About this expedition
The legendary Sipadan wall plus Mabul's muck — turtles, barracuda tornadoes and rare critters.
Why this expedition
Sipadan's sheer 600 m wall (permit-only)
Barracuda & jack tornadoes at Barracuda Point
Turtles on practically every dive
World-class macro & muck diving at Mabul
Overwater eco-resort base
Day by day
- Day 1
Arrive MabulTransfer from Tawau, resort check-in and orientation dive.
- Day 2
Mabul muckCritter hunting — frogfish, mandarinfish and pygmy seahorses.
- Day 3
Sipadan permit dayBarracuda Point, Drop-Off and South Point — walls and pelagics.
- Day 4
Kapalai reefsGentle reefs and more turtle encounters.
- Day 5
Second Sipadan dayA second permit allocation (subject to availability).
- Day 6
Macro finaleFinal muck dives and a dusk mandarinfish dive; de-gas.
Who this trip is for
CertificationAdvanced Open Water
ExperienceMinimum 40 logged dives
Come preparedAround 40 logged dives for the Sipadan wall & current · Marine-park permits are capped daily — early reservation secures yours · Comfortable on drift & wall dives
We verify every diver’s certification before confirming a slot — it keeps the group safe and the diving relaxed. Not quite there yet?
Level up with a course and join a future expedition.
What's included
Included
- ✓ 6 nights overwater eco-resort
- ✓ Up to 3 guided dives/day
- ✓ Sipadan permit allocation
- ✓ Tanks, weights & guide
- ✓ Tawau transfers
- ✓ iDive trip host
Payable / not included
- + International flights
- + Malaysia entry requirements
- + Equipment rental
- + Marine-park & jetty fees
- + Gratuities
- + Travel & dive insurance
Good to know
Are Sipadan permits guaranteed?
Malaysia caps daily Sipadan permits, so they're allocated in rotation. Reserving your slot early is the best way to secure your permit days — another reason the 100-day window matters.
Is 40 dives really needed?
Sipadan's wall and current reward experience. Around 40 dives and an AOW card keep you safe and relaxed on the deeper, faster sites.
What's the macro like at Mabul?
Among the best on earth — frogfish, mandarinfish, pygmy seahorses and exotic nudibranchs are everyday sightings.
