Semporna 3-Dive Mataking: Certified diver underwater exploration

Three dives on Mataking reef, with lunch and island time between tanks

A full-day, three-dive activity in Semporna for certified Open Water divers and above, exploring Mataking's coral gardens and reef sites with a professional guide. All scuba gear, tanks, lunch and boat transport are included. Dives last 30 to 55 minutes each depending on air consumption. You'll surface between dives, rest on an island, and visit Timba Timba on the return. A guide speaks English, Malay or Chinese.

The experience

You need a current PADI certification or equivalent to book this dive. Before the boat leaves, you'll complete a health questionnaire and equipment check on the dock, then gear up with the full setup: wetsuit, BCD, regulator, mask, fins and tank. The crew will brief you on the first site once you're aboard and heading out across the water.

Three dives make up the day. Each one lasts between 30 and 55 minutes depending on how much air you use. The guide will monitor your consumption and call the ascent when it's time. Between dives you'll surface, rest on the boat, and sail to the next site for another briefing. After your second dive, you'll spend roughly an hour on a shore island with a local lunch box and time to recover before the third and final dive.

The route includes Timba Timba and other islands on the return leg. Weather and sea conditions can shift the timing and which sites the crew accesses, so the day may run longer than planned if currents are strong or the operator needs to move to an alternative dive spot. The boat and all three oxygen tanks are included, along with bottled water. If you want to visit Mataking Island itself (separate from the dive sites), that's an optional 15 MYR per person. Timba Timba carries a 10 MYR fee if you choose to land there.

What’s included

• All scuba gear including wetsuit, BCD, regulator, mask, fins and three oxygen tanks.
• a professional dive guide.
• boat transport to and from the dive sites.
• a local lunch box.
• bottled water.
• dock taxes, jetty fee and local tax.

Options for this experience

2 options

Mabul Route: Three DivesGuide in English, Malay or Chinese · 08:30Three dives, with three oxygen tanks for the entire trip. Duration: seven hours. Lunch included. Boat trip on the Mabul and Kapalai route.

Mataking Route: Three DivesGuide in English, Malay or Chinese · 08:30Three dives, with three oxygen tanks provided for the whole trip. Duration: seven hours, with lunch on the Mataking route. Choose this option to join an exciting diving tour along the Mabul and Kapalai dive route by boat.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to15h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

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 refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Wadi Rum Fire Camp

Is this one for you?You must hold a current Open Water certification or higher and be at least 18 years old. The full day of three dives suits divers comfortable with multiple entries and surface intervals. If you prefer a shorter or single-dive experience, ask about alternatives. Sea conditions and weather may extend the day beyond the planned seven hours, so flexibility on timing matters here.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Malay and Chinese.

Do I need to bring my own dive certification to Semporna?

Yes. An evidence of PADI or equivalent scuba certification is required before the activity starts. The operator will not refund if you arrive without it. Bring your card or documentation with you.

How long does each dive last on the Mataking reef?

Each dive lasts between 30 and 55 minutes, depending on your oxygen consumption. The guide monitors your air supply and signals the ascent when it's time to surface.

What happens between the dives?

After you surface, you'll rest on the boat while the crew sails to the next dive site. You'll receive a briefing before entering the water again. After the second dive, you'll spend about an hour on a shore island with lunch and recovery time before the third dive.

What's included in the lunch, and when do I eat?

A local lunch box is provided and eaten during the island rest period, roughly one hour after your second dive. Bottled water is also included throughout the day.

Can the itinerary change on the day?

Yes. The operator may modify the dive sites, timing and route depending on weather, sea conditions and government restrictions. High underwater risk or strong currents may mean moving to an alternative site, or in rare cases, rescheduling or refunding the activity.