Washing Machine

Washing Machine is a reef dive site in the North Atoll of Tubbataha Reef, Philippines, taking its name from the strong and unpredictable currents that characterise it — currents that can suddenly change direction. The site is noted for having some of the best visibility of all dive sites in Tubbataha, and is accessed by boat as part of a liveaboard itinerary.

The site is best suited to confident, experienced divers who are comfortable managing strong and changing currents and can follow their guide closely. A resident school of 40 or more scalloped hammerheads has been recorded here, and when conditions allow, divers may also encounter reef sharks, turtles, schooling fish, and other large pelagic fish. Water temperature ranges from 27–30°C, and the site can be dived year-round, with March through June considered a prime season.

The principal hazard is the current itself — strong, unpredictable, and liable to change direction without warning — which makes this a site for divers who are genuinely comfortable in such conditions.