North Atoll - Tubbataha Reef

North Atoll, often called Shark Airport, feels like a privileged peek behind the scenes of a marine metropolis. We've often found ourselves drifting past multiple whitetip reef sharks, snoozing on the shallow plateau, looking for all the world like planes lined up on a tarmac. The current here usually means a nice, easy drift along a healthy coral slope, keeping an eye out for grey reef sharks cruising by, or maybe even a sleepy nurse shark tucked under a ledge. It's a relaxed dive, usually no deeper than 12 metres, and pretty much perfect for anyone who appreciates seeing sharks in their natural, unbothered state.

Location
Tubbataha Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
9.000000, 120.000000

Marine Protected Area: Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park

Nearby Dive Sites in Tubbataha Reef

Nearest Dive Centres to North Atoll

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 are the typical diving depths and maximum depths for recreational divers in North Atoll?
The specific typical and maximum diving depths for recreational divers in North Atoll are not provided in the current data. However, as a famous reef dive, it is known for its healthy shallow plateau where white tip sharks are commonly seen.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see when diving in North Atoll?
Divers at North Atoll can expect to see an impressive array of sharks, earning it the name 'Shark Airport'. The site is famous for multiple white tip sharks resting on a healthy shallow plateau, resembling planes lined up. Other shark species frequently encountered include grey reef sharks, nurse sharks, silky sharks, and potentially even whale sharks and guitar sharks, making it a premier wildlife encounter.
How challenging is the diving in North Atoll, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
North Atoll is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive site. Due to the normal presence of current, dives here are typically conducted as drift dives, which requires some experience. While not suitable for absolute beginners, it is well-suited for divers with intermediate experience looking for exciting Tubbataha Reef encounters.
What is the best time of year to dive in North Atoll for optimal conditions and marine life encounters?
The provided data for North Atoll does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life encounters. For general information on seasonal diving, you may consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are generally required or recommended for diving in North Atoll, especially for channel dives?
The provided information for North Atoll does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required or recommended. However, given its intermediate difficulty and common drift diving conditions, divers should possess appropriate experience and certification for such dives.
What are the typical current strengths and underwater visibility conditions like in North Atoll?
At North Atoll, divers can typically expect some current to be present, necessitating drift diving. This current contributes to the dynamic nature of the site, known as 'Shark Airport'. Information regarding specific underwater visibility conditions for this site is not available in the current data.