With so much to explore and not much time depending on permits and luck, it is encouraged to come prepared, know the sought-after dive sites and plan your dives in advance.
Barracuda Point
Barracuda Point is by far the most famous dive site in Sipadan; aptly named due to the bevvy of chevron and black tail barracudas that circle around this point with the strong current. You can also find hammerhead sharks and batfish at this dive site. The Advanced Open Water Diving Certification is required for Barracuda Point.
The Drop Off
Drop Off is considered one of the more popular dive sites in the park. About 10 metres away from shore, the wall drops 600 metres straight to the bottom keeping divers enthralled, as well as the incredible marine life here - sharks, turtles, humphead parrotfish and barracuda.
Turtle Cave
Come swim with the green and hawksbill turtles of Turtle Cave and explore the mysterious ‘Turtle Tomb’, made famous by explorer Jacques Cousteau who first visited the dive site in the late 1980s when making his documentary film around the island. This turtle graveyard is not a location for beginners; Advanced Open Water Certification is required to visit Turtle Cave.
Turtle Patch
Dive amongst turtles, parrotfish and giant table corals here. Reef sharks also frequent the patch. Open Water Certification is required to dive here.
Hanging Gardens
This is a great spot for underwater photography. The current is usually calm and a kaleidoscope of soft corals greets you at this wall dive with dusty rose, lavender and lemon coloured corals. Open Water Certification is required for Hanging Gardens.
Lobster Lair
Crustaceans galore can be seen hiding around this point and while looking around, you may also come across sharks and manta rays drifting by. Advanced Open Water Certification is required for Lobster Lai.
Staghorn Crest
Another wall dive specifically with a large stretch of breathtaking staghorn hard corals in the shallows. The current is usually stronger here and therefore is a good place to spot schools of barracuda and jacks. Sharks and turtles can be found feeding here too. Advanced Open Water Certification is required for Staghorn Crest.
South Point
A dive site for shark lovers, South Point has your best chance for shark sightings such as hammerhead sharks. Advanced Open Water Certification is required for South Point.
Coral Gardens
Coral Gardens is an underwater meadow of vibrant hard and soft corals, filled with colourful shoals of fusiliers and reef fish . This dive site offers a diverse plethora of marine life, from turtles and reef sharks, to soaring eagle rays and manta rays. Open Water Certification is required for Coral Gardens.
Whitetip Avenue
For divers who love the thrill of spotting large marine life, here you can dive amongst black & whitetip reef sharks, grey sharks, manta rays as well as massive green and hawksbill turtles. Whitetip Avenue has also been known to feature large schools of barracuda. Open Water Certification is required for Whitetip Avenue.