RAID Open Water 20 Diver Course 3-Days | Kota Kinabalu

Experience Overview: Diving into Borneo’s Underwater World in Kota Kinabalu

If you’re a certified diver or looking to become one, the RAID Open Water 20 Diver Course in Kota Kinabalu offers a practical and engaging way to expand your underwater skills. Over three days, you’ll explore the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a cluster of five islands just off Kota Kinabalu’s coast, renowned for its spectacular coral reefs and diverse marine life. Guided by experienced instructors, this tour combines classroom learning, hands-on practice, and unforgettable snorkeling amid colorful fish and corals—all with the stunning backdrop of Borneo’s natural beauty.

What we really love about this experience is how personalized it feels—small groups limited to four participants mean you’ll get plenty of individual attention, making sure you’re confident in your skills before certification. Plus, the inclusion of lunch on the islands and all necessary diving equipment makes this a hassle-free adventure.

One potential consideration is the schedule, as it’s a full 3-day course with online learning completed beforehand. If your travel plans are flexible and you enjoy immersive experiences, this setup works well. It’s especially suitable for those who want a thorough, guided introduction to diving in a safe, well-organized environment.

This tour is best suited for travelers who are comfortable in water, eager to discover Malaysia’s underwater treasures, and want a certification that opens up further diving adventures. It’s perfect for those who appreciate expert guides, safe practices, and a relaxed pace with plenty of time to enjoy the marine park.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 3-day course that certifies you as an Open Water 20 Diver.
• Small group size ensures personalized guidance and attention.
• Includes all necessary diving equipment and PADI materials.
• Localization in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park offers access to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
• Lunch and refreshments provided on diving days for a full-day experience.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Kota Kinabalu’s RAID Open Water 20 Diver Course

What makes this course stand out?

The first thing that hits you about this program is its focus on personalized attention. With a maximum of 4 participants per instructor, you’ll never feel rushed or overlooked. This small-group approach is ideal for those needing a bit more guidance, or simply wanting a more relaxed, tailored experience.

The expert instructors, like Bas, are praised for their serious professionalism, conscientiousness, and good humor, creating a supportive environment that’s perfect whether you’re a new diver or brushing up on skills. A reviewer, Marie, mentioned, “We enjoyed learning with Bas…he and the boat captain, Azmi, are serious, conscientious but always with humor.” That kind of guidance makes a difference in building your confidence underwater.

What’s included? Value-packed essentials

All your diving equipment is included, saving you from rental hassles. The course also covers PADI materials and final certification, ensuring you’re recognized officially as an Open Water Diver. The boat transfer from Jesselton Point Jetty is smooth and well-organized, dropping you right at the marine park with minimal fuss.

Lunch on the islands is a highlight—nothing beats refueling amidst nature after a morning of underwater exploration. The full safety gear and small group setting contribute to a sense of security, which is vital for new or hesitant divers.

The itinerary in detail

Your day starts at 8:45 am at Jesselton Point Jetty, where a guide greets you and escorts you to the boat. The morning kicks off with a briefing on your first dive around 10 am, followed by putting on gear, buddy checks, and your first plunge into the South China Sea. The first surface interval allows you to relax and enjoy the sun on the boat’s deck.

After your initial underwater experience, you’ll have a second dive around noon, then take a lunch break on an island—a chance to rest, eat, and take in the scenery. The afternoon session offers your third dive, culminating around 3 pm, before heading back to Jesselton Point.

This schedule balances diving with downtime, crucial for maintaining energy and focus across three sessions. The entire experience is tailored to your pace and comfort level, making it ideal whether you’re an experienced diver or just completing your open water certification.

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Marine biodiversity and scenic beauty

Sabah’s location in the Coral Triangle means you’ll be diving amid some of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems. From colorful corals to curious clownfish (yes, Nemo!), the underwater world is lively and vibrant. The reefs are teeming with tiny, bright fish, and you might spot Green and Hawksbill turtles—a highlight for many.

The marine park’s islands provide a relaxed, scenic backdrop for your day. The boat ride itself often offers stunning views of the coastline and the islands, giving you plenty of photo opportunities.

Authentic reviews and insights

One reviewer, Marie, said, “Very nice experience, we enjoyed learning with Bas.” She highlights the knowledge and approachability of the guides. She also appreciated the seriousness combined with humor, which makes the learning environment both professional and fun.

Another guest emphasized the quality of the boat and safety equipment—a reassurance for anyone concerned about safety during their first open water experience. The small group size is frequently praised, as it allows for more personalized instruction.

Practical considerations

The price of $368 per person is quite reasonable given the inclusions—equipment, materials, boat transfers, and lunch. While it might seem a bit pricey compared to beginner courses elsewhere, the value lies in the personalized guidance, the quality of the marine environment, and the certification that opens up further diving adventures.

You should be prepared to complete online learning prior to the course and arrive fit and healthy, capable of swimming in water too deep to stand. The tour explicitly states that non-swimmers and people with certain health issues are not suited for this experience, so honesty about your fitness is important.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This course caters to certified divers wanting to expand their skills or refresh their knowledge in a safe setting. It’s ideal for those seeking a small group experience with professional guides and a chance to explore the vibrant marine life of Sabah’s reefs. Travelers who appreciate well-organized, educational adventures will find this to be a worthwhile investment.

If your goal is to get a recognised certification that allows you to explore further, and you enjoy a relaxed, friendly environment, this is a superb choice. However, if you’re looking for a casual snorkel tour without certification or diving experience, other options might suit you better.

Final Thoughts

The RAID Open Water 20 Diver Course in Kota Kinabalu combines quality instruction, personalized guidance, and access to some of Malaysia’s most vibrant underwater landscapes. It provides a confident pathway into the world of recreational diving, especially for those eager to make the most of Borneo’s coral reefs.

The small-group format and highly experienced instructors ensure you’ll feel both safe and inspired. The inclusion of lunch, equipment, and all necessary materials makes it a practical, all-in-one experience—a true value for adventure-seekers ready to take that underwater plunge.

Whether you’re looking to certify your skills or simply experience Sabah’s marine riches in a structured way, this tour offers a well-rounded, authentic adventure with plenty of memorable moments.

FAQ

Do I need to be a certified diver to join this course?
Yes, this is a certification course, so you should already be a certified diver or have completed the online learning component beforehand.

What is included in the price?
The price covers diving equipment, PADI materials, final certification, boat transfers, lunch on the islands, and park fees.

Is the tour suitable for beginners or non-swimmers?
No, the tour is designed for certified divers or those who can swim comfortably in water too deep to stand in. It’s not suitable for non-swimmers.

How many dives will I do?
You will complete three dives during the course, with a break for lunch in between.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel. Arrive with your swimwear underneath your clothes each morning.

Are there any health restrictions?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for those with respiratory issues or high blood pressure. You should be fit and healthy.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the schedule like?
The tour starts at 8:45 am, with the first dive around 10 am, followed by lunch and more dives, returning by around 4 pm.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 4 participants, ensuring personalized attention from guides.

This 3-day course offers a fantastic blend of education, adventure, and the chance to see some of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments. If you’re eager to explore Sabah’s underwater world with expert guidance, this is a well-organized, rewarding way to do it.

You can check availability for your dates here: