For over 30 years, the Tubbataha atolls, isolated in the Sulu Sea, have been a true sanctuary. This marine reserve, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is swept by nutrient-rich currents, nourishing exceptional biodiversity and vibrant coral reefs. This model of strict conservation offers a privileged few the opportunity to explore a preserved gem.
Immersion into a Unique Marine Landscape
Located in the Sulu Sea, between the Philippines and Malaysia, nearly 150 km east of Palawan, the Tubbataha atolls offer a stunning spectacle. The sunrise ignites the horizon, transforming the sea into a mirror with infinite reflections. The atolls, barely visible, appear as azure ribbons fading into the horizon. After about ten hours of navigation from the humid warmth of Puerto Princesa, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park reveals its mystery.
These atolls, unique to the Philippines, include the North Atoll (16 km by 5), the South Atoll (5 km by 3), and the Jessie Beazley Reef. They originated from the activity of extinct underwater volcanoes of the Cagayan chain. In the Sama language, spoken in the southern Philippines, « Tubbataha » means « a long reef exposed at low tide. »
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