Dive in Turtle Islands Park

Diving in Turtle Islands Park

There are many dive sites within the park, all within 2 - 15 minute speedboat ride from the resort. Most are submerged reefs starting at approx 7-11m sloping 24m to the sandy sea bottom floor. Large healthy corals dominate the surrounding reefs, hundreds of schooling fish can be seen on every dive. Colourful Snappers, Surgeonfish, Parrotfish, Wrasses, Damselfish, Butterfly and Anglesfish are in abundance with larger Black Tip Reef Sharks, Marble Rays, Bamboo and Leopard Sharks not an un-common sight. Slightly rarer but present are Guitar Sharks and seasonally from April through May occasional Whalesharks are spotted as they pass through the reefs on their constant migration pattern. For the macro lover this is a paradise found ! Nudibranchs are plentiful, Crustaceans including Boxer, Squat and Saw-blade Shrimps, Lobsters and various crabs, Cuttlefish, Octopus, Frogfish, Pipefish and the somewhat rarer Giant Jawfish and Seahorses. Suffice to say that the area is rich in biodiversity, couple this with small dive groups and no other resort sharing the dive sites the diving enthusiast will not be disappointed. Note however that due to the areas proximity to large river run - offs on the mainland visibility can be quite poor in times of heavy rain. Averaging 10-15m but as low as 4m with occasional 30m days, its quite hard to predict the conditions.

Travel to Turtle Islands Park

Turtle Islands Marine Park near Sandakan, Sabah, Borneo is a safe haven for endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles. The Turtle Islands Marine Park is visited almost every night by turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. While the best nesting months are between July and October, both Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles lay their eggs throughout the year. Turtle Islands Marine Park is about 40km north of Sandakan, Sabah, Borneo. There are three islands in Turtle Islands Marine Park - Pulau Selingaan, Pulau Bakkungan Kecil and Pulau Gulisan. Designated as a Marine Park, the islands are one of the most important turtle breeding areas in South East Asia. When you first arrive at the Island in Turtle Islands Marine Park, Sabah, Borneo you will have plenty of time to explore, swim and snorkel. Enjoy the azure sea and coral reefs fringing the Island. Spend a leisurely day simply enjoying the sun, sand and sea. After dinner you will be escorted by an experienced guide to enjoy a magical moment watching a Green Turtle lay eggs on the beach. Spend some time to learn about the park's conservation efforts as you help to release little turtle hatchlings from the hatchery to the sea.