Dive-site story
Sipadan is an oceanic island formed by living corals growing atop an extinct volcanic seamount that drops sheer into the Celebes Sea. The deep bathymetry pulls in pelagic predators alongside dense schools of reef fish. Divers drift past sheer vertical walls covered in seafans and sponges, often surrounded by massive schools of chevron barracudas and bigeye trevally that spiral toward the surface.
Massive vortexes of chevron barracuda and schooling jacks
High concentrations of resting and cruising green and hawksbill sea turtles
Dawn patrols of large bumphead parrotfish schools feeding along the reef crest
Dramatic sheer walls and drop-offs plunging into the abyss
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Dry weather and optimal visibility typically run from April through November, although diving occurs year-round under daily permit quotas.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevron BarracudaSphyraena qenie | Common | ||||||||||||
| Green Sea TurtleChelonia mydas | Common | ||||||||||||
| Bumphead ParrotfishBolbometopon muricatum | Common | ||||||||||||
| Whitetip Reef SharkTriaenodon obesus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Bigeye TrevallyCaranx sexfasciatus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Scalloped Hammerhead SharkSphyrna lewini | Seasonal |
Marine forecast
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