Jessie Beazley Reef - Tubbataha Reef

Jessie Beazley Reef sits a little detached from Tubbataha’s main atolls, often an early stop or a final goodbye on the way to or from Puerto Princesa. It’s a distinctive mushroom-shaped reef, the top of it just 7 meters from the surface before it drops off past 50 meters. We’ve had some cracking dives here, particularly around the North and South ends when conditions are calm. You can expect good schools of barracuda circling, and we’ve often spotted Spanish mackerel zipping past, along with the occasional Napoleon wrasse cruising the reef edge. It’s a solid dive for those who appreciate open water pelagics and a decent wall.

Location
Tubbataha Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
9.200000, 119.900000
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Tubbataha Reefs

Nearby Dive Sites in Tubbataha Reef

Nearest Dive Centres to Jessie Beazley Reef

Marine Life in Tubbataha Reef

Home to 480 recorded species including 412 reef fish, 20 sharks & rays, 18 hard corals, 12 whales & dolphins, 5 other, 4 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Jessie Beazley Reef?
At Jessie Beazley Reef, the mushroom-shaped reef begins as shallow as 7m from the surface. It then dramatically drops to depths exceeding 50m, offering a diverse range of profiles for divers. This allows for both shallower exploratory dives and deeper excursions depending on certification and experience.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Jessie Beazley Reef?
Divers visiting Jessie Beazley Reef can anticipate encountering impressive pelagic species such as Barracuda and Spanish mackerel. While the full list is extensive, these are common sightings in the area. As an emergent coral cay, the reef itself promises vibrant coral formations, providing a rich habitat for diverse marine life, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Jessie Beazley Reef, considering currents and conditions?
Diving at Jessie Beazley Reef is rated as intermediate difficulty, indicating that divers should have some experience beyond entry-level. While specific current details are not provided, the recommendation to dive 'when conditions are calm' suggests that currents can be present and may influence dive planning. Divers should be prepared for potentially dynamic conditions, making it an exciting challenge for those with appropriate training.
What is the best time of year to dive at Jessie Beazley Reef?
The provided data for Jessie Beazley Reef does not specify a particular best time of year for diving. However, Tubbataha Reef, the sub-region where Jessie Beazley Reef is located, typically has a well-defined diving season due to weather patterns. For general guidance on optimal diving periods in the region, please consult our when to dive resource.
What diving certifications are required or recommended for Jessie Beazley Reef?
Given the 'intermediate' difficulty rating for Jessie Beazley Reef, divers are typically recommended to hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This level of training is beneficial for managing potential currents and exploring the reef's full depth range, which extends beyond 50m. Always dive within your certification limits and comfort zone.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at Jessie Beazley Reef?
While specific details on current strength and visibility are not explicitly provided for Jessie Beazley Reef, the description notes that diving is best 'when conditions are calm.' This suggests that currents can be present and may vary, requiring divers to be prepared for dynamic water movement. Visibility, though not detailed, is generally excellent in the Tubbataha Reef area, but local conditions can always influence it.