Kapalai Diving

Sandbank Macro Dive Sites

A few minutes speedboat ride from Sipadan is Kapalai, effectively a water village style resort perched atop a splendid reef that borders the rich and deep Celebes Sea. Although not far from Sipadan, Kapalai scuba diving itself is completely different. For a start guests can see from the structure down into the shallows where squid and needlefish dutifully provide the entertainment and mandarinfish can also be seen performing their mating dances just below the water's surface.

Kapalai is considered a macro-lovers paradise. This does not necessarily mean poor visibility as with so many critter-havens. Here rarities such as frogfish, blue-ringed octopus and the incredible flamboyant cuttlefish are the star attractions. Harlequin ghostpipefish, sea moths and mantis shrimp make up the supporting cast while the mandarinfish provide the love interest.

Most dives here are nice and gentle in warm, relatively shallow water, so are perfect for the less experienced, as well as yielding sufficient rewards for those with plenty of dives under their weightbelt. One of the most often dived places (due to its convenience) is straight off the jetty where leaf scorpionfish, crocodilefish, lionfish and all manner of shrimps and gobies add to the fun.

Diving in Kapalai is like being on a spacious, mosquito-free liveaboard that doesn't move. Gentle sea breezes cool the high quality chalets giving you a sense of freedom and comfort as well as proximity to amazing diving.

• Kapalai tourist information

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Diving Season

Due to its geographical position, Kapalai is open for scuba diving all year round, with April 'til October offering excellent weather conditions. The water temperature ranges from 79 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (26°C to 30°C) year round.

Reef Basics

Great for: Small animals and beginner divers
Not so great for: Non-diving activities
Depth: 5 - 20m
Visibility: 5 - 15m
Currents: Gentle
Surface Conditions: Can be a little choppy
Water Temperature: 26 - 30°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: 18
Distance: 5 km (10 minutes) east of Mabul
Access: Mabul and Kapalai dive resorts
Recommended length of stay: 5 - 14 days, including Sipadan, Kapalai and Mabul sites

Dive Sites

More detailed information on Kapalai diving sites:

Dive The World Recommendations: Mandarin Valley.

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