Kota Kinabalu is a fantastic place for scuba diving, thanks to its clear waters, vibrant marine life, and proximity to world-class dive sites. Whether you’re an experienced diver looking to maximize your underwater time or a beginner eager to try your first splash, Kota Kinabalu offers options that suit different needs. We especially recommend Leisure Diving | Fun Dives | 3 Dives in TARP, which provides ample time for experienced divers to explore without the hassle of beginner tutorials, and the Discover Scuba Diving for those just starting out.
For those who want a comprehensive, guided experience with a professional instructor, the tours below are excellent choices. Each offers a different approach, from full-day trips exploring multiple sites to beginner-friendly sessions designed to introduce you safely to life beneath the waves.
Quick Overview
Our list features three top scuba diving experiences in Kota Kinabalu. The first is a full-day leisure diving trip perfect for experienced divers wanting maximum underwater time. The second offers a guided leisure trip with three dives, ideal for divers seeking expert guidance and a relaxed pace. The third caters to beginners or first-timers with a straightforward discovery activity on Sapi Island. All tours include equipment, and the guides are seasoned professionals, ensuring safety and fun. Find out more about each below.
1. Leisure Diving | Fun Dives | 3 Dives in TARP
This full-day diving tour in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TARP) is designed especially for experienced divers who don’t want to waste time on tutorials or beginner lessons. Instead, you’ll get more dive time—three dives in total—at some of the park’s most colorful sites, with depths reaching up to 82 feet. The tour is perfect if you want to explore rare marine ecosystems while avoiding crowded spots.
What makes this trip stand out is its focus on small-group diving with PADI-certified guides. You’ll start with a boat ride out to the marine park, where all equipment is provided, so there’s no need to stop at the dive shop beforehand. After your dives, a tropical island restaurant awaits for a complimentary lunch. Guests often see turtles and sharks, making this a memorable experience for confident divers. The tour’s 5-star rating (based on 66 reviews) speaks to its reliability and quality, with many reviewers highlighting the ample diving time and well-organized logistics.
Bottom Line: If you’re an experienced diver who values quality underwater time and personalized service, this tour offers excellent value for just $105 per person.
2. Kota Kinabalu Leisure Scuba Diving Trip (3 Dives)
For around $121, this full-day guided tour takes you to three different dive sites within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, just 15 minutes from Kota Kinabalu. Led by a professional PADI instructor with over 10 years’ experience, the trip emphasizes safety, guidance, and variety. Your day begins around 8:45 am at Jesselton Point, with departure at 9 am, and wraps up by mid-afternoon, around 3:30-4 pm.
What makes this trip particularly appealing is the expert guidance and the chance to explore multiple sites in one day. Guests rave about how the guide pointed out turtles, squids, and other marine life, enhancing the experience. Lunch is included at a local restaurant with showers, toilets, and a prayer room—making it comfortable for everyone. The boat-based approach minimizes exposure to crowded sites and allows deeper exploration of coral reefs.
This trip is perfect for divers who want a well-organized, guided experience with multiple dives, yet still prefer a relaxed, small-group setting. The 5/5 review score confirms its popularity among travelers.
Bottom Line: If you value experienced instruction, a variety of dive sites, and a hassle-free day, this trip offers great value and memorable underwater sights.
3. (2 Dives) Discover Scuba Diving Kota Kinabalu
If you’re new to scuba diving or just curious, the Discover Scuba Diving experience in Kota Kinabalu is a perfect introduction. For about $120, you get two guided dives at Sapi Island or other sites within TARP. Although transfers are not included, making your own way is simple, and the tour runs for about 8 hours, giving ample time for briefing, gear-up, and diving.
Designed for beginners or first-timers, this experience includes all necessary equipment and permits. The guides are professional, and the focus is on ensuring safety while letting you enjoy the spectacle of colorful fish and coral. Many reviewers mention how wonderful the day was, with some noting it as an unforgettable way to see marine life without prior experience.
This tour is suited for those who want a hassle-free, safe introduction to diving with minimal prior training. It’s ideal if you’re short on time or want to test the waters before considering certification.
Bottom Line: For first-time divers seeking a safe, guided, and memorable experience, this tour offers excellent value and an easy entry into the underwater world.
How to Choose the Right Scuba Experience in Kota Kinabalu
Picking the best tour depends on your experience level, time available, and what you want from the trip. If you’re an experienced diver wanting maximum underwater time, the Leisure Diving | Fun Dives is hard to beat. For those wanting a guided, multi-site experience with a professional instructor, the Kota Kinabalu Leisure Scuba Diving Trip offers great value. Beginners or those trying diving for the first time should consider the Discover Scuba Diving to enjoy a safe, guided introduction.
Budget, schedule, and comfort level will guide your choice. For instance, experienced divers may prefer the longer, more flexible full-day trips, while newcomers might opt for the beginner-friendly discovery experience. Remember to book early, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Kota Kinabalu offers a range of scuba diving experiences that cater to different interests and skill levels. From full-day explorations with experienced guides to beginner-friendly sessions, there’s something for all. If you’re an experienced diver, the Leisure Diving | Fun Dives provides great value, while first-timers will find the Discover Scuba Diving particularly memorable. Consider your comfort level, time constraints, and budget to choose the best fit. Booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these fantastic Underwater adventures in Borneo.