Snorkeling in Kota Kinabalu: RAID Try Dive with instructor

Two dives in one day with an instructor who keeps groups to four divers maximum

A RAID Try Dive in Kota Kinabalu is a six-hour introductory scuba activity in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park where you receive instruction from a certified RAID Instructor, complete shallow-water skills, then dive a reef and a boat site with full equipment provided. Groups stay at a maximum of four divers per instructor. Lunch and park fees are included. The operator has maintained an incident-free record over 12 years.

The experience

The day starts at DBKK Jetty with a verbal briefing from your RAID Instructor, followed by kitting up and shallow-water skills practice before your first reef dive. After lunch provided on the boat, you'll make a second dive at a deeper boat site, returning to the jetty around 4pm. Full diving equipment (wetsuit, tank, regulator, mask) is provided. You bring only your comfort level and willingness to follow instruction.

The small group ratio of one instructor to a maximum of four divers shapes the whole experience. You get genuine attention to your technique and pace rather than being one of a dozen faces in a larger group. The two 33-foot trimaran boats are built for stability in the waters around Borneo, and the return transfer from the jetty is included. Borneo Dream has operated here for over 12 years with a professional, fully insured staff and an incident-free safety record.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park sits just offshore from Kota Kinabalu and holds the underwater life the region is known for. Park and permit fees are built into the price, so there's no separate transaction at the gate. Drinking water is provided throughout the day. The activity runs in English, Chinese or Malay depending on your guide.

What’s included

• Return transfer from DBKK Jetty in Kota Kinabalu.
• Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park entry and permit fees.
• Full scuba equipment including wetsuit, tank, regulator and mask.
• Professional RAID Instructor with a maximum of four divers per guide.
• Lunch and drinking water.
• Two boat dives: one reef dive and one boat dive at a deeper site.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 88 years) · Child (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

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.Operator's directions: “Meet at 08:45hrs at DBKK Jetty in Kota Kinabalu. It is within easy walking distance of the city centre. Meet our Crew in front of the ‘DBKK Jetty Counter’ poster on the jetty building.”

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

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Borneo Dream Travel Tours Sdn Bhd

Is this one for you?Book this activity if you want to try scuba diving with genuine instruction and a small group. The one-to-four ratio means your instructor can watch your technique and adjust the pace to your comfort, rather than managing a larger group where individual attention thins out. Children from age 10 can join. Travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns should not participate.

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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: Child (10 to 17 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. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What's the difference between the reef dive and the boat dive on this activity?

The reef dive happens in shallow water after your skills practice, letting you adjust to breathing underwater in a controlled setting. The boat dive, after lunch, takes you to a deeper site where you'll see more of the marine life the park is known for.

Do I need scuba certification to do this RAID Try Dive?

No. The RAID Try Dive is designed for people with no diving experience. Your instructor teaches you the basics in shallow water before moving to the reef and boat dives, so certification is not required.

What's included in the lunch provided during the activity?

The operator provides lunch on the boat. The specific menu is not detailed in