Choose Your Activity
Choose Where You Sleep
- M.Y Resolute
- MV Atlantis Azores
- MV Seadoors
- SY Philippine Siren
Philippines Liveaboard Diving
Choose where you sleep
- M.Y Resolute
- MV Atlantis Azores
- MV Seadoors
- SY Philippine Siren
The Tubbataha Reef is an atoll coral reef and a Natural Marine Park in Sulu Sea, Philippines composing of two huge atolls (the North Atoll and South Atoll) and the smaller Jessie Beazley Reef.
Since divers discovered Tubbataha in the late 1970s, it has become recognised as one of the most remarkable coral reefs on our planet. The CNN travel website, cnngo.com, ranks it among the top eight dive sites in the world.
Because of its isolated location, Tubbataha can only be visited on a liveaboard boat. Divers can experience the reefs' dramatic underwater terrain, awe-inspiring biodiversity and encounter large marine animals such as sharks, turtles and manta rays.
The Tubbataha Marine Park is a protected area of some 97,000 Hectares (374 sq miles), located 150 kilometres (93 miles) southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. In December 1993, the UNESCO declared the Tubbataha Reefs National Park a World Heritage Site and, in 1999, Ramsar listed Tubbataha as one of the Wetlands of International Importance. In 2008, the reef was nominated as the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Tubbataha is located in an area considered to be the global centre of marine biodiversity. Research by scientists visiting the reefs since the 1980s has revealed that the the park contains no less than 600 fish species, 360 coral species, 11 shark species, 13 dolphin and whale species, and 100 bird species. The reefs also serve as a nesting ground for Hawksbill and Green sea turtles.
As a visiting diver you play a key role in Tubbataha's future, as your conservation fees provide the funds we need to protect the park from illegal exploitation.
M.Y Resolute
TRANSITION TRIP 1
DAY 01: MANILA/ ANILAO
Boarding in Anilao Pier or Anilao Outrigger Resort (Anilao, Batangas.
OWN transfer ex-Manila. Not included in the package.
1800H Lift anchor for departure to Apo Reef, Mindoro. Dinner enroute
Accommodation & meals onboard Explorer
DAY 02: APO REEF
0500H Arrive Apo Reef, Mindoro
0700H Dive site briefing, whole day diving
1800H Depart Apo Reef, Mindoro for Santa Filomena Shoal, Cuyo
DAY 03: CUYO ISLAND
0700H Arrive Santa Filomena Shoal, Cuyo Is. Group
0800H Dive Site briefing, whole day diving
1800H Depart Santa Filomena Shoal, Cuyo Is. Group
for Bird Is., North Tubbataha
DAY 04: NORTH TUBBATAHA
0500H Arrive at Bird Island, North Tubbataha
Whole Day Diving at North Tubbataha
Dive Sites: Bird Island, Ranger Station, South Rock
Night Dive
Early morning departure for the Lighthouse, South Tubbataha
DAY 05: SOUTH TUBBATAHA
Arrive Lighthouse, South Tubbataha
Whole Day Diving at South Tubbataha
Dive Sites: Black Rock
Night Dive
Day 06: SOUTH TUBBATAHA
Whole Day Diving at South Tubbataha
Dive Sites: Lighthouse Islet
Late evening departure for Puerto Princessa City
Day 07: SOUTH TUBBATAHA
(2-3 dives)Diving at South Tubbataha
Departure for Puerto Princessa City
DAY 08: PUERTO PRINCESA/ MANILA
0630H Arrive Puerto Princesa City
Breakfast onboard
0800H Transfer to airport
Note: The above is a suggested itinerary and is subject to change depending on tide, current, weather and sea condition.
PRICE: USD $2,095 per pax based on twin/double sharing for Transition trip
PRICE INCLUSIONS:
- Full board accommodation in a twin sharing cabin.
- Meals, snacks, tea, coffee, juice and drinking water.
- 6 diving days (4 non deco dives a day), service of a dive master, full dive tanks and weights belts.
Notes:
- 2-3 dives only on the last diving day.
- 40 dives minimum required each diver. Does not need to be an advanced but should be experienced.
