SNORKELING IN SABAH
Experience the incredible marine diversity
The amazing nature of Borneo is both on land in the jungle, and underwater on the reefs.
We offer trips snorkeling in Sabah at both Bigfin water bungalow, Semporna and Bigfin beach resort, Kota Belud.
Avid snorkellers should visit the east coast of Sabah (Semporna), as there are many more snorkeling sites to discover. Conditions for snorkeling are generally much better on the east coast (Semporna) than the west coast (Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud, Kudat) due to the islands geographical location and oceanic conditions.
Note that even if you have no prior experience, you can still try scuba diving! Book discover scuba dives for beginners, supervised by a PADI certified dive instructor.
Snorkeling in Sabah: Semporna
Semporna area is fantastic for snorkeling. The reefs around the perimeter of the islands in the Semporna Archipelago are all shallow, therefore there are many snorkeling spots to explore. Diviers and snorkellers can join on the same boat together. Consequently, Semporna is perfect for mixed groups of divers & non-divers.
We offer a range of snorkeling trips in Semporna to different islands including;
Tun Sakaran marine park (Mantabuan, Sibuan, Bohey Dulang)
Mataking & Pandanan
Mabul & Kapalai
Si Amil
Bum bum & Omadal
Snorkeling Day Trip (Non marine park)
Full day trip, 3 different snorkeling locations, RM195 per person.
Trip Schedule: Depart around 8.15AM, 10am 1st snorkeling location, 11.30am 2nd Snorkeling location, 12.30pm Lunch on boat or island (tide permitting), 2pm 3rd snorkeling location, Return 3.30pm.
Islands visited (on rotation, according to dive schedule):
Mon & Thurs: Mabul & Kapalai
Tues, Fri & Sun: Mataking & T2/Pandanan,
Wed & Sat: Si Amil
Price per person includes equipment rental & guide.
MINIMUM 4 person (please email to inquire if we have a trip). Snorkelers may join with divers on the same boat trip.
Snorkeling & Hiking Tun Sakaran Marine Park
Full day trip TUN SAKARAN MARINE PARK, RM250 per person.
3 islands (Sibuan, Mantabuan, Bohey Dulang). Snorkeling, trekking and island hopping. Trip is for snorkelers only (not scuba diving).
Trip schedule: 8.45am: Hike BOHEY DULANG Island island up to a stunning view point of the marine park. Closed shoes required!
11am: SIBUAN Island Snorkeling & packed lunch
1pm: MANTABUAN Island snorkeling. Return 3.30pm
Price per person includes: Snorkeling equipment rental, guide & MARINE PARK & HIKING FEES included.
Snorkeling Bum Bum (Half day)
We can also run short trips on request to fringing reefs that surround Bum bum island. Beautiful snorkeling sites are only a 5-20 minute ride away, where you can experience clear blue water and colorful coral reefs. Mask, snorkel and life jacket included. Short trips around Bum bum can be arrange at the resort subject to boat schedule, tide and availability.
Snorkeling in Sabah: Kota Belud
Pandan Island Snorkeling trip
Trip duration 1 hour 30 mins, RM50 per person (price includes snorkeling equipment). Minimum 2 snorkelers. In house guests only.
We offer short snorkeling trips to Pandan island, only a 10 minute hop from Bigfin beach resort. Pulau pandan is a tiny uninhabited island, with a beautiful white sand beach and a fringing coral reef. Strong swimmers could swim around the entire island in 1 hour.
If conditions are good and our boat is available then we might be able to offer longer extended trips to other shallow snorkeling locations nearby. Please note that we can only arrange this extended trip onsite if the sea is calm and our boat is not already being used by divers.
Unfortunately, it is not possible for snorkelers to join on our dive boat in Kota Belud as our dive sites are submerged reefs in open ocean, they are not suitable for snorkeling as they are too deep and can have strong surface currents/ waves.
At Bigfin beach resort we have rent kayaks, paddle boards, mask & snorkel available for rent. This is a very popular half day activity. Guests can explore the beautiful coastline and reefs within Mengkabar bay. at leisure.
Mantanani Snorkeling trip
Full day trip to Mantanani island, RM200 per person (price includes snorkeling equipment). Minimum 2 DIVERS + 2 snorkelers.
Trip Schedule: Depart around 8.15AM, 10am 1st snorkeling location, 11.30am 2nd Snorkeling location, 12.30pm Lunch on boat or island (tide permitting), 2.30pm 3rd snorkeling location, Return 4pm.
Unfortunately we can only arrange this trip onsite, if the conditions are good and we have other divers request to go. It can very rough on the trip out to Mantanani Island, especially during the wavey season (Aug-October). For this reason we can only confirm if a trip is possible 1 day before. Online booking not available.
Next step: After experiencing the stunning snorkeling in Sabah, would you like to explore deeper below the surface? Interested in Scuba diving? Sign up for our PADI Open water course to gain your dive certification!