PHILIPPINES
After diving for a week in the Central Visayas region (Cebu, Cabilao, Balicasag, Pescador, and Apo Islands) on the Philippines Siren, we crossed to Tubbataha National Park, a protected marine and bird sanctuary since 1988. This World Heritage site sits in the middle of the Sulu Sea; the closest land is 81 miles away. The 240,000 acre park includes two large atolls as well as the smaller Jessie Beasley reef. The park sits in the center of the Coral Triangle and is said to be home to at least 600 fish species, 350 coral species, 11 shark species, and 100 bird species.