PRICE EXCLUSIONS:
- International or domestic air transportation, hotels and meals before and after the cruise
- Dive, travel and medical insurances
- Soft drinks, beer, wine or spirits
- Tips, laundry
- Diving equipment rental
- Nitrox fills
- Land transfer Manila-Anilao (apply for Transition trips)
- Park entrance fees of USD $100 additional for Tubbataha apply for regular trips
- Park Fees of USD $68 additional for Apo Reef (apply for Transition trips)
Siren
The reefs of Tubbataha consist of vertical walls or near drop off's rising out of great depths where hammerheads, thresher sharks and whale sharks can be seen. The shallow reef tops are teeming with colourful reef fish whilst at many dive sites stingrays, spiny lobsters, immature manta rays and turtle are found.
You will note from the schedules below that the Tubbataha trips get booked up a long way in advance, so we advise that you book early!
6 & 13 night trips
6 night Departs / Returns: Puerto Princessa
13 night Departs / Returns: Puerto Princessa - Mactan
*There will be a park fee of EUR €100 per person for the 6-night cruise and EUR €135 per person for the 13-night cruise.
Trip highlights*:
- North Atoll
- South Atoll
- Jessie Beazley reef
- Cebu (13 night trip only)
- Balicasag (13 night trip only)
- Apo Island (13 night trip only)
Here is a selection of some of the most popular dive sites during Tubbataha trips:
Delsan Wreck - South Atoll. Laying in of water, this wreckage attracts schools of snappers & sweetlips, as well as eagle rays and plenty of sharks. White tips, black tips and grey reef sharks can all be seen feeding here. Turtles are common visitors and there are plenty of molluscs and crustaceans to entertain macro lovers around the wreckage and along the wall. During our trips we often dive here twice as the marine life is simply fantastic.
Washing Machine - North Atoll. The reef slopes to 12m then drops into the abyss, not for the feint hearted, Washing machine is known for its strong and sometimes unpredictable currents, however with them come the sharks and manta rays. Grey reef and white tips are amongst the common sightings and the occasional hammerhead is know to cruise by and the mantas make diving in currents look easy and graceful! Expect also to see large Napoleon wrasse, pickhandle barracuda, jacks and dogtooth tuna.
Lighthouse - South Atoll. The shallow sloping reef with sea grass beds is the place to observe the numerous turtles as they feed on the grasses and soft corals. Also common here are spotted and ribbon tail stingrays, the reef is swarmed with butterfly, angel and banner fish - all happily feeding away. A gentle dive after the previous exhilarations.
Seafan Alley - North Atoll. As the site name suggests this reef wall is dotted with large gorgonian sea fans- take a closer look for pygmy seahorses and long nose hawkfish - though you won't find them in the same fan as the hungry hawkfish eat the seahorses! This site is also popular with red-toothed triggerfish and sweetlips, barracuda and tunas can be seen in the blue water where we also keep a look out for silver tip sharks.
Tubbataha, Apo and Southern Visayas Special
Tubbataha & More – Special 14 day trip. For return trip just reverse the itinerary.
Up to 43 dives including up to 10 night dives
Day 1 – Depart Puerto Princessa, Palawan
We will board the SY Philippines Siren at around 2pm. We set sail for Tubbataha Reef and after a few welcome drinks we shall have a briefing. It is approx 95 miles to Tubbataha so no diving on first day.
Days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (19 dives)
Tubbataha Reef consists of vertical walls or near drop off's rising out of great depths. The shallow reef tops are teeming with local reef fish; in many places stingrays, spiny lobsters, immature Manta Rays, turtles, leopard Sharks and Guitar Sharks are common. The angelfish, butterfly fish, rainbow runners, Moorish Idols, fusiliers, jacks, snappers and sweetlips follow you around. Large trevally, tuna and barracuda as well as Grey Reef Sharks and Whitetip Sharks patrol. Giant Manta Rays and Eagle Rays fly overhead and turtles and groupers large and small including Napolean Wrasse pass by. This really is an amazing dive site and rated by tjhose who have been fortunate to dive it as one of the worlds best. After the third dive on day six we head off for a long journey to Apo Island.
