Snorkeling in Kota Kinabalu: Mamutik & Sapi Islands

Pick which island suits your day, then snorkel the reefs between them

Snorkel Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park's two islands (Mamutik and Sapi) from Kota Kinabalu with a guide, boat transfers, full snorkel gear and a barbecue lunch. The day runs 6.5 hours from 9am hotel pickup, and you choose which island to visit after your first stop at Manukan Island, where visibility is good and clownfish are common in the shallows.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park1h · entry included
2. Manukan Island2h · entry included

Snorkeling and island hopping

• Boat ride to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
• Snorkeling with clown fish
• Visit Manukan Island
• Choose next stop: Sapi or Mamutik Island
• Enjoy beach volleyball and swimming
• Hike to Sunrise Point
• Barbecue lunch provided

The experience

The boat leaves Kota Kinabalu in the morning and crosses to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, a marine reserve just offshore where the water stays clear and the reef life is dense. You'll snorkel first at Manukan Island, where clownfish and other reef species are visible in good conditions. After that first site, you pick your second island (either Sapi or Mamutik), and the boat takes you there. The choice lets you follow the conditions or the mood of the day instead of sticking to a fixed route.

Snorkel gear is provided and fitted before you enter the water. The boat crew handles the logistics of moving between sites, so you spend the time in the water or on the beach rather than waiting. Between snorkeling sessions, there's free time to swim, play beach volleyball on the sand, or hike the walking trail to Sunrise Point if you want to leave the water. The pace is yours: stay in the shallows with the clownfish or venture out where the visibility stretches further.

A barbecue lunch arrives mid-day with grilled chicken wings, prawns, lamb and chicken satay, plus steamed rice, stir-fried noodles, vegetables, fried fish and fresh fruit for dessert. Drinks (carbonated soft drinks, cordial and water) come with it. The boat returns to Kota Kinabalu by 3pm, and an air-conditioned minivan takes you back to your hotel. You'll need to register with the Marine Park (name, nationality and date of birth) when you arrive, a standard requirement for all visitors.

What’s included

• Round-trip boat transfers to the islands.
• snorkel gear for the full day.
• hotel pickup and air-conditioned minivan transport.
• barbecue lunch with grilled meats, rice, noodles, vegetables and fresh fruit.
• soft drinks, cordial and water throughout the day.

Options for this experience

2 options

City Center Pickup09:00, 10:00 and 11:00Snorkeling trip with pickup and drop-off from hotels located in central Kota Kinabalu; pickup is included.

International Cruise Terminal09:00, 10:00 and 11:00Pickup and drop-off at the outskirts or the International Cruise Terminal in Kota Kinabalu; pickup is included.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00

Book up to1d before

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

GroupUp to 4

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Magunatip Holidays Sdn Bhd

Is this one for you?Choose City Center pickup if you're staying in town, or Cruise Terminal pickup if you're arriving by ship that morning. Either way, the 6.5-hour window leaves you time to rest or explore Kota Kinabalu before or after the snorkeling.

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Top questions

Can children come?

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

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

Visibility is good at Manukan Island, and clownfish are common in the shallows alongside many other reef species. The conditions make it easy to spot fish even if you're new to snorkeling.

Can I choose which island to visit, or is the route set?

After snorkeling at Manukan Island, you pick your next stop (either Sapi or Mamutik), and let the crew know. That choice is yours to make based on what appeals to you that day.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is a barbecue spread with grilled chicken wings, prawns, lamb and chicken satay, steamed rice, stir-fried noodles, vegetables of the day, fried fish, sweet corn and fresh mixed fruit for dessert. Carbonated drinks, cordial and water come with it.

Does the price include snorkel gear?

Yes, snorkel gear is provided and fitted before you enter the water. No need to bring your own or rent separately.

What time does the day start and end?

Hotel pickup is at 9am and the boat returns to Kota Kinabalu by 3pm, making it a 6.5-hour day. You can choose pickup from City Center or the International Cruise Terminal depending on where you're staying.