Snorkeling in Kota Kinabalu: Catamaran to Gaya Island

Five and a half hours on the water: snorkel, paddle, and kayak around Gaya Island

Snorkeling at Gaya Island near Kota Kinabalu on a catamaran with paddleboard and kayak included. You choose between a morning snorkeling session or a sunset cruise with dinner. The boat carries a live English-speaking guide, and lunch or dinner is provided depending on which session you pick. Suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran snorkeling and paddling

• Sail to Gaya Island
• Snorkel at coral spots
• Paddleboard and kayak
• Swim with fishes and turtles

The experience

You board a catamaran and sail out to Gaya Island, where the water holds coral gardens and schools of fish. The morning snorkeling session puts you in the water at pristine spots where you can swim among the corals and watch for turtles. The sunset option trades the snorkel for a dinner cruise as the light changes over the sea. Either way, you spend time on a paddleboard and kayak, moving under your own power through the island vistas and exploring the shallows at your own pace.

A live guide in English is with you throughout the 5.5 hours. Lunch comes on the morning session. Dinner on the sunset one. The catamaran handles the transport from Kota Kinabalu, and pickup is included. Motion sickness is listed as a consideration, so take precautions if you're prone to it. The boat is on open water for the full duration.

What’s included

• Catamaran transport to and from Gaya Island.
• snorkeling at coral sites.
• paddleboard and kayak use.
• a live English-speaking guide for the full 5.5 hours.
• lunch on the morning session or dinner on the sunset session.
• hotel pickup from Kota Kinabalu.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in EnglishAvailable from 13 Oct 2027

Guide in English14:30

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 14:30

AgesUp to 80 years

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by City MPV Travel & Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the morning snorkeling session if you want the most time in the water exploring the coral and fish. Pick the sunset cruise if you prefer a slower pace and want to dine as the light fades. Both include paddleboard and kayak time, so the choice is really about whether you prioritize snorkeling or the evening atmosphere.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What's the water like for snorkeling at Gaya Island?

Gaya Island has vibrant coral and abundant fish. Turtles are also spotted there. The snorkeling happens at pristine spots the guide knows, and you're in the water long enough to explore multiple areas during the morning session.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join?

The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, so beginners are welcome. A guide is with you the whole time to help you navigate the water and point out what to look for.

What's included in the meal?

Lunch is included on the morning snorkeling session. Dinner comes on the sunset cruise. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

How does pickup work?

Pickup from your Kota Kinabalu location is included in the booking. The catamaran departs from there and returns you the same way after the 5.5-hour session ends.

Can I do both snorkeling and paddleboarding in one session?

Yes. You snorkel at Gaya Island, then also spend time on a paddleboard and kayak during the same outing, so you get all three activities in one departure.