Diving in Kota Kinabalu: 3 dives in the marine park

Multiple dives, lunch on an island, varying depths

Leisure diving in Kota Kinabalu's marine park for certified scuba divers: two dives in the morning, lunch with vegetarian options on a tropical island, and one dive in the afternoon. The park has over 25 sites to choose from, all with gentle conditions, no strong currents, and depths between 8 and 25 meters. A professional RAID-insured guide leads the day, and all equipment is provided. You're dropped back at the jetty around 4pm.

The experience

If you have your certification card and a free day in Kota Kinabalu, this is how you spend it underwater. Borneo Dream picks you up at Jesselton Point Jetty and takes you out to the marine park in a 33-foot trimaran. The dive sites here are straightforward (no strong currents, no technical navigation), which means the day stays focused on what you came for: the animals. Turtles and sharks show up if the conditions favor them, and the visibility lets you see them clearly.

You do two dives before lunch, then eat on a tropical island with a choice from the menu. Vegetarian plates are available. The boat carries small groups, maximum five divers per guide, so the pace stays manageable and the guide knows where each person is. After lunch, one more dive, and you're back at the jetty by 4pm. All equipment (tank, regulator, BCD, wetsuit) comes with you. You bring your C-Card and nothing else. The guides are RAID professionals and insured, and they speak English, Chinese or Malay.

The park holds 25 dive sites, so Borneo Dream picks the one that fits the day's conditions and your group's level. Depths run 8 to 25 meters, shallow enough that nitrogen narcosis stays out of the equation and deep enough that the reef structure opens up. A full day of three dives, boat time, and island lunch costs less than a single resort dive elsewhere, and you're not paying separately for the guide, the boat or the park fees.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off at Jesselton Point Jetty.
• all scuba equipment (tank, regulator, BCD, wetsuit, fins).
• professional RAID-certified guide.
• boat transfers in a 33-foot trimaran.
• three dives at sites chosen for the day's conditions.
• lunch on a tropical island with a choice of menu items and vegetarian options.
• drinking water.
• marine park fees and permits.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 88 years) · Child (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, Chinese and Malay

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Borneo Dream Travel Tours Sdn Bhd

Is this one for you?Choose this if you're a certified diver with a full day to spare. You'll complete three dives with lunch on a tropical island, so you stay in the water most of the morning and afternoon.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Chinese and Malay.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 17 years). Under 10: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I need to bring to go diving in Kota Kinabalu with Borneo Dream?

Bring your diving certification card (C-Card or diving license) and a swimsuit. All scuba equipment (tank, regulator, BCD, wetsuit and fins) is provided. Sunscreen, a towel and a light layer for the boat ride are practical additions.

How many dives do I do in a day, and when do I eat?

You do three dives total: two in the morning before lunch, and one in the afternoon. Lunch is served on a tropical island with a choice of dishes, including vegetarian options and drinking water.

What are the dive sites like in Kota Kinabalu's marine park?

The park has over 25 sites, all with gentle conditions and no strong currents. Depths range from 8 to 25 meters, making them accessible for recreational divers. Turtles and sharks inhabit the area, and the guide chooses the site based on the day's conditions and your group's experience.

What time does the day start and end?

Pickup is from Jesselton Point Jetty in the morning, and you're returned there around 4pm. The full day includes boat transfers, three dives, lunch and all equipment.

How many people dive together, and who leads the dives?

Groups stay small: maximum five divers per guide. All guides are RAID-certified professionals with insurance and teaching status, and they speak English, Chinese or Malay.

Can I dive if I'm visiting Kota Kinabalu for the first time?

Yes, if you hold a valid diving certification. This day is designed for certified divers only. You'll need to bring your C-Card or diving license. The dive sites are straightforward with no currents, so they suit divers of varying experience levels.