Layang Layang Diving Review

Scuba Diving around Layang Layang is just amazing! The marine life is extremely rich with schools of pelagic fishes, lots of reef sharks, Manta rays and sometimes even a Whale Shark cruising by!

In this page you will find more detailed information about scuba diving in Layang Layang.

Dive Summary

The great stars of Layang Layang are the famous Hammerhead sharks. They aggregate for mating purposes in the deep waters around the island in April and May. Spotting them out of this period is possible but much rarer.

Spotting the schooling hammerheads is not guaranteed but if you dive there for ten days and during the season you should have a pretty good chance! This is a real adrenaline rush to be in the blue surrounded by hundreds of big sharks slowly swimming around you....

For all the reasons listed above, Layang Layang is one of the best diving spot in the world for underwater photography with an international photo contest run every year, so don’t forget your camera!

How to dive Layang Layang?

There are more than 10 dive sites, all easily accessible within a 5 min to 15 min boat ride:

• Crack Reef
• D Wall
• Dogtooth Lair
• Gorgonian Forest
• Navigator Lane
• Sharks Cave
• Snapper Ledge
• The Point
• The Runway
• The Tunnel
• The Valley
• Wrasse Strip
• Wreck Point

Most of the dives are wall diving. There are 3 dives a day planned.

Best time to Dive in Layang Layang

The diving season runs from March to August only when the only diving resort called Avillion is open. During the rainy season from November to February, it is not possible to reach Layang Layang.

• The best time to go is during the Hammerhead season. The season runs from April to May.
• Diving conditions are very good from April to August during the dry season.

Hot tips

• During the Hammerhead season it is necessary to book well in advance to get a room!

Credit

Scuba Diving conditions

The water around the island is extremely deep, around 2000 m and in the middle of the open sea. Visibility is generally very good and can often be outstanding with 60 meters!

Current varies depending on the dive site and the time and ranges from nil to very strong. Water temperature is around 30 °C year round.

As there is no decompression chamber, diving rules are strict:

• No dive below 40 meters
• No decompression time allowed
• No diving after drinking Alcohol
• No gloves

Layang Layang is a dive destination for experienced divers but there are also easy dive sites for beginners. It is possible to pass Open Water Advanced on the island.

Fishes and Coral

Fishes

You can see about everything you dream: many species of Sharks including grey reef shark, numerous turtles and pelagic fishes like dogtooth tuna, barracudas and giant trevallies. You can also spot Manta rays, school of Hammerhead sharks and even a whale shark if you are lucky!

Macro lovers won’t be disappointed too with many critters like frog fishes, leaf fishes and pygmy seahorses living in the small cracks along the steep walls.

Coral

Coral is also world class! You can find many varieties such as sea gorgonian fans, barrel sponges and very colourful soft coral. There is no sign of bleaching and coral is very healthy.

Travel Guide

Now that you know all about the underwater world, you might want to start planning your scuba holiday! Check out our Layang Layang Travel Review for information about how to get there, activities and excursions, where to stay, and more.

Dive spots in Layang Layang