Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
1. Semporna Islands
A cluster of idyllic islands offering world-class diving sites like Sipadan and Mabul.
- Variety of Marine Life: Home to over 3,000 fish species and 600 coral species.
- Advanced Divers Welcome: Sipadan is known for challenging dives such as Barracuda Point and Hanging Gardens.
- Eco-friendly Conservation Efforts: Semporna Islands support sustainable diving practices to preserve marine ecosystems.
2. Lankayan Island
A peaceful island resort offering excellent snorkeling opportunities.
- Turtle Nesting Sanctuary: Home to the Green and Hawksbill turtles.
- Clear Waters: Ideal for underwater photography due to its crystal-clear waters.
- Relaxing Atmosphere: A serene getaway perfect for unwinding after diving or snorkeling.
3. Bob's Corner
An iconic dive shop in Sandakan offering a variety of diving and snorkeling trips.
- Experienced Guides: Dive masters with years of experience leading trips.
- Affordable Packages: Offers affordable dive and snorkel packages for all skill levels.
- Community Involvement: Supports local communities through responsible tourism practices.
4. Gaya Island
An island offering diverse diving experiences like the Turtle Cave and Tuna City.
- Tropical Fish Abundance: Home to a wide variety of tropical fish such as clownfish and angelfish.
- Limestone Formations: Underwater limestone caves and tunnels provide unique diving experiences.
- Wrecks Exploration: Opportunities to explore shipwrecks like the MV Tiger Shark.
5. Mataking Island
A popular diving and snorkeling spot with a variety of marine life and coral reefs.
- Manta Ray Encounters: Known for manta ray sightings during the right season.
- Night Dives: Offers night dives to experience bioluminescent marine life.
- Beginner-Friendly Dive Sites: Shallow dive sites suitable for beginner divers.
6. Rapang Island
An uninhabited island with pristine reefs and diverse marine life.
- Untouched Coral Reefs: Offers untouched coral reefs for snorkeling.
- Marine Turtle Encounters: Regular sightings of marine turtles during the right season.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: A serene getaway for those seeking tranquility and untouched nature.
7. Mabul Island
A vibrant island offering a range of diving and snorkeling experiences.
- Macro Photography Opportunities: Known for its diverse macro marine life ideal for underwater photography.
- Intermediate to Advanced Dive Sites: Offers challenging dive sites like Sipadan without the crowds.
- Marine Conservation Efforts: Supports marine conservation through responsible tourism practices.
8. Kapalai Island
A coral island offering a unique jellyfish hotel experience.
- Jellyfish Hotel Experience: Overwater accommodations with natural jellyfish nets below.
- Night Dives: Opportunities to explore bioluminescent marine life during night dives.
- Beginner-Friendly Dive Sites: Shallow dive sites suitable for beginner divers.
9. Mantanani Islands
A group of three islands offering excellent snorkeling opportunities.
- Marine Turtle Encounters: Regular sightings of marine turtles during the right season.
- Tropical Fish Abundance: Home to a wide variety of tropical fish such as clownfish and angelfish.
- Island Hopping: Opportunities for island hopping to explore the three islands.
10. St. John's Island
A small island offering snorkeling opportunities with diverse marine life.
- Marine Turtle Encounters: Regular sightings of marine turtles during the right season.
- Tropical Fish Abundance: Home to a wide variety of tropical fish such as clownfish and angelfish.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: A serene getaway for those seeking tranquility and untouched nature.
11. Bohey Dulit Island
An island offering diving and snorkeling opportunities with diverse marine life.
- Tropical Fish Abundance: Home to a wide variety of tropical fish such as clownfish and angelfish.
- Marine Turtle Encounters: Regular sightings of marine turtles during the right season.
- Historical Ruins: Historic World War II ruins to explore on the island.
12. Layang-Layang Island
A remote island offering world-class diving with thresher shark sightings.
- Thresher Shark Sightings: Known for its regular thresher shark sightings.
- Advanced Divers Welcome: Offers challenging dive sites suitable for experienced divers.
- Remote Location: A remote location offering a unique and isolated diving experience.
13. Tiga Island
A trio of islands offering snorkeling opportunities with diverse marine life.
- Marine Turtle Encounters: Regular sightings of marine turtles during the right season.
- Tropical Fish Abundance: Home to a wide variety of tropical fish such as clownfish and angelfish.
- Island Hopping: Opportunities for island hopping to explore the three islands.
14. Similajau National Park
A national park offering snorkeling opportunities with diverse marine life.
- Marine Turtle Encounters: Regular sightings of marine turtles during the right season.
- Tropical Fish Abundance: Home to a wide variety of tropical fish such as clownfish and angelfish.
- Land Based Activities: Offers land-based activities like hiking and bird watching.
15. Borneo Divers
A dive center offering a variety of diving and snorkeling trips in Sandakan.
- Experienced Guides: Dive masters with years of experience leading trips.
- Affordable Packages: Offers affordable dive and snorkel packages for all skill levels.
- Community Involvement: Supports local communities through responsible tourism practices.