Tubbataha Liveaboard Review: Stella Maris – A Tale Of Two Reefs

Liveaboard diving in Tubbataha Reef is a bucket-list experience, so Kevin and I were excited for the 8-day, 7-night liveaboard trip aboard the Stella Maris Explorer in March 2025. This transition trip took us from Anilao to Puerto Princesa, offering a mix of destinations, planning to hit Apo Reef, Cambari Island, and the renowned Tubbataha Reef. While the trip had its highlights, it wasn’t without its challenges. Here’s my detailed review.

Unfortunately, the weather delayed our arrival at Tubbataha, and we lost nearly two days of diving. However, we managed two dives at Apo Reef, which turned out to be an unexpected highlight. This experience highlights the unpredictable nature of liveaboard trips, especially those involving open-sea crossings.

Food: EXCEPTIONAL (4.5/5)

The food on the Stella Maris Explorer was exceptional. The chefs put a lot of effort into creating a delicious menu, employing various cooking techniques (some of which are time-consuming and elaborate!) to ensure a delightful variety of dishes each day. We never had the same meal twice!. Snacks were always available. From lambs and mangos to a surprise sushi dinner, every meal was thoughtfully prepared. Every meal is a delightful adventure on its own.

Diving: A Tale of Two Reefs (3.5/5)

Tubbataha Reef is famous for its healthy coral and biodiversity, and the reefs we visited in Tubbataha were indeed stunning and well-preserved. However, I found the dive sites a bit repetitive, as most were wall dives with limited variety. While we saw quite a few sharks, large schools of fish were rare. Interestingly, I found myself preferring the two dives we had at Apo Reef. A lot more varieties of corals, geography, and marine life than expected.

>> Read more: Official UNESCO website of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Dive briefings were clear and comprehensive, complete with detailed maps of each site. We encountered moderate currents at some locations, but no up or down currents. The dive crew provided excellent surface support, diligently rinsing wetsuits after each dive and, I believe, hosing down all equipment at the end of the day.

Safety Concerns: Areas for Improvement (2.5/5)

Safety was a concern during the trip. While the crew gave a brief initial safety orientation, covering life vests, smoke detectors, and emergency O2. However, there was no walkthrough of the boat, nor a demonstration of how to use the life vests or the location of emergency exits and procedures.

>> Read more: Liveaboard safety from Divemagazine.com

During one particularly turbulent night, the shelf and a fire extinguisher in our upper deck cabin fell from the wall and slid around the room. We later learned that other guests experienced similar issues, with some even reporting their beds sliding. While the crew promptly fixed the issues the following day, these incidents should have been preventable with better securing of fixtures. Similarly, the tables in the salon moved during rough seas

However, the dive deck was small, and space often ran out, forcing divers to change in the saloon or their rooms. Diving was conducted from tenders with the crew managing gear and tank swaps.

The entry and exit to the dive tenders from the main boat felt quite precarious, involving a very narrow staircase at the side of the vessel. This could pose a risk, especially in choppy conditions. Additionally, the practice of swapping tanks on the dive tenders meant that it was inconvenient for the guests to analyze their own tanks. Most guests end up trusting the crew to do it for them.

Cabin Comfort: Basic but Functional (3/5)

We stayed in an upper deck room, which was basic but functional, with windows and hot showers. On the plus side, the room was cleaned daily, and our luggage fit neatly under the bunk bed to make more room. However, I didn’t enjoy the satin sheets provided, and there weren’t enough handrails in the room or bathroom, making it tricky to move around in rough seas.

Crew: Friendly and Engaging (4/5)

The crew was one of the highlights of the trip. They were friendly, professional, and did their best to keep guests comfortable, informed, and entertained during the weather delay. Most of the crew spoke excellent English and were attentive to our needs, both in and out of the water. I believe they are all local, which is also a plus. Their efforts to make the best of the situation during the unexpected downtime were appreciated

Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag of Experiences

My Tubbataha liveaboard experience aboard the Stella Maris Explorer was a blend of highs and lows. Unfortunately, the weather and visibility didn’t show up for us, and the lack of dive site variety and the underwhelming pelagic encounters (at least during our trip) left me slightly disappointed. That said, I’d consider revisiting Apo Reef, as these sites offered better diving experiences for me personally with an affordable price range.

If you’re planning a liveaboard trip to Tubbataha, be prepared for the challenges of rough weather and limited variety in the dive sites, especially during the start of the season.

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Editorial disclaimer

Please be aware that scuba diving is an inherently risky activity, even with certification and experience. The content on this blog reflects my personal opinions and experiences and should not be considered instructional. Always prioritize safety, seek guidance and certification from qualified diving professionals, and carefully consider the risks involved in any dives.