Located in the Philippines’ Sulu Sea, the Tubbataha Reef became a protected marine park on August 11th, 1988. This 968 km² sanctuary was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in December 1993. In the Sama language, Tubbataha means “a long reef exposed at low tide,” referring to its two large atolls, each featuring a tiny islet at its center.
Its extreme isolation—situated 181 km from Puerto Princesa—has been its greatest protection. These two minute islands, rising no more than two meters above sea level, host an incredible abundance of life. Underwater, explorers can encounter over a thousand species of fish, from the tiny anthias to the majestic whale shark, all thriving within pristine coral gardens.
Location of the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park
Juvenile Redfin hogfish (Bodianus dictynna) surrounded by Anthias
School of Bigeye trevally (Caranx sexfasciatus) and Subergorgia sp coral
Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)
Reaching up to 20 meters in length and weighing 34 tons, the whale shark is the largest fish on Earth. Harmless to humans, it feeds exclusively on plankton and can live up to 150 years.
Yellow feather star
A member of the crinoid class, the feather star uses its cirrhes (articulated claw-like fingers) to crawl and cling to objects. Most species are sedentary and only move if forced.
Barrel sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria)
This animal can filter up to 200 liters of water daily and live for millennia. Some specimens in the Southern Ocean are estimated to be 23,000 years old.
This assembly of various coral species provides shelter for numerous anthias and glass fish
Longfin bannerfish (Heniochus acuminatus)
Adults live in pairs and feed on zooplankton. Solitary juveniles often act as cleaners for other fish.
Coral garden
Green turtle (Chelonia mydas)
The fastest of all sea turtles, it can reach 35 km/h. Large specimens can weigh up to 300 kg with a 1.5-meter shell.
Coral
Group of Many-spotted sweetlips (Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides)
Giant moray (Gymnothorax javanicus)
This predator can reach 3 meters in length. At night, it leaves its lair to hunt fish and crustaceans.
Blue-spotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma)
It excavates sandy bottoms in search of mollusks and crabs, trapping them with its flat body before feeding.
Green turtle (Chelonia mydas)
While juveniles are carnivorous, mature green turtles are exclusively herbivorous, feeding on seagrass—a diet that distinguishes them from other sea turtles.
Devil ray (Mobula sp.)
Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans)
Corals
Corals assembly
Subergorgia sp coral
Depressed spider crab (Xenocarcinus depressus)
This 15mm crab lives within gorgonians. This night shot shows the polyps extended to gather nutrients from the current.
School of Bigeye trevally (Caranx sexfasciatus)
Yellowfin surgeonfish (Acanthurus xanthopterus)
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