Kota Kinabalu: Guided Snorkeling Day Trip & Island Lunch

Summary

Snorkeling Sabah’s reefs with local guides and island lunch

You’ll join a small group for three guided snorkeling sessions around Kota Kinabalu’s Tunku Abdul Rahman marine park, led by a certified local guide. Expect laughter on deck, bright reefs below, an island lunch with choices for vegetarians, and plenty of time floating above Sabah’s sea life. The memory of that warm salt air might stick with you longer than you think.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of salt on my lips as we pushed off from Jesselton Point — Kota Kinabalu’s harbor always feels busy, but out here the boat noise faded fast. Our guide, Siti, handed out masks and fins while cracking a joke about her “ocean hair” (which honestly looked cooler than mine after five minutes in the wind). She explained how we’d hit three spots in Tunku Abdul Rahman — I’d never heard anyone say “RAID Professional” before but she wore it like a badge. The water was that glassy blue you see in postcards, except you could actually smell the sunblock and hear someone’s playlist drifting over from another boat. It felt real.

I didn’t expect to be nervous about the depth — I mean, you can’t stand up anywhere out there — but Siti kept an eye on us and checked our masks before we slid in. The reef looked almost too bright under the surface; tiny yellow fish darted past my fingers if I held still long enough. At one point I tried to ask what a certain spiky creature was (sea cucumber? sea sausage?) and Siti just laughed through her snorkel. She pointed at something else — a flash of blue — and I forgot about everything except trying to keep up. There was free-flowing water on board but honestly I just wanted to stay in as long as possible.

Lunch happened on one of those islands where the sand gets everywhere no matter what you do. We ate under some palms (I picked the vegetarian option — surprisingly good) and swapped stories with another couple who’d come all the way from Penang for this day trip to Kota Kinabalu. Afterward, one more snorkel session — quieter this time, maybe because everyone was full or maybe because the light had changed and made everything underwater look softer somehow. On the ride back I realized my shoulders were sunburned in weird patches. Still worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided snorkeling tours at marine park

• Collect from Jesselton Point Jetty
• Travel to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
• Receive snorkeling briefing
• First guided snorkeling session
• Second guided snorkeling session
• Lunch served on island
• Third guided snorkeling session
• Return to Jesselton Point Jetty

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment included on this tour?

Yes, all snorkeling gear including masks, fins, wetsuits, snorkels, and life jackets are provided.

Where does the day trip start in Kota Kinabalu?

The tour begins at Jesselton Point Jetty in Kota Kinabalu.

How many snorkeling sessions are there?

You’ll have three guided snorkeling sessions during the day trip.

Is lunch included during the snorkeling day trip?

Yes, lunch is served on an island with menu options including vegetarian choices.

What is the maximum group size for this snorkeling tour?

The maximum group size is six people per guide.

Are guides certified or professional?

Your in-water guide is a fully trained RAID Professional who is insured for your safety.

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer?

You should be comfortable swimming in deep water but don’t need advanced experience; life jackets are available if needed.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, there is free-flowing drinking water available onboard throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes collection from Jesselton Point Jetty in Kota Kinabalu, all snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit, snorkel, life jacket if needed), three guided sessions with a certified RAID Professional guide around Tunku Abdul Rahman marine park, unlimited drinking water onboard, and lunch served on an island with menu choices including vegetarian options before returning to shore together.