Wall · Atoll · Drift · Drop-off · Reef
Tubbataha North Atoll
Sulu Sea
Advanced Open Water Certification RequiredBest Season: Mar – Jun
Difficulty
Advanced
Difficulty level
Depth
49 ft – 131 ft
Depth range
Visibility
98 ft – 148 ft
Typical visibility
Current
Strong
Good buoyancy control advised
Temperature
81°F – 86°F
Water temperature
About This Dive Site
The north-eastern edge of Tubbataha’s North Atoll combines "Washing Machine" (a fast-changing drift over a 24 m plateau where currents can switch mid-dive) with neighbouring "Shark Airport" — a wide sandy cleaning station hosting schools of grey reef sharks year-round during the open season. The reefs form a UNESCO-protected oasis in the open Sulu Sea, accessible only by liveaboard.
Certification Required: Advanced Open Water
Current Conditions
Typical current strength at this dive site
Strong
Powerful current. Advanced certification and drift dive experience required. Follow guide instructions.
Strength Scale
None
Mild
Moderate
Strong
Best Time to Visit
Monthly conditions and seasonal highlights — tap a month
JunBest
Peak diving season with optimal visibility, calm seas, and best marine life encounters.
BestGoodLess FavorablePeak
Marine Life
6 species recorded at this site
Hazards & Safety
Be aware of these potential hazards at this dive site
Strong current
High"Washing Machine" can switch direction mid-dive — reef hook recommended
Depth
MediumWall plunges past 40 m to abyssal depth — monitor depth carefully on the drift
Certification Required
A minimum of Advanced Open Water certification is required to dive this site.
360° Underwater View
Immersive panoramic view of this dive site
360° panorama coming soon
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Depth Profile
Vertical range at this site
Minimum Depth
49 ft
Shallowest point
Average Depth
79 ft
Typical dive depth
Maximum Depth
131 ft
Deepest point
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