About this spot
Amos Rock sits in the North Atoll of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, one of the Philippines' most remote and pristine dive destinations. This site demands advanced skills—strong currents and depths to 40 meters mean it's built for experienced divers only. The rock formation creates a natural focal point for marine life, with dramatic walls and ledges that reward careful exploration. Visibility and conditions vary seasonally, so checking recent dive reports before booking is essential. The site lies entirely within Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a strictly protected marine sanctuary. All diving here requires permits and certified operators; independent access is not permitted. The remoteness works both ways: fewer boats mean less crowding, but logistics are tighter. Most divers reach Tubbataha via liveaboard trips from Puerto Princesa, typically 8–10 hours by sea. Drift diving is the norm at Amos Rock, so solid buoyancy control and awareness of your team matter more than depth alone. The rock's contours create pockets of calmer water and stronger flow zones—knowing how to read the current keeps you safe and extends your bottom time. Given the advanced requirements and protection status, this dive suits only properly trained and equipped explorers willing to commit to the full Tubbataha experience. Three community videos document dives here, offering insight into conditions and marine encounters. Check these before your trip to gauge expectations and refresh on drift protocols.
📖 Guide: Diving in the Philippines: 119 Sites, Wrecks & Walls Worth the Flight
Dive types
Trip essentials
Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.
Trip checklist
- 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
- 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
- 📔 Dive logbook
- 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
- 🔌 Plug type A/B/C · 220V adapter
- 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
- 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact
Quick facts
- 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
- GPS
› Sustainability disclosures
From your departure country
- Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
- Flight: 12h · direct
- Jet-lag: 11h east · 8 days recovery
FAQ
›When is the best time to dive Amos Rock?
Tubbataha operates year-round, but weather and sea conditions vary. Check with local liveaboard operators for current conditions and their recommended windows—typically calmer periods occur outside the monsoon peaks, though specific best months depend on annual patterns.
›What depth and difficulty should I expect?
Amos Rock ranges from 5 to 40 meters and is strictly advanced-level. You need solid buoyancy control, drift experience, and comfort in currents. This is not a site for newly certified divers or those unfamiliar with strong-water diving.
›What marine life can I see here?
Tubbataha's reefs host a rich variety of sharks, large pelagics, and reef fish. Specific species observations at Amos Rock are not formally documented, but the site's position in the park and its rocky structure attract baitfish and predators. Watch community videos for recent sightings.
›How do I access Amos Rock and what permits are needed?
Amos Rock is inside Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a protected marine area requiring permits. All diving must be with licensed operators; you cannot dive independently. Access is via liveaboard from Puerto Princesa, typically 8–10 hours offshore. Book with an approved tour operator well in advance.
