Dive Sites of Kapalai
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 flambuoyant 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 in Kapalai are nice gentle dives 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 liveaboard that doesn't move, where the senses of freedom, comfort and proximity to amazing diving go hand in hand.
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.
Kapalai Diving Reef Basics
Depth: 5 - 20m
Visibility: 5 - 15m
Currents: Gentle
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 26 - 30°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
PADI Course Compatibility: Great for muck diving
Access: Kapalai dive resorts
Dive Sites
More detailed information on Kapalai diving sites:
Dive The World Recommendations: Mandarin Valley.
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