Conditions: current and blue-water ascents are common. Stay close to the reef when appropriate, but never touch coral.
Carry an SMB and know how to deploy it from depth.
Use nitrox if trained to reduce repetitive-dive stress, but still dive within no-decompression limits.
The park is remote. Small problems can compound quickly, so dive conservatively and communicate early with guides.

For serious dive injuries, coordination typically runs through your liveaboard crew plus DAN emergency support.
Puerto Princesa is reported to have access to a hyperbaric chamber at Ospital ng Palawan. Always call ahead and follow medical direction.
Because evacuation from Tubbataha can take many hours, carry insurance that covers evacuation and chamber treatment, not just trip cancellation.

Many Tubbataha sites are wall drifts and the reef can drop quickly into deep water. Carry an SMB, stay close to your buddy, and end the dive with a controlled ascent.

Conditions: current and blue-water ascents are common. Stay close to the reef when appropriate, but never touch coral.
Carry an SMB and know how to deploy it from depth.
Use nitrox if trained to reduce repetitive-dive stress, but still dive within no-decompression limits.
The park is remote. Small problems can compound quickly, so dive conservatively and communicate early with guides.

For serious dive injuries, coordination typically runs through your liveaboard crew plus DAN emergency support.
Puerto Princesa is reported to have access to a hyperbaric chamber at Ospital ng Palawan. Always call ahead and follow medical direction.
Because evacuation from Tubbataha can take many hours, carry insurance that covers evacuation and chamber treatment, not just trip cancellation.

Many Tubbataha sites are wall drifts and the reef can drop quickly into deep water. Carry an SMB, stay close to your buddy, and end the dive with a controlled ascent.

Tubbataha is far offshore. Treat every dive as if help is hours away: conservative profiles, strong surface signaling, and a clear emergency plan with the boat crew.

Triggerfish can defend nests aggressively. If one charges, keep the animal in sight and swim away horizontally rather than straight up through its territory cone.

Bring a refillable bottle and avoid packing disposable cups, straws, or cutlery. Enforcement can include fines and penalties for repeat offenders.

Tubbataha is a no-take marine protected area with active enforcement. Visitor-facing rules include:

No fishing, collecting, or removing anything from the park.
No touching, feeding, or chasing marine life.
No gloves, and avoid gear used to point, prod, or strike tanks for attention.
Do not land on the islets or enter restricted areas without ranger clearance.
A single-use plastics ban applies to vessels operating in the park. Pack reusables and manage trash carefully.

Your choices on the boat matter. Shorten showers, minimize freshwater rinsing, and secure all loose items so nothing becomes marine debris.

Contact	Role	Phone	Availability
Philippines Emergency Hotline	National emergency line	911	24/7
Tubbataha Management Office	Park management and visitor coordination	+63 917 553 0909	Office hours; rangers operate in-season
DAN Emergency Hotline (Philippines)	Dive medical advice and coordination	02-8231-3601	24/7
Ospital ng Palawan	Hospital and hyperbaric support (call ahead)	(048) 434-8339	Call for current availability
Philippine Coast Guard Operations	Maritime emergency coordination	+63 2 527 3870	24/7

Puerto Princesa + Tubbataha Gateway (Palawan)

Safety And Conservation

Top Risks

Dive safety

Snorkel and freedive safety

Safety And Conservation

Top Risks

Dive safety

Snorkel and freedive safety

Wildlife and protected areas

Emergency contacts