Dive site · access from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Washing Machine
A North Atoll drift dive known for strong currents and some of the best visibility in the park; good chances of sharks and occasional pelagics.
- Depth
- 5–30m
- Current
- Strong
- Minimum level
- Advanced open water
- Access
- Boat
Loading dive-site map…
The case for it
Why dive here
- Fast drift with converging currents (hence the name)
- High shark diversity — whitetip, blacktip and grey reef sharks
Check before booking
What may rule it out
- Advanced open water certification is the stated minimum.
Access and timing
Plan this through Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Best overall months: Apr, May. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.
Wildlife
Seen around Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed
These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at Washing Machine.
Humphead wrasse
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | destination closed |
| February | destination closed |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | destination closed |
| November | destination closed |
| December | destination closed |
Reef manta ray
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | destination closed |
| February | destination closed |
| March | rare |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | rare |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | destination closed |
| November | destination closed |
| December | destination closed |
Tiger shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | destination closed |
| February | destination closed |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | destination closed |
| November | destination closed |
| December | destination closed |
Whale shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | destination closed |
| February | destination closed |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | destination closed |
| November | destination closed |
| December | destination closed |
Bumphead parrotfish
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | destination closed |
| February | destination closed |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | destination closed |
| November | destination closed |
| December | destination closed |
Nearby alternatives
Compare another site
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 1 source and checking notes
- Best Scuba Diving in Tubbataha Reef, Bluewater Dive Travel
Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.