Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

All Topics about Kota Kinabalu All Cities in Malaysia

1. Sipadan Island

World-renowned for its rich marine biodiversity with over 3,000 species of fish and countless coral species.

Unparalleled Diversity: Offers an unmatched variety of marine life, making it a must-visit for divers.
Limited Access: Only 120 divers are allowed per day to protect the delicate ecosystem.
Advanced Divers Required: Strong currents and deeper waters make it suitable for experienced divers.

Known as a macro diver's paradise with abundant nudibranchs and sea horses.

Macro Diving Specialist: Ideal for photographers and macro enthusiasts who love small marine creatures.
Numerous Resorts: A variety of accommodation options cater to different budgets and preferences.
Beginner-Friendly Sites: Suitable for beginners with shallow, calm water dive sites.

A turtle sanctuary offering snorkeling and diving experiences with sea turtles.

Turtle Interaction: Provides close encounters with green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles.
Peaceful Ambience: A serene island perfect for relaxation and unwinding.
Eco-Conscious Resort: Environmentally friendly resort committed to the preservation of marine life.

A group of islands offering snorkeling opportunities with vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish.

Accessibility: Easily accessible by boat from Kota Kinabalu city center.
Mangrove Forests: Includes mangrove forests for those interested in birdwatching and nature exploration.
Beginner-Friendly: Shallow, calm waters suitable for beginners and children.

Home to several WWII wrecks, including the 'Tuna Can' and 'Sabangay'.

Historical Dive Sites: Offers a unique opportunity to explore sunken warships.
Intermediate-Advanced Divers: Suitable for divers with some experience due to stronger currents and deeper waters.
Marine Life Abundance: Provides a habitat for various marine species, including barracudas, tuna, and manta rays.

Known for its wall dives, drift diving, and swim-throughs.

Thrilling Dive Sites: Adrenaline-pumping dive experiences with wall dives and drift diving.
Advanced Divers Required: Strong currents and deeper waters make it suitable for experienced divers.
Tropical Fish Galore: Houses a vibrant array of tropical fish, including barracudas, giant groupers, and sweetlips.

One of the largest islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, offering excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Snorkeling Excellence: Provides a great snorkeling experience for beginners and intermediates.
Variety of Activities: Offers activities such as jungle trekking, beach volleyball, and picnic areas.
Accessible Amenities: Includes facilities like restrooms, changing rooms, and a small souvenir shop.

A smaller island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park with stunning coral reefs.

Vibrant Coral Reefs: Offers a colorful underwater landscape teeming with marine life.
Beach Activities: Features activities like beach volleyball, kayaking, and picnicking.
Snorkeling Suitability: Ideal for snorkelers of all skill levels due to calm waters and shallow reefs.

An isolated island offering dive sites with healthy coral reefs.

Coral Reef Health: Features thriving and healthy coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Remote Location: Offers a sense of isolation and tranquility away from tourist crowds.
Intermediate-Advanced Divers: Suitable for divers with some experience due to stronger currents and deeper waters.

A popular dive spot known for its blacktip reef sharks and manta rays.

Shark and Manta Ray Encounters: Provides close encounters with blacktip reef sharks and manta rays.
Eco-Friendly Resort: Environmentally friendly resort committed to the preservation of marine life.
Advanced Divers Required: Strong currents and deeper waters make it suitable for experienced divers.

A group of islands featuring pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Pristine Coral Reefs: Offers undamaged coral reefs for a truly natural diving experience.
Remote Location: Located off the beaten path, providing an authentic and untouched experience.
Beginner-Friendly Sites: Suitable for beginners with shallow, calm water dive sites.

A luxury resort offering diving packages and exclusive access to some dive sites.

Luxury Accommodations: Provides high-end, comfortable accommodations.
Exclusive Dive Sites: Offers exclusive access to select dive sites for resort guests.
All-Inclusive Packages: Includes meals, diving, and other activities in the package.

A family-friendly resort offering dive packages for all skill levels.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Offers a welcoming environment suitable for families and groups.
Dive Packages for All Skill Levels: Provides dive packages catering to both beginners and experienced divers.
Affordable Pricing: Offers competitive pricing on dive packages compared to other resorts.

A liveaboard diving platform offering dive packages for various dive sites.

Liveaboard Experience: Provides a unique liveaboard experience with multiple dive sites to explore.
Dive Packages for All Skill Levels: Offers dive packages catering to both beginners and experienced divers.
Affordable Accommodations: Offers affordable accommodations compared to resort-based diving.

A dive center offering dive packages and PADI courses for all skill levels.

PADI Certified Dive Center: Provides PADI-certified diving courses for beginners to advanced divers.
Dive Packages for All Skill Levels: Offers dive packages catering to both beginners and experienced divers.
Competitive Pricing: Offers competitive pricing on diving packages compared to other dive centers.