Describes changeable currents and countercurrents on the exposed northeastern tip of North Atoll creating a temporary washing-machine-like vortex.
Puerto Princesa + Tubbataha Gateway (Palawan)
Washing Machine is a Tubbataha current site with changeable flow and sharks.
Washing Machine is a Tubbataha current site with changeable flow and sharks.
Washing Machine is an exposed North Atoll drift site in Tubbataha where currents can swirl, reverse, and converge over a sloping reef and channel. The site is known for fast-moving water, clear-visibility windows, and a strong chance of grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, turtles, and schooling tropical fish. It suits experienced divers who are comfortable with shifting flow and a more demanding run.
Site Conditions
Safety Notes
Swim-throughs add overhead risk; appropriate training and buoyancy control are important. Sharks may be present.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Characterized by canyons and swim-throughs that make it a varied scuba dive.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Describes changeable currents and countercurrents on the exposed northeastern tip of North Atoll creating a temporary washing-machine-like vortex.
Notes strong currents that can change direction mid-dive and highlights grey reef sharks plus tropical reef fish around Washing Machine.
Describes unpredictable currents that can change direction mid-dive, an exposed northeastern edge, strong visibility, grey reef sharks, turtles, whale sharks, and table coral.

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North Atoll sea-fan wall drift with sharks

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