Rising from 600 metres in the Celebes Sea, Sipadan is Malaysia's only oceanic island and one of the world's most celebrated dive sites, where green and hawksbill turtles rest on ledges at Barracuda Point, South Point, and the Drop Off wall. Strict daily permit caps limit access to 176 divers, and all visits require staying on the mainland or nearby Mabul. Turtles appear on nearly every dive profile year-round, with currents and deep walls demanding confident advanced divers.
Rising from 600 metres in the Celebes Sea, Sipadan is Malaysia's only oceanic island and one of the world's most celebrated dive sites, where green and hawksbill turtles rest on ledges at Barracuda Point, South Point, and the Drop Off wall. Strict daily permit caps limit access to 176 divers, and all visits require staying on the mainland or nearby Mabul. Turtles appear on nearly every dive profile year-round, with currents and deep walls demanding confident advanced divers.
Up to 95% sighting chance in Sipadan Island (Sabah, Malaysia). Best months: October, May, November.
Turtles appear year-round on nearly every dive, with up to 95% sighting probability. April through December generally offers the calmest seas for permit day trips.
Only 176 permits are issued daily. Resorts on Mabul and Semporna allocate slots to guests, so booking a multi-day package weeks ahead is essential.
Advanced Open Water or equivalent with recent deep and drift experience is strongly recommended. Currents at Barracuda Point and the Drop Off can be strong.
Three-day packages with two Sipadan permit days typically run 2,800 to 4,500 MYR per diver (2026 prices), including accommodation on Mabul and boat transfers.
Snorkeling is not permitted on Sipadan itself. All turtle encounters happen on scuba dives along the island wall and pinnacle sites.
