibility, nice current.
I took Liveaboard at Stella Maris 5N6D, overall it was amazing!
The staff were all very pleasent and helpful. Our Guide were super professional, careful, and responsive to our demands.
The food was excellent and enough to recharging from hasty diving plan. The chef prided himself on spectacular desserts. MANGO CAKE!!!!!!!!
Cleaning everyday, well managed room though my cabin was lower deck.
If you are looking for tubbahaha excursion, dont hesitate to choose stella maris! - Exceeded expectations.
스텔라 마리스 좋아요
디저트 정말 맛있어요
가이드들이 매우 적극적이예요
스텝들 친절하고 일잘해요
투바타하 바다 좋아요
I took Liveaboard at Stella Maris 5N6D, overall it was amazing!
The staff were all very pleasent and helpful. Our Guide were super professional, careful, and responsive to our demands.
The food was excellent and enough to recharging from hasty diving plan. The chef prided himself on spectacular desserts. MANGO CAKE!!!!!!!!
Cleaning everyday, well managed room though my cabin was lower deck.
If you are looking for tubbahaha excursion, dont hesitate to choose stella maris! - Exceeded expectations.
스텔라 마리스 좋아요
디저트 정말 맛있어요
가이드들이 매우 적극적이예요
스텝들 친절하고 일잘해요
투바타하 바다 좋아요
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WooLim K
Sokcho, South Korea1 contribution
May 2022
*Room condition was good. 1day 1 cleaning service.
*every meal was perfect. (+ Super delicious desserts)
*Every Boat crew was very kind. Thanks again.
*Diving instructors had there own professional skills. Therefore, Every diving was great. We saw many things during our diving trip. (Special thanks to KING)
*every meal was perfect. (+ Super delicious desserts)
*Every Boat crew was very kind. Thanks again.
*Diving instructors had there own professional skills. Therefore, Every diving was great. We saw many things during our diving trip. (Special thanks to KING)
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dava0
Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
We had a wonderful, exciting diving experience! The crew was professional, accommodating & enthusiastic. Unforgettable experience! It would have been perfect except for that woman who was just literally rude and grumpy from start to finish of this trip. But I am glad I came with a driving group that helped me enjoy this truly wonderful trip.
Written April 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
omerika1
Israel7 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
scuba diving with M.V stella maris was amazing!!!!
the crew was amazing 🤩
and the five instractors:
King, Ramboo, Chie, Sam and Adison you are amazing!!
beautifull corals and great marine animals.
the crew was amazing 🤩
and the five instractors:
King, Ramboo, Chie, Sam and Adison you are amazing!!
beautifull corals and great marine animals.
Written April 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
globetrottingshrimp
San Francisco, CA13 contributions
When is the best month at Tubbahata to see pelagics? Earlier (like in March) or later (like in June)?
curliepig
Pueblo, CO3 contributions
I am not sure but May (beginning) is the best season for Tubbataha. And we saw plenty of sharks including whale sharks at the end of May.
Salem
Kuwait City, Kuwait2 contributions
Is the airport in the Philippines allowed to enter a sea gun or spear?
Phil R
Kansas City, MO542 contributions
The better question is if the tour operators will allow you to use it when you get to the Philippines. In Tubbataha, any type of spear fishing is strictly prohibited. In fact, in any of the parks in the Philippines, spear fishing is illegal. From what I saw, the dive guides and the dive companies are very protective of the reefs and the fish. So, even if you can get a spear gun or a Hawaiian sling into the country, I seriously doubt that you will be allowed to use it. I hope this helps. Enjoy your vacation.
Vikram Goel
Vellore, India19 contributions
Hello,
So I am planning to get a Padi Open water diving certificate from Phillipines. After checking a lot of places I feel Tubbataha is the best place to do it. But I cant find any company that gives lessons in Tubbataha. Most of them are like day trips. So is it true that there is no Padi course in Tubbataha?? Also which other coral reef site is beautiful where I can get a Padi certificate.
Thank you.
Phil R
Kansas City, MO542 contributions
Correct. The reason why is that Tubbataha is really a bit more advanced diving and the only diving in Tubbataha is from liveaboards, or week long trips where you spend an entire week at sea. Tubbataha is about 13 hours away from the nearest port. Also, PADI standards require more shallow dives than you find in Tubbataha. Tubbataha also can have some very strong and unpredictable currents. For someone just starting out, this may not be the most enjoyable experience for you.
The Philippines do have some great places to get your open water certification, though. If you want a place that also has a lot of night life and bustle (although I've heard it can get "adult" oriented in areas) look into Puerto Galera, which is south of Manila. If you want to just relax and enjoy some gorgeous beaches between dives, check out Malapascua, which is gotten to by Cebu. I've spoken to people who've done both and really loved both areas. I have around 600 dives and I am planning my next dive trip to Malapascua.
PADI also has a travel network. If you Google "PADI travel network " the site should be able to help you find a PADI affiliated shop in either area where you can get your certificate.
I hope this helps you out and is not too long winded of an answer. Enjoy your diving.
Andry678
Jakarta, Indonesia
Hello, I have plan to a liveaboard in Tubbataha.
I want to ask if there is a signal for the cellphone?
Phil R
Kansas City, MO542 contributions
I got no phone signal, and no one else (including the local boat staff) were able to either. I think that most boats do carry a satellite phone in case of emergency, though.
Luie5
52 contributions
Hi Jeff, thanks for your great review, which is very useful! My husband and I are currently booked in the B3 cabin next year, but have been asked (by our dive group) if we could possibly swap to one of the upper deck standard - A cabins. Did you see these cabins and are the bunk beds single or double? Would you think it is worth the extra cost to keep the.superior cabin or any other thoughts? Thanks for your time! Best regards Asa
Chevmeister
Gold Coast, Australia75 contributions
Hi everyone.
Your reviews sounds amazing. Is this trip booked through a company? how many days was it? did it cost much?i cant seem to find any tours so just thought i would ask.
thanks for ur help
Sandy315
Hong Kong, China131 contributions
I booked directly with the cruise company. It’s 7 days 6 nights trip, with day 1 boarding before 16:00. Pls pay attention to your flight arrival time, leave enough room as it is common to have delayed due to heavy rains.
In terms of cost, around USD2,500 (all inclusive eg marine park fees, taxes etc). But pls refer to the cruise official website. If you come with group of friends, most cruise offer group discount.
Should further info helps, pls share.
Kind regards,
Sandy
Jake T
Zamboanga City, Philippines
Hi is there a discovery dive in tubba. Around august is so how much thnx
853canadians
Montreal, Canada40 contributions
you must be an experienced diver to visit Tubbataha. there are rules to be followed. and diving conditions can change quickly. do a discovery dive at a beach resort
Jake T
Zamboanga City, Philippines
Hi is there a discovery dive in tubba. Around august is so how much thnx
Visit the site of dolphinbay-divers and check how much it cost.to do diving on tubbataha....You can only reach Tubbataha by boat during the short season of March to June, when the park is officially open. Therefore, liveaboard trips are the only option for divers to reach this amazing destination....theres no trips on august