Day 7 – Puerto Princesa
Sail back to Puerto Princesa, capital of Palawan Province, and disembark.
Extended trip
Day 7 – Travelling to Apo island
We continue on our way to Apo Island and if we are lucky we may be joined by dolphins swimming on the bow of the boat.
Day 8, 9 – Apo Island (6 dives)
We shall do six dives around Apo Island considered by many to be the most successful marine sanctuary in the Philippines. Coral growth has benifited greatly and vast number of fish species is outstanding. Jacks, barracuda, sweetlips, Bumphead Wrasse and lots of turtles can be seen. There is a clownfish city with hundreds of Tomato Anenome fish living together. At the marine sanctuary site, Manta Rays are a common site. After the two dives on day nine we head for Dumaguete on Negros.
Day 10 – Dumaguete, Negros (4 dives)
Spending the day diving with some smaller critters, with possible sightings of frogfish, Ornate Ghost Pipefish to name but two. Diving around the Pier offers the opportunity to see Mandarin Fish.
Day 11 – South Cebu, Siquijor Island (4 dives)
Another great day diving where we will enjoy 3 day dives and a night dive.
Day 12 – Panglao and Balicasag (4 dives)
We spend the whole day here as it offers a variety of diving.
Day 13 – Cabilao island (4 dives)
Home to some of the best diving in the Philippines and is particularly noted for sightings of hammerhead Sharks.
Day 14 – Cebu and Mactan Island (2 dives)
Day of departure we will make two dives in the morning around Mactan island. This is where the airport is based. There are a few dive sites where Thresher Sharks have been sighted. Lunch and then disembark at about 3pm.
Atlantis
You can board Azores on the day of departure at 5:00 PM and disembark the following Saturday at 8:00 AM. Sailing time from Puerto Princesa to Tubbataha is approximately 10-12 hours. We dive from Sunday morning until about noon on Friday when we start the return trip to Puerto Princesa. The cruise starts and ends in Puerto Princesa.
DIVE DAY 1: NORTHERN TIP OF NORTH ATOLL
Fissures and crevices lead into it where Nurse and Whitetip Reef Sharks can be found resting during the day. Small Manta Rays, Stingray’s and Spotted Eagle Rays, together with numerous turtles have all been seen. The wall has huge Gorgonian Fan Corals, Soft Corals and Barrel Sponges. Blacktip, Whitetip and Grey Reef sharks can normally be seen patrolling here in numbers.
DIVE DAY 2: SOUTHERN END OF NORTH ATOLL
The whole stretch of this face is excellent for diving. A dusk dive here, when the fish are feeding, is an amazing sight. Almost every type of native reef fish can be found here. Invertebrates like Sea Cucumbers, Nudibranchs, Flatworms and Crinoids are everywhere. Larger fish will be encountered, including Giant & Bluefin Trevally, Dogtooth Tuna, Great and Pickhandle Barracuda. Manta Rays and Turtles swim closer to the surface. During low tide a wreck can be seen.
DIVE DAY 3: NORTHERN TIP OF SOUTH ATOLL
The area is particularly renowned for Green and Hawksbill Turtles. There are plenty of schools of reef fish and larger pelagic species including Narrow-Bared Spanish Mackerel, Bluefin and Giant Trevally, Pickhandle and Great Barracuda can be seen. Whitetip Reef Sharks, together with Black-Blotched Stingrays and Eagle Rays occasionally venture into these waters. When the Manta Rays show up here they can hang around for hours majestically playing with divers.
DIVE DAY 4: SOUTHERN END OF SOUTH ATOLL
Also known as The Lighthouse with impressive views over The Tubbataha. Here, there are small reef fish, Corals, Sponges and Anemones with a variety of Anemonefish species living in symbiosis.
DIVE DAY 5: SOUTH EAST OF NORTH ATOLL
The dive starts on a gentle slope that is covered in surpurb unmolested corals and ends with a wall covered with dramatic Gorgonian Fans where sharp eyed divers can often spot Pygmy Seahorses. If there’s current, you’ll come across a wide variety of large fish, including Narrow-Barred Spanish Mackerel, Giant Trevally, Red Snapper, Napoleon Wrasse and Giant & Malabar Groupers. You’re certain to see Whitetip and Grey Reef Sharks.
Look out for Manta Rays, Spotted Eagle Rays and both Green & Hawksbill Turtles closer to the surface. Other fish that can be seen include Rainbow Runners, African Pompano, Angelfish, Leaf Scorpionfish, Fire Dartfish and, down deeper, Decorated Dartfish.
DIVE DAY 6: JESSIE BEAZLEY REEF
The charter finishes with a couple of dives at Jessie Beazley Reef. You can see schools of bumphead parrotfish munching on the corals. Watch out for inquisitive napoleon weasse. The shallow reefs are full of colorful tropical fish like the regal angelfish and titan triggerfish.
Seadoors
New to Tubbataha in 2014 is MV Seadoors, the renovated Apo Explorer now under new ownership and management.
MV Seadoors is offering 6 night cruises, sailing out of Puerto Princesa on the island of Palawan, to Tubbataha north reef, south reef and the Reef of Jessie Beazley. Expect to see whales, dolphins, sharks, tortoises and napoleons. The reefs shelter more than 350 species of corals and 500 species of fish.
The dive cruise package includes pick up from your hotel in Puerto Princesa or from the airport, with boarding between 1pm and 5 pm on the day of departure. The ship sets sail at 7pm.
For those renting dive gear, selection and fitting takes place at the Moana Hotel in PP, so please arrive early enough to complete this.
Return to Puerto Princesa at the end of the cruise is between 8am and 11am, depending on sailing conditions, whereupon you will be escorted to your hotel or back to the aiport as required.
*There will be a park fee of EUR 100 per person
The M.Y Resolute
M.Y Resolute (also known as M/Y Vasco) is a Philippine registered Dive and Pleasure Yacht. She has been cruising in the Philippine waters since 1998, She is currently one of the longest running liveaboard vessels in the Philippines and has a highly experienced crew.
M.Y Resolute has an unique history having been a Russian spy trawler during the cold war. A few years after decommissioning, she was bought and converted into a 
full service dive vessel. She has been taking divers to the most exciting as well as remote dive destinations in the Philippines for almost 15 years. She has also participated in several underwater archeological missions (Esperanza, Panagatan cays 1999; Hispaniola 2000; Santa Cruz 2001) and surveys.
Year round, M.Y Resolute travels to many of the best dive sites in the Philippines, including ths Tubbataha Reefs and Cagayancillo Islands in the Sulu sea, Apo Reef and the Coron wrecks of Northern Palawan.
Guest Cabins
The M.Y Resolute accommodates 16 divers in 8 double cabins
6 cabins with 1 twin bed and 1 single bed- 2 cabins with 2 single beds
- 4 bathroom/toilets twin shared between two cabins
- Each cabin with (remote-control) air-conditioners
Other Features:
- Inside saloon with bar and tele/video/stereo
- Fully equipped galley + cold room + dry storeroom
- Deck saloon and upper platform for dining room
- Aft deck platform with diving benches and diving platform + hydraulic crane 1.5t
Diving Lockers: 2 lockers - 1 for storage and 1 for maintenance and spare parts
Scientific Lockers: 2 lockers with aircon
Technical Data
Length: 34,60 m
Beam: 7m
Draft: 2,60 m
GRT: 156T
NT: 47T
Construction Year: 1974
Total Refit: 1994-1996-2010
Engine: Cummins 805 hp 8 cylinders
Generators 220 volts: 160 kvaAC, 4 5 kva AC, 35 kva AC
Power Supply: 220 volts and 24 volts
Fuel: 20 tons
Sailing Range: +I- 3000 miles at 9,5 knots cruising speed
Water: 14000 litres
Electronics: Radar Furuno 72 miles, Depth sounder Furuno, SSB Icom M700' VHF Icom IC- M56, Navtex, 2 GPS, Sarsat, emergency beacon
Safety Equipment: According to SOLAS regulations
Tenders: 2 7 footer 7 5 hp Yamaha; 21 footer 40 hp Yamaha
Crew: 10 + dive team
The MV Atlantis Azores
The Atlantis Azores is a 32m, aluminium hulled motor cruiser, built in Louisiana. USA, in 1989 and refitted as a luxury dive boat in 2005.
SLEEPING
The Azores offers seven deluxe staterooms, each with double and single berths, lavatory and hairdryer, private head and shower, plus one suite on the top deck. 
Rooms are serviced daily.
RELAXING
Common areas include a comfortable lounge with library, a selection o board games, playing cards, a flat screen TV and DVD player and a wide selection of movies and marine videos to watch in the evenings.
Each evening you will be treated to either one of Atlantis’s unique marine life presentations, a picture slide show or a presentation on your next destination.
The Azores features a partially covered sun deck with sun loungers, complete wet bar, hot tub, an assortment of sitting areas with tables, and large swim platform with warm freshwater showers.
DIVING
The Atlantis Azores' spacious dive deck allows divers to gear up in comfort. A roomy three-tier camera table is available for photographers along with a charging station. All divers have their own storage area for dive equipment and there are fresh water showers on the back platform. Most dives are made from two zodiac tender boats with a short ride to dives sites.
EATING
Meals aboard the Atlantis are served in the upper deck dining room and feature food from hearty to light, such as “Mom’s soups”, homemade smoked bacon and ham omelettes, mixes from mild to spicy, small to giant beef burgers, fresh garden salads and muesli with yoghurt and fruit. Themed evening meals include ‘Filipino Delights’, the ‘Seafood Dinner, the ‘Carvery Night’, ‘Asian Fusion Cuisine’ and a ‘Best of Four’...
If you are peckish during the day between dive snacks include homemade cookies and cakes, fresh fruit and mouth watering ‘bites’. The complimentary open bar offers:
- Fresh Blended Juice, Calamansi (local citrus fruit) Juice, Lime Juice, Ice Tea,
- Coffee, Selection of Tea, Milk,
- Filtered drinking water, Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite,
- San Miguel Beer Pale Pilsner, San Miguel Beer Light
- Tanduay Rum (one of the best in the world)
The lunch selection varies between Mongolian Woks, Homemade Pastas and freshly made Panini to order.
THE CREW
The Azores' captain and crew are professionally licensed, as required by the law. Dive instructors and Divemasters are trained and certified by national certification agencies.
The crew conduct regular drills and rescue training.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Aluminum Monohull
- Length: 107 feet; Beam: 18 feet; Draft: 7 feet, 1 inch
- Cruising Speed: 10 knots
- Range: 2,500 nautical miles
- Year Built: 1989; Year Refit: 2000/2005
- Builder: Seacraft Shipyard, Amelia, Louisiana
- State Rooms: 8; Passengers: 16; Crew: (6+)
Safety - equipment includes:
- First Aid Kit
- Oxygen System with 100% Demand
- Defibrillator
- Automatic Fire Extinguishers & Fire Fighting Equipment
- 406 EPIRB – Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons on the mother boat and both zodiacs
- Life Rafts
- Life Jackets with lights and whistles for all passengers and crew
- Full complement of Safety and Rescue equipment.
Navigation and Communication
- Ray Marine E120 Chart-plotter
- 36 mile Color Radar
- Compass
- Video depth sounder
- GPS-Global Positioning System
- VHF radio
- Single Side Band Radio
- Weather facsimile
- Iridium Satellite Phone and computer station
- Internet and Cell Phone coverage possible on some trips
BOUTIQUE
Shop! The Azores Boutique sells some essential dive equipment such as signal tubes, whistles and flashlights, as well as t-shirts, caps and other souvenirs.
The MV Seadoors
Seadoors is a 25 metre, steel hull motor yacht with two 8m chase boats that accommodates 14-16 divers in 8 spacious and comfortable cabins.
Accommodation
The 6 Standard cabins and 2 Deluxe cabins are all equipped with remote controlled air conditioning units, charging outlets, spacious shelves/cabinets and have their own private bathroom (toilet, hot & cold shower, lavatory and mirror) with towels provided. 
Standard cabins have 1 queen size bed and 1 single bed while the 2 Deluxe cabins have 1 king size and 1 single bed. Each can accommodate 2-3 persons depends on requirements. Room service is available every day.
Saloon
Downstairs, the saloon offers a comfortable space with 2 L-shaped sofas and an entertainment area with remote controlled air conditioning unit, 
charging outlets (for batteries, phones, cameras, laptops, etc.), a 42" flat screen TV, DVD player, and surround sound system. A election of CDs, DVDs and books are also available.
In the front is a covered lounge area with U-shaped sofas and table, providing a relaxing and quiet place for reading books and taking a rest after dives.
Dining
At the stern area of the boat, upstairs, is an open space dining area with bar that gives you an uninterrupted view of the breathtaking panorama of the Islands while dining. It features a long, custom-made dining table seating up to 16 guests, refrigerator, water dispenser and sound system.
5 meals are served each day, buffet style, with unlimited fresh brewed coffee and tea. Fresh fruit shakes and juices are provided after each dive. All non alcoholic beverages are free of charge... Wine and Liquors are also available at the bar at guest’s own cost.
Sundeck
Just above our dining area is a spacious sundeck, with sun loungers, chairs and tables. This is a very relaxing area that allows guests to have a full view of the beautiful and breathtaking landscape of the region.
Dive Deck
Seadoors dive deck is at the lower stern area of the boat where guests each have their own shelf and cabinet for gear storage, and hangers for wetsuits. 2 outside showers are available to freshen up after dives, and two rinsing areas with fresh water for the cameras, regulators and other dive equipment.
Dive tanks are filled with air or Nitrox before each dive. Dive gear is available for rent for those guests who don't have their own, bookable in advance.
Dive Courses
CMAS and PADI Dive instruction is available on board. Please ask for more details.
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The SY Philippine Siren
Built on the Indonesian Island of Sulawesi, the 40 metre S/Y Philippine Siren is a traditional “gaft rigged Phinisi” handcrafted from ironwood and teak. The sister ship to the SY Siren, she operates for part of the year in Indonesia and part in the Philippines - a very welcome addition to the fleet in the Philippines.
Built by divers for divers, the Philippine Siren is a large boat offering spacious cabins that are can be used as doubles or twins. The expansive dive deck is well equipped for underwater photographers and videographers with designated areas for charging and preparation of camera and video equipment.
You will find no other dive liveaboard as beautiful in Philippine waters, and being that she was and not adapted from being a second hand research vessel, the choice is clear.
The S/Y Philippine Siren accommodates up to 16 guests aboard each trip. This ensures abundant space for all guests.
Features of the S/Y Philippine Siren include:
7 sails- An expansive leisure deck area
- A spacious air-conditioned saloon with cocktail bar, 42 inch flatscreen & computer server supporting the inter-cabin network
- covered outdoor dining area
8 large air-conditioned cabins each with their own personal computer, audio-visual entertainment system and ensuite bathrooms with hot water. All rooms are lavished with luxury extra’s including bathrobes, hair dryers, towels, individually controlled mood lighting and individual controls for your air-conditioning unit.
Laundry Service- Massage Service
- Yacht Boutique, offering merchandise such as towels, hats, log books, t-shirts, shorts and lighters just to name a few items
- Enriched Air Nitrox is free for all certified Nirox divers. If you are not a certified Nitrox diver all our instructors can certainly teach you the Enriched Air Specialty
- 2 high-powered Zodiacs accompany the S/Y Philippine Siren
- Kayaks
Specialized features for Underwater Photographers & Videographers include:
- Each cabin is fitted with an individual computer and multiple power sources to facilitate the needs of digital photography. The computer features high end specifications and 20” high definition flatscreens, which are integrated with the yachts network server in the saloon.
- Workstations for the preparation and maintenance of cameras including prep and storage areas
- Large rinse tanks with fresh water solely for cameras and videos.
S/Y Philippine Siren - Yacht Safety:
The S/Y Philippine Siren has been designed and constructed based upon Lloyds Standards, the leading international body of maritime safety standards. The crew has been specially trained in all aspects of safety, emergency and evacuation procedures. The yacht is equipped with the latest safety features including Life Rafts, Life Jackets, Fire Extinguishers, Smoke Alarms, Emergency Long Distance Radios, and Satellite Phones.
