Current dive-site listing with reef shape, coral, and marine life.
Shoulder: advanced Mafia Island drift with strong current
Shoulder: advanced Mafia Island drift with strong current
Boat access, strong currents, and tide timing make a local operator the practical way to dive Shoulder.
Shoulder is a demanding boat drift on the edge of Chole Bay in Mafia Island Marine Park, where strong tidal flow sweeps a sloping reef with hard and soft coral. It suits experienced divers who can time the tide and want a current-led run with big schools of sweetlips and emperors, plus groupers, rays, morays, and guitarfish.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
Up to 26m
Depth Note
Maximum depth is around 26 m.
Best Season
October to March, with November to February often the calmest window.
Typical Conditions
Strong tidal current, tide-sensitive timing, and a sloping reef on the edge of Chole Bay; outside-bay runs are more challenging than sheltered bay dives.
Site conditions, restrictions, and access requirements.
Site Conditions
Safety Notes
Very strong current; experienced divers only.
Access Restrictions
Advanced divers only; tide timing drives departures, and the site is not a beginner or casual snorkel target.
Legal Notes
Mafia Island Marine Park entry fees apply at the gate.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Advanced drift dive with strong tidal flow over a sloping reef; best suited to experienced divers comfortable in moving water.
Freediving
Not a good freedive target because the site is built around a strong-current drift profile.
Snorkeling
Not a good snorkel target; the current and drift conditions make it a scuba dive.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Current dive-site listing with reef shape, coral, and marine life.
Operator FAQ covering seasonal access, visibility, and tide dependence.
Independent dive guide for Shoulder at the edge of Chole Bay.
Site sheet for Shoulder with current, depth, access, and marine life.
Official marine park plan with Chole Bay current and habitat context.
Know this site? Improve Spot Details.

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