The Tubbataha Reef

The Tubbataha Reefs in the Sulu Sea, is considered the World's richest bio-geographic area. It was declared the Philippines' first national marine park in 1988 and contains what is believed to be the World's largest grouping of marine life, per unit area. More than 300 coral species and over 40 families & 379 species of fish have been recorded in the area of the Tubbataha Reefs. Among the species identified in the area are manta rays, sea turtles, sharks, tuna, dolphins and jacks. In 1993, UNESCO listed Tubbataha Reefs as a World Heritage Site. The nearest airport to the Tubbataha Reefs is at Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The Tubbataha Reef is about 33,200 hectares and lies in the middle of the Sulu sea, southeast of Puerto Princesca, the capital city of Palawan island. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. The park is an underwater sanctuary where nature thrives. Tubbataha is the Philippines' only marine natural park and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place of global importance being preserved for future generations of humankind.