The crystal-clear waters around Kota Kinabalu offer some of Southeast Asia’s most accessible scuba opportunities.
Beginners can start with a guided Discover Scuba session, where certified instructors provide thorough training and all necessary gear.
More experienced divers will appreciate the Borneo 3-dive excursion, which I especially love for its encounters with sea turtles and pristine coral formations.
The small-group Try Dive stands out for its personalized attention, while the Leisure Trip’s three-dive format lets you truly explore multiple sites.
These carefully selected tours showcase the best of Borneo’s marine life.
Let’s examine the top options available.
Key Points
- PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) offers a highly-rated try-dive experience with full equipment, water, and lunch, starting from Jesselton Point Jetty.
- Borneo 3-Dive Scuba Diving Day Trip provides a 7-hour adventure with 3 dives in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park.
- Kota Kinabalu Leisure Scuba Diving Trip (3 Dives) explores the marine life of the national park, with a full set of equipment and lunch.
- Scuba Try Dive – PADI Discover Scuba Diving DSD is a small-group experience with a 4:1 instructor ratio and all necessary equipment.
- The (2 Dives) Discover Scuba Diving Kota Kinabalu offers a 2-dive adventure in the crystal-clear waters of the marine park, including all equipment and a light lunch.
PADI Discover Scuba Diving DSD – Try-Dive Experience!
One of the most popular scuba diving experiences in Kota Kinabalu is the PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) – Try-Dive Experience. Operated by Borneo Dream Travel Tours Sdn Bhd, this 4.9-rated activity comes highly recommended by 97% of travelers.
You’ll be provided with full scuba diving equipment, free-flow drinking water, and a tasty tropical island lunch during the tour.
The meeting point is at Jesselton Point Jetty, an easy walk from the city center. The activity starts at 9:00 am and ends back at the same location.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller friendly and allows service animals. Just note that it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions, as a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Past guests have praised the attentive and professional guides, as well as the opportunity to spot sea turtles and vibrant coral reefs.
At $105 per person, this PADI DSD experience is a fantastic way to try scuba diving in Kota Kinabalu.
Read our full review: PADI Discover Scuba Diving DSD – Try-Dive Experience! Review
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Borneo 3-Dive Scuba Diving Day Trip in Kota Kinabalu
Experience a thrilling 3-dive scuba adventure in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park, just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. This 7-hour tour takes you to depths between 16-98 feet, where you’ll encounter vibrant coral reefs, clownfish, and green and hawksbill turtles.
As a certified diver, you’ll enjoy free Nitrox, unlimited refreshments, and a relaxing sun deck during the surface intervals. Lunch on a nearby island is included, so you can refuel between dives.
The day starts with a briefing and first dive at 10 AM, followed by a surface interval and second dive at noon. After a break for lunch, you’ll have your third and final dive at 2:30 PM before heading back to shore.
All necessary equipment, including high-quality scuba gear, is provided, and a PADI-certified instructor will guide you throughout the experience. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this 3-dive tour is a must-do for any avid scuba enthusiast visiting Kota Kinabalu.
Read our full review: Borneo 3-Dive Scuba Diving Day Trip in Kota Kinabalu Review
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Kota Kinabalu Leisure Scuba Diving Trip (3 Dives)
For an exhilarating scuba diving adventure in the waters off Kota Kinabalu, the Kota Kinabalu Leisure Scuba Diving Trip (3 Dives) offers a chance to explore the vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park.
This 3-dive excursion provides a full set of diving equipment, air tanks, and a la carte lunch at an island restaurant. You’ll enjoy unlimited bottled water, dry towels, and personal toiletries throughout the day.
While not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or serious medical conditions, most travelers can participate. The trip departs from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal at 8:45 am and returns to the same location, with a maximum of 16 participants.
Priced from $114.72 per person, this 5-star rated experience comes highly recommended by previous travelers, who praise the professional guides and incredible underwater scenery.
Read our full review: Kota Kinabalu Leisure Scuba Diving Trip (3 Dives) Review
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Scuba Try Dive – PADI Discover Scuba Diving DSD in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Explore the vibrant underwater world of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park with the Scuba Try Dive – PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. This small-group experience allows you to try scuba diving under the guidance of experienced instructors.
With a maximum of 12 participants and a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio, you’ll receive personalized attention. The activity starts at 9:00 AM from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, where you’ll meet your group.
All necessary diving equipment is provided, and you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and refreshing drinking water during the day. The activity ends around 4:00 PM, with a return to the meeting point.
This excursion isn’t recommended for those with back problems, serious medical conditions, or pregnant travelers, as a moderate level of physical fitness is required. But for those up for the adventure, it’s an excellent way to discover the underwater wonders of Kota Kinabalu.
Read our full review: Scuba Try Dive – PADI Discover Scuba Diving DSD in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia Review
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(2 Dives) Discover Scuba Diving Kota Kinabalu
Discover the vibrant marine life of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park with Go Aquatic’s Discover Scuba Diving experience in Kota Kinabalu. This 2-dive adventure immerses you in the underwater world, no prior experience required.
Start your day at the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, where you’ll be picked up and transported to the dive site.
Dive into the crystal-clear waters and encounter a diverse array of tropical fish, vibrant corals, and perhaps even sea turtles. Included are all necessary scuba equipment, a diving permit, and a light lunch to refuel between dives.
The professional team at Go Aquatic will guide you every step of the way, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Though not recommended for those with back problems or medical conditions, the activity is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Keep in mind, this discovery dive is priced at SEK 1,264.49 per person, with no refunds for cancellations.
Read our full review: (2 Dives) Discover Scuba Diving Kota Kinabalu Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Kota Kinabalu offers exceptional scuba diving experiences. You can try out PADI’s Discover Scuba Diving program, explore the vibrant marine life on a 3-dive day trip, or enjoy a longer 3-dive leisure scuba diving trip. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced diver, Kota Kinabalu has something to suit your needs. Don’t miss the chance to discover the underwater wonders of this stunning destination.