Where do we fly in to?

Puerto Princesa, Palawan is the embarkation port for Tubbataha Reefs diving. Puerto Princesa has a good airport with regular flights from Manila, Cebu, and other Philippine cities.

Do you recommend a hotel in Puerto Princesa?

We do not have any special arrangements with hotels in Puerto Princessa.

What is the embarkation time for trips?

We send a van to pickup our guests at their hotel or the airport between 2:00 and 4:00 pm on the departure day. There is a Coast Guard and Safety briefing on the ship, and the M/Y Dolphin leaves port at 6:00 - 7:00 pm headed for the Tubbataha Reefs. We arrive on our first dive sit at 6:00 - 7:00 am the next morning.

What is the disembarkation time for trips?

The M/Y Dolphin arrives into Puerto Princesa between 6:00 - 7:00 am on the final day of the trip.

What is the Tubbataha Reefs diving season?

Diving is typically done at the Tubbataha Reefs from March - June each year. These months are not in the typhoon season with the most favorable weather and ocean currents.

Can you provide gluten-free meals?

Yes, please let our booking staff know about your dietary needs.

Are alcoholic drinks available on board?

Alcoholic drinks are available and affordable on the M/Y Dolphin. Beer, wine, and mixed drinks are available at the bar in the dining room. VIP rooms have a stocked mini bar. The bar is only open for drinks after the day's dives are completed.

Do you offer group discounts?

Yes. Please contact us for details and opportunities. We work with agents and many dive clubs to offer great opportunities with the most amazing diving you can imagine.

Do you offer a payment plan?

Yes. We do not offer financing, but we can setup an advance installment payment plan. Your booking will be confirmed and secure while your installment plan is in place.

Are there discounts for non-divers?

Yes. Non-diving passengers enjoy all the amenities and services of the Dolphin and are discounted 20% from the full fare.

What is your cancellation policy?

Trips may be canceled or cut short for safety reasons by order of the Philippine Coast Guard or the M/Y Dolphin Captain. We STRONGLY encourage passengers to purchase travel insurance to cover in these circumstances.

What if my trip is canceled due to bad weather or other reasons?

If your trip is canceled due to malfunction or problems with the M/Y Dolphin, we will issue you a full refund.

Are there storms in March - June?

March - June is the Summer or "Dry" season in the Philippines. During these months occasional squalls and weather systems may move through an area--generally in the afternoons. We intentionally avoid diving Tubbataha Reefs during the Typhoon season which begins in July.

What is the daily weather like?

Expect calm cool mornings and a beautiful sunrise. It's hot in the direct sun and you will be glad to get under the water. In the afternoon breezes and thunderstorms may come up. Weather changes, and occasionally a squall will pass through.

How big are the waves?

When there is not a storm, the ocean is calm with 1-2 ft waves. Waves can increase when there is prevailing wind or storms. There are also times when the water is almost completely smooth.

What are your luggage limits?

We do not limit the luggage you bring on board and our cabins are spacious.

What about safety?

The M/Y Dolphin crew is experienced and ensures marine safety measures are in place. Some of our staff also have medical training and qualifications. The M/Y Dolphin is equipped with oxygen and other diving specific emergency supplies.

Where is the nearest decompression chamber?

There is a hyperbaric chamber at hospital of Palawan in Puerto Princesa City.

Is medical evacuation possible from Tubbataha Reefs?

Helicopter evacuation may be available--there are a very limited number of operating helicopters in the area. Evacuation options also include speed boats and the M/Y Dolphin itself.

Is there safe drinking water on the M/Y Dolphin?

Filtered drinking water is provided at multiple locations throughout the M/Y Dolphin.

Is there medical staff on the M/Y Dolphin?

Yes. Several of our staff have medical training, emergency training, and know what to do in diving related and other emergencies.

Are there safety brifings before each dive?

Before each dive there is a safety and dive planning briefing. The briefings are mandatory for all participating divers.

How many dive guides are on the M/Y Dolphin?

Typically there are three dive guides or divemasters on a trip.

How is my dive gear handled?

Our staff takes care of your BCD, Regulator, and other equipment.

Can we rent gear like wetsuits and BCD's in Puerto Princesa?

Rental gear is available on the M/Y Dolphin. Be sure to let our booking staff know your rental needs to we can be certain to have the right gear on board.

Do you have underwater photography equipment for rent?

We have a GoPro Hero 11 and a Canon G4 with housing available to rent.

Is this a good trip for new divers?

Tubbataha Reef is regarded as advanced diving. The National Park requires all divers to have at least 50 logged dives.

Is it required to have Advanced certification?

Advanced certification is highly recommended. Tubbataha Reef is very remote and for your safety and that of the group we encourage our divers to know their limits and not exceed them.

Is there a dive instructor on board to provide certifications?

Our divemasters are also dive instructors. Please let us know in advance about your dive instruction needs so we can plan accordingly.

Do I need to bring my own dive computer?

Yes, all divers are required to have a dive computer.

How is the daily diving organized?

Our trips usually have 18 divers who are divided into three groups with a divemaster. The first dive is usually at 7 am. There are typically 4 dives in the day with the last dive finishing just before sunset.

Are there land excursions at Tubbataha Reef?

No. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park does not land-based activities. Al sandbars are protected nesting areas for the seabirds that inhabit the park.

How many dives are scheduled each day?

Four dives per day.

Do you offer TEC dives at Tubbataha Reefs?

No. Our diving is organized around the paramaters of Advanced Open Water recreational diving.

Do you offer rebreather diving?

No. Our operation is not setup to accomodate rebreather diving.

Is Nitrox available on the M/Y Dolphin?

Yes. We offer a Nitrox package for $120

Are there night dives on the trip?

No. We limit our dive activities to the four daylight dives.

Is there a dedicated camera room?

No. Your cabin will be very close at hand where you can charge gear and process pictures. Each cabin has a flat-screen TV as well.