An unforgetable experience, and by many accounts second only to the "cenotes" of Mexico, is a dive through the mysterious cave system of the “Turtle Tomb". A myriad of passageways lead through the reef some 20m below the surface. This is nothing for the fainthearted as the dead ends are many on the way to the tomb nearly 200m from the entrance where turtle skulls and bones litter the bottom.

Warning signs clearly indicate the danger beyond the entrance and those going into the cave need to be fully equipped for cave exploration as the risk of getting lost in a silt out is real and imminent.

The cave is one of the most beautiful coral caves that can be found anywhere. Unlike at limestone caves no stalagmites have formed here but the colors at the walls do indicate different water levels over time. The white sandy bottom and bright colored ceiling enhance rather than absorb the light of the torches. The shelfs are home to the caves occupants, most notably flashlight fish, moray eels, spiny cave lobster, shrimp and large snapper that often take advantage of a divers light to get their prey. The skeletons of a dolphin and a marlin can be found on shelfs, and an airpocket allows to talk to another before a narrow passageway leads to the actual tomb where so many turtles have found their last resting place.

Jerry Reichart, one of the founders of Sipadan Scuba, is a PADI Master Instructor and one of Asia's few fully qualified cave divers trained to do deco dives to caves as deep as 50m using 3 tanks with 3 different gas mixtures. He has logged well over 500 cave dives to the "Turtle Tomb". and with the help of twin-tanks with manifold, stage tanks, strong torches and reels & spools he has pushed through to the furthest corners of the cave system. Without a doubt Jerry is currently the most qualified guide capable of taking divers there.

PADI Cavern Diver courses or guided tours to the "Turtle Tomb" can be arranged by booking in advance.