FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. • How do you get to Tubbataha? Most scuba divers go by booking on “liveaboards”. They need to fly to Puerto Princesa, the jump-off point to Tubbataha and take a 10-12-hour travel by sea to Tubbataha. Most of the operators arrange all the transfers needed for their guests. They may inquire from their preferred boat operators if all transfer requirements are included in the package
2.  
   • Who arranges trips to the park? The dive operators, who have permits to conduct tourism operations in Tubbataha, arrange and sell trips to Tubbataha. The Tubbataha Management Office issues entry permits to all entrants to the park.
3.  
   • What are the requirements for private groups or individuals who want to organize their own trips to Tubbataha? Please check our boat permitting requirements before applying to TMO.
4.  
   • Where can you stay in Tubbataha? All trips to Tubbataha are on liveaboard trips as there are no facilities. This means that tourists will stay on the yacht/boat throughout their stay in the park.
5.  
   • How much does a dive package cost? Most people visit Tubbataha by booking on “liveaboard” dive boats as early as a year in advance. Costs vary by dive boat and number of diving days but range from US$1000 to over US$4000. Please contact the liveaboards on our link for more details.
6.  
   • How long can we stay? Commercial dive tours can stay for 5 to 7 days, or longer (inclusive of travel time) as long as it is clearly stated in the entry permit. Private boats and non-commercial trips, however, are limited to seven days only.
7.  
   • What other activities can be done in the park aside from diving? Most of the dive operators’ itineraries are packed with diving activities as this is their main product. Non-divers can do snorkeling. Bird watching is a new product that is currently being developed.
8.  
   • Are there dive courses offered? There are some dive boat operators who offer diving courses. Please inquire from your preferred dive operator.
9.  
   • We want to raise funds for Tubbataha. What are the things we need to know when doing fundraising as an org/group? Please send us an email entailing the objectives and nature of the fundraising activity you wish to conduct. The TMO will closely communicate with you regarding your proposed activity.
10.  
    • Who manages Tubbataha? Tubbataha is managed by the TPAMB, while day-to-day operations are handled by the TMO.
11.  
    • Who owns Tubbataha? Tubataha is not owned by a single person or private organization. It belongs to every Filipino and is a common heritage for humanity. It is, therefore, our duty to conserve it for the benefit of the present and future generations.
12.  
    • Can I do volunteer work in the park? Opportunities for volunteer work are mostly related to research and awareness campaigns and are not regular. It will depend on the activities and availability of funding for certain programs. Opportunities will be posted on the web and other social media but interested parties can submit their application online for future reference.
13.  
    • I want to do a research study in Tubbataha. What should I do? You will need to write a letter addressed to the TPAMB stating your purpose. Check the procedure for securing a research/study permit in the IRR.