Tubbataha Reefs Liveaboard

mid-March to mid-June only

A UNESCO World Heritage marine park 150km out in the Sulu Sea, reachable only by liveaboard from Puerto Princesa and only for three months a year, when the monsoon backs off. The reef holds close to 90% of all Philippine coral species and a sheer 100m wall; grey reef sharks turn up on nearly every dive, whitetips stack a dozen deep on the sand at Shark Airport, and mantas cruise the April–May plankton. Local's tip: the season runs mid-March to mid-June only and berths sell out 9–12 months ahead, so book early — and budget the park conservation fee (around US$145 per diver, paid in Puerto Princesa) on top of the boat.

Source: tubbatahareefs.org