South Atoll - Tubbataha Reef

Ignore the Delsan Wreck name; there’s barely a trace of a boat here. What South Atoll really delivers is a serious predator parade. We’ve finned alongside dogtooth tuna, watched great barracuda eyeball us, and seen giant trevally cruise past. Keep an eye out for white-tip reef sharks, and if you’re lucky, a hammerhead or even a tiger shark might make an appearance. There's also "The Cut," a massive crack in the reef where gangs of grey reef sharks often hang out. This spot is definitely for divers who want to see the ocean's top predators in action.

Location
Tubbataha Reef, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
8.800000, 119.800000

Marine Protected Area: Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park

Nearby Dive Sites in Tubbataha Reef

Nearest Dive Centres to South 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 dive depths encountered at South Ari Atoll dive sites?
The provided data describes the 'South Atoll' dive site in Tubbataha Reef, Philippines, not South Ari Atoll. For the South Atoll site in Tubbataha, the typical dive depths are listed as Unknown. Therefore, we cannot provide specific depth information for South Ari Atoll based on the given context.
What kind of marine life, especially large pelagics like whale sharks and manta rays, can divers expect to see in South Ari Atoll?
The provided data describes the 'South Atoll' dive site in Tubbataha Reef, Philippines, not South Ari Atoll. At the South Atoll site, divers can expect to see a "Predator Parade" including dog-toothed tuna, great barracuda, giant trevally, white tip sharks, hammerheads, and tiger sharks. However, this information pertains to Tubbataha Reef, and the data does not mention whale sharks or manta rays for this location, nor does it provide marine life details for South Ari Atoll. For more general marine life information, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive sites in South Ari Atoll, and are they suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The provided data describes the 'South Atoll' dive site in Tubbataha Reef, Philippines, not South Ari Atoll. The South Atoll site in Tubbataha is classified with an intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers with some experience, but this rating is specific to Tubbataha Reef and not South Ari Atoll.
What is the best time of year to dive in South Ari Atoll for optimal weather and marine life encounters?
The provided data describes the 'South Atoll' dive site in Tubbataha Reef, Philippines, not South Ari Atoll. The context does not contain any information regarding the best time of year to dive for optimal weather or marine life encounters for either Tubbataha Reef or South Ari Atoll. For general guidance on dive seasons, please consult our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving in South Ari Atoll?
The provided data describes the 'South Atoll' dive site in Tubbataha Reef, Philippines, not South Ari Atoll. The context does not specify any required or recommended scuba diving certifications for the South Atoll site in Tubbataha, nor for South Ari Atoll. Divers should always ensure they have appropriate certification for the conditions and depth of their chosen dive.
What are the typical current conditions and underwater visibility like when diving in South Ari Atoll?
The provided data describes the 'South Atoll' dive site in Tubbataha Reef, Philippines, not South Ari Atoll. The context does not contain any information regarding typical current conditions or underwater visibility for the South Atoll site in Tubbataha, nor for South Ari Atoll. Divers should always check local conditions before planning their dives.