Difficulty
Advanced
Best Season
April – December
Water Temp
27–30°C (81–86°F)
Visibility
20–40m (65–130ft)
Why Dive Sipadan?
Turtle paradise and massive schooling fish at a legendary wall
Stay on nearby Mabul or Kapalai islands. No accommodation on Sipadan itself. Book resorts that include Sipadan permits.
Dive Highlights
- Hundreds of turtles on every dive
- Barracuda tornado and jackfish schools
- Sheer 600m wall dropping into the abyss
- Limited permits = pristine conditions
Signature Dive Sites
Barracuda Point
Coral Gardens
South Point
Drop Off
Turtle Cavern
Marine Life You Might See
Green & hawksbill turtlesBarracudaJackfishBumphead parrotfishWhite-tip sharksEagle rays
Photo Gallery
Conditions & Logistics
Certification Level
Advanced Open Water+ (permit required)
Typical Conditions
Strong currents possible, protected marine park
Getting There
Fly to Tawau (TWU), then 1-hour drive to Semporna, then boat to nearby islands. Sipadan requires daily permits (limited to 120 divers/day).
Travel Tips
- Book 6+ months ahead for permits
- Stay 7+ days to maximize permit chances
- Bring wide-angle camera for schools
- Mabul offers excellent macro diving too
Recommended Training
Safety Note
Limited decompression chamber access - conservative diving and Nitrox recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sipadan
QHow do I get a Sipadan permit?
Permits are issued daily to resorts and dive operators (max 120/day). Book accommodation that includes Sipadan permits, and stay 7+ days to maximize your chances of getting multiple permit days.
QHow many turtles will I see?
Sipadan is famous for having more turtles than anywhere else on Earth. Expect to see 20-50 turtles per dive - it's not unusual to have 10+ turtles in view at once.
QIs Sipadan suitable for beginners?
No - Advanced Open Water minimum is required, and strong current handling skills are essential. The wall drops to 600m, and currents can be challenging.
Ready to Dive Sipadan?
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