Sipadan in March

[bluefin205]

Hi ScubaBoarders,

I'm new to the forums, and I'm excited to join the online diving community! This is great!

I am considering a trip to Sipadan during the last 2 weeks of March, and I'm curious about weather conditions and visibility. I understand this time is around the end of rainy season, but how much does this actually affect the diving (esp. visibility)? How much better is it to go during the summer months?

I've read previous posts/other sources online, but I can't seem to find a satisfactory answer. Of course, luck plays a part, but does anyone have recent experience in March/April?

Thanks so much!

 

[scorpenesub]

I have been informed by Sipadan operators that March to Oct is the diving season. March is just after monsoon thus according to one operator, it is one of the best time to dive. Many divers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Japan begin their Sipadan diving season in April.

The peak season for diving in Sipadan is around July-August, which is because it is the peak travel season for Europeans. Hence, diving in JUly-August would be a lot more expensive as compared to diving in April.

Visibility is never a problem in Sipadan, even during monsoon....

 

[fatbadak]

hey Bluefin,

I just got back Mabul 2 weeks ago. Went during the CNY break. Viz in Sipadan was pretty good...wee bit of a current tho, in places.

 

[Rickg]

bluefin205,

Nothing is guaranteed but chances are MAR will be better than the OCT - FEB timeframe. Sipadan is a lot like beer. There is no such thing as a bad beer, just some is better than others and there is no bad Sipadan, just some times are better than others.

 

[Eskasi]

Agreed. I went in Aug and again between Christmas & New Year. I was certain that Dec would result in poorer vis and dive conditions. Boy was I wrong! I must say that during non monsoon months, it is much more pleasant topside. Sunshine and no rain. In Dec while I was there, one early morning dive got canceled due to extremely strong storm that night/morning. The DM's made up for that with an extra dive later at Kapalai.