sabahtourism.com · Official
Updated Apr 29, 2026Official Sipadan permit rules, turtle abundance, and operator requirement.
Dive Spot Guide•
Turtle Patch
Shallow Sipadan reef with frequent turtles
Scuba DivingBoatIntermediate
ReefWall
Local operator required
Permits and boat access are managed through licensed Sipadan operators.
Guided boat dive on Sipadan's southeast side; expect turtle-heavy reef slopes, limited current, and permit-controlled access.
About Turtle Patch
Turtle Patch is a shallow Sipadan reef on the island's southeast side, known for resting turtles, whitetip reef sharks, and broad table-coral slopes. It is best treated as a guided boat dive inside the Sipadan permit system, with the easiest route on the upper reef. The profile is relaxed and photo-friendly, but access depends on licensed operators and park logistics.
•
Research Estimate At Turtle Patch
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 20m
AccessChallenging entry effort
CoralHealthy coral
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesLimited facilities
Crowd / PopularityQuite busy
CurrentLight current
Where Is Turtle Patch?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
Turtle Patch Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
5m - 12m
Depth Note
Shallow top-of-reef profile; the useful action sits on the upper reef and along the wall edge.
Best Season
Year-round; clearer water is more common in the drier months.
Typical Conditions
Shallow reef and wall with limited current, fair-to-good visibility, and strong turtle activity.
Safety & Access At Turtle Patch
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Boat traffic
Safety Notes
Watch for passing boats, follow operator briefings, and keep a surface marker ready if the group needs extra visibility.
Access Restrictions
Sipadan permit required; access is arranged through licensed operators with limited daily slots.
Legal Notes
Protected marine park site with controlled access.
Local Intel For Turtle Patch
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba
Best as a guided boat dive with an easy reef profile and strong wildlife payoff.
Turtle Patch Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Turtle Patch.
Current Snapshot
No data
🌥️Variable
Sunrise
No data
Time
No data
Sunset
No data
Surface / Entry
Wind No data · Tide No data
Sea State
Swell No data · Period unavailable
Visibility Outlook
Rain chance No data
Wind
No data
Swell
No data
Exposure Profile at Turtle Patch
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Exposure Note
Hourly forecast data is not available yet.
Wildlife at Turtle Patch
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Turtle Patch
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
No Dive Logs Yet
Be the first to log a dive at this spot and share your experience!
Dive Spot Log Averages At Turtle Patch
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility20m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
Loading nearby spots...
Turtle Patch Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Turtle Patch Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
Research Sources
seaventuresdive.com · Operator
Operator page listing Turtle Patch among Sipadan sites and highlighting turtle density.
www.blueoceansemporna.com · Operator
Operator page with permit-controlled access, abundant turtles, and seasonal visibility guidance.
www.diveplanit.com · Guide
Independent guide noting stronger hard-coral sections and turtle activity.
www.divers-guide.com · Community
Boat access, limited current, average visibility, and facilities.
www.sipadan.com · Directory
Exact Turtle Patch depth, visibility, location, and site-type table.
Know this site? Improve Spot Details.
