Scuba Diving Kota Kinabalu: 2 Dives, No License Required

Learn to dive and descend twice in one day off Sapi Island

A full-day scuba diving class in Kota Kinabalu for beginners, with two dives guided by a PADI instructor and no license required. You meet the crew at Jesselton Quay at 8:45am, fill a registration form, then walk to the jetty where your instructor briefs you on equipment and technique before your first shore dive. After lunch on the island, you complete a second boat dive on the reef. The day runs eight hours and includes all diving gear, lunch and bottled water.

The experience

You don't need a scuba certification to start. The instructor meets you at Jesselton Quay and walks through the basics: how to wear the gear, how to breathe underwater, how your movements will be watched the whole time. The first dive happens from shore in the morning, shallow and controlled. After lunch served on the island, you board the boat again for a second dive on the reef, deeper and in open water but still with your instructor monitoring every step.

The boat leaves at 8:30am, so you arrive by 8:15am. Jesselton Point Jetty is a short walk from the meeting point. The dive site is usually Sapi House Reef, in front of Sapi Island. Your instructor delivers a morning briefing on the boat, explains the equipment piece by piece, and teaches you how to put it on properly before you enter the water. Bottled water is provided throughout the day.

The guide speaks English, Chinese or Malay. Children from age 10 are welcome. All diving equipment is included (tanks, weights, regulators, the full setup) along with the diving permit and all fees.

What’s included

• All scuba equipment including tanks and regulators.
• lunch served on the island.
• bottled drinking water throughout the day.
• diving permit.
• instruction from a PADI-certified guide.
• two dives per person.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:15

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Youth (10 to 14 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 20

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 refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Go Aquatic

Is this one for you?The early 8:30am departure and full eight-hour day suit divers who can commit the morning and afternoon. The two dives back-to-back with lunch between them pack the most water time into a single day without needing a certification card beforehand.

Traveler reviews

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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: Youth (10 to 14 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. No refund if you cancel.

Can I go scuba diving in Kota Kinabalu if I've never done it before?

Yes. This dive is designed for beginners with no license. A PADI instructor teaches you how to use the equipment and monitors your movements throughout both dives, so you learn as you go.

What happens during the two dives?

The first dive is from shore in the morning at the dive site, usually Sapi House Reef. After lunch on the island, you do a second dive from the boat on the reef. Both are guided by your instructor step by step.

What's included in the price?

All scuba equipment, lunch, bottled water, the diving permit and all fees are included. You bring only yourself and a valid ID.

What time does the day start and end?

You meet the crew at 8:45am at Jesselton Quay and must arrive by 8:15am so the boat can depart at 8:30am. The full day runs eight hours.