Puerto Princesa And Tubbataha Gateway Palawan Philippines

• 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.

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.