Snorkeling from Kota Kinabalu: Mantanani Island with lunch

Snorkel two reef sites, then eat lunch on the island while the tide shifts

Snorkeling activity from Kota Kinabalu to Mantanani Island with hotel pickup, boat transfer, two snorkeling sites (weather permitting), buffet lunch and equipment provided. The full day lasts from 7am to 6:30pm. Minimum four travelers required to operate. A 30% surcharge applies during peak and festive seasons, payable on the day. Pickup from 1 Borneo Hotels and outskirt hotels incurs an additional USD 15 per person charge.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and island relaxation

• 0700am - Hotel pickup in Kota Kinabalu
• 0930am - Arrive at Kota Belud Jetty, register and washroom break
• 1000am - Depart to Mantanani Island with safety briefing
• 1040am - Arrive at Mantanani Island, change and collect snorkeling gear
• 1100am - Snorkel at up to two sites
• 1300pm - Buffet lunch at island restaurant
• 1330pm - Free time to relax on the island
• 1500pm - Return to jetty, freshen up and prepare to leave
• Transfer back to hotel, tour ends at 6:30 PM

The experience

The day starts with a 7am hotel pickup in Kota Kinabalu and a drive to Kota Belud Jetty, where you register and board a boat to Mantanani Island. The crossing takes about 40 minutes. Once you arrive, you get a safety briefing, collect your snorkeling gear, and head into the water by 11am for two separate snorkeling sessions of 45 minutes each at different reef sites: weather permitting, the operator may limit you to one site if conditions shift.

Between snorkeling and the return boat ride, you have time to change and rest. Lunch is a buffet served at the island restaurant around 1pm, with seafood, chicken, vegetables, rice, fruit and drinks. After eating, you get free time to walk the beach or swim before the 3pm return to the jetty. The boat ride back takes roughly 40 minutes, and the transfer to your hotel finishes by 6:30pm.

All snorkeling equipment is provided, as is the air-conditioned vehicle for pickup and drop-off. The guide speaks English throughout the day. If your hotel is outside the main city area or you're staying at an outskirt property, an extra USD 15 per person applies for pickup and return.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• buffet lunch with seafood, chicken, vegetables, rice, fruit and drinks.
• air-conditioned hotel pickup and return transfer.
• boat transfer from Kota Belud Jetty to Mantanani Island and back.
• safety briefing and English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Asni Tours & Travel (M) Sdn Bhd

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day away from the city that includes both water time and a meal on the island, all arranged from your hotel door. The fixed schedule and boat departure from Kota Belud Jetty mean you're committed to the 7am start and 6:30pm return, so plan the rest of your day around those bookends.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

How much time do I actually spend in the water snorkeling?

You get two snorkeling sessions of 45 minutes each, for a total of 90 minutes in the water. Weather can reduce this to one site if conditions don't permit the second.

Is the boat ride rough, and do I need diving experience?

The boat trip from Kota Belud Jetty to Mantanani Island takes about 40 minutes each way. No diving experience is needed. A safety briefing happens before you enter the water, and the activity suits all physical fitness levels.

What if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Snorkeling equipment is provided and you'll receive a safety briefing before entering the water. The operator notes the activity is suitable for all fitness levels, though comfort in water is expected for snorkeling.

What happens if there aren't enough people to run the trip?

A minimum of four travelers is required for the tour to operate. If that number isn't met, the operator reserves the right to cancel. You'd be notified in advance.