May-30-2026
Itinerary: Tubbataha Reef
Overall Conditions:
Water Temperature: 80 F (27 C) to 84 F (29 C)
Guests:
Jintong, Calvin, EZ, Kate, Gabby, Andy, Zach, Diane, Tique, Matt, Dominika, Kevin, Diana, Tony, Zina, Taylor, Steve, Allen, Katie, Micky, Mai, Brian, Mailee, Julia, and Jrock
Staff:
Captain Dennis
Cruise Director Moustafa
Chief Mate Neil
Skiff Driver Jamesray
Skiff Driver Paulo
Engineer Warlito
Engineer Marwin
Oiler Gervie
Electrician Jonathan
Oiler Rogelio
Chef Moemen
Chef Ronie
Steward Hanzel
Steward Riza
Steward Jonathan
Dive Guide Juffrey
Dive Guide Ranz
Dive Guide Carl
Dive Guide Jayrald
Video Pro Norman
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Saturday
The week began with excitement as guests came aboard and settled in, ready for a world-class adventure in one of the ocean's most celebrated marine sanctuaries. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was waiting just below the surface.
Sunday
Our first day underwater started with a checkout dive at Shark Airport, and Tubbataha wasted no time showing off. Schools of snappers hovered above vibrant coral formations while hawksbill and green sea turtles moved effortlessly through the current. In the open water beyond the reef, tuna made swift passes and reef sharks patrolled the deeper sections, giving everyone their first unforgettable taste of this legendary marine park.
The second dive took us to Seafan Alley, an underwater landscape lined with giant sea fans swaying in the current. Octopuses tucked into rocky crevices while snappers and turtles continued to make appearances. The highlight came when a silvertip shark emerged from the blue and glided gracefully along the reef edge before fading back into the depths.
We wrapped up the day at Terraces, where layers of coral formations created the perfect home for countless reef residents. Schools of jacks moved across the wall while triggerfish defended their territories with attitude. A lobster tucked beneath a coral ledge rewarded the most observant divers, closing out our first full day on a high note.
Monday
The morning opened with a thrilling drift dive along Delsan Crack. Barracuda and jacks formed impressive schools that stretched endlessly through the water column. Turtles rested calmly on the reef while sharks patrolled the deeper sections, creating a perfect mix of serenity and excitement.
At Delsan Reef, the underwater world exploded with color and activity. Barracuda continued to dominate the scene while turtles glided between coral outcrops. A closer look revealed several colorful nudibranchs scattered across the reef, proving that Tubbataha's magic runs from the largest predators all the way down to the smallest creatures.
Triggerfish City lived up to its name in every way. Triggerfish darted across the reef, guarding nests and defending their ground. Barracuda cruised along the reef edge while a perfectly camouflaged flounder disappeared into the sandy bottom. Turtles and reef fish of every kind completed another spectacular dive.
The final dive of the day showcased expansive staghorn coral fields teeming with life. Batfish hovered gracefully above the reef while giant trevallies hunted through schools of smaller fish. As the afternoon light filtered down through the water, the reef came alive with movement and color.
Tuesday
Black Rock immediately reminded us why it ranks among Tubbataha's most celebrated dive sites. Sharks patrolled the reef edge while fusiliers streamed overhead in seemingly endless numbers. Sweetlips, barracuda, and turtles were everywhere, creating a scene that perfectly captured the abundance of this protected marine sanctuary.
The historic T-Wreck offered a fascinating mix of shallow reef and thriving marine life along the wall. An eagle ray glided effortlessly over the site while sharks cruised nearby. Exploring the dramatic wall revealed lobsters, eels, and colorful nudibranchs hiding in the crevices, waiting to be discovered.
Ko-ok West presented a healthy reef ecosystem buzzing with activity. Reef fish darted between coral heads while triggerfish filled every open space. Sharks held a constant presence along the drop-off, and nudibranchs added vibrant bursts of color across the wall.
Returning to Black Rock rewarded us with even more spectacular encounters. Large schools of fusiliers streamed past as a magnificent Napoleon wrasse cruised the reef. Turtles and sharks continued to put on a show, delivering an unforgettable end to another incredible day.
Wednesday
Wednesday became the day everyone would talk about for years. Washing Machine delivered strong currents, schools of batfish and sweetlips, and a silvertip shark patrolling the reef. Then came the moment divers dream of — a majestic tiger shark appeared out of the blue. Calm, powerful, and breathtaking, it instantly became the defining encounter of the trip.
The energy carried straight into Shark Airport, where schools of barracuda and jacks swirled around the reef. Surgeonfish and snappers occupied the shallower sections, while an octopus offered a fantastic macro subject amid all the larger fish action.
The afternoon turned to macro photography at Ranger Station 2. Tiny pygmy seahorses clung to sea fans while leaf fish blended seamlessly into the wall. Nudibranchs decorated the coral in every direction, and sharks passing in the distance were a gentle reminder that Tubbataha always keeps something in reserve.
The final dive of the day felt like a treasure hunt. Garden eels swayed from their burrows while octopuses explored the reef. More pygmy seahorses and colorful nudibranchs completed a dive that highlighted the extraordinary diversity hidden in the reef's smallest corners.
Thursday
Amos Rock greeted us with healthy coral formations and giant clams embedded in the reef top. Schools of snappers moved through the current while tuna patrolled the open water. An elegant eagle ray glided along the deep wall, adding a magical start to the morning.
The wreck site at Malayan Wreck proved to be a haven for macro life. A ribbon eel emerged from its burrow while pygmy seahorses hid among sea fans. Groupers and sweetlips occupied the structure, and colorful nudibranchs appeared at nearly every turn.
The remote Jessie Beazley Reef delivered classic open-water action at its finest. Sharks cruised along the drop-off while schools of jacks and barracuda moved in perfect synchronized formations. Tuna darted through the blue, creating constant excitement for everyone in the water.
Our final dive at Jessie Beazley brought one of the rarest highlights of the entire trip. Alongside turtles and an octopus, a magnificent sailfish appeared in the open water. Moments later, a fast-moving wahoo streaked past, leaving the whole group in awe. It was the kind of dive you never forget.
Friday
The last full day of diving shifted toward the smaller wonders at Red Cliff. Seahorses clung to their coral hosts while ghost pipefish drifted along the sandy slope. Colorful nudibranchs decorated every coral patch, and a flamboyant cuttlefish stole the show with its shifting colors and mesmerizing movements. An inquisitive octopus rounded out a perfect dive.
For the final dive of the trip, Red Cliff gave us one last chance to appreciate its incredible variety of life. Seahorses, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, octopuses, and another flamboyant cuttlefish all made appearances, wrapping up a journey that had delivered everything from tiger sharks and sailfish to the ocean's most fascinating small creatures. As we surfaced for the last time, we carried with us memories of a truly world-class destination.
Thank you for joining us in Tubbataha for this incredible adventure. Over six days and 22 dives, this UNESCO World Heritage Site delivered everything a diver could dream of — sharks, rays, sailfish, turtles, massive schools of fish, pygmy seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, and some of the healthiest coral reefs on the planet. From the heart-stopping encounter with a tiger shark at Washing Machine to the delicate beauty of the reef's macro life, every dive revealed a new chapter of one of the world's finest diving destinations.
We hope these memories stay with you for a lifetime, and we look forward to welcoming you back beneath the surface again soon.



















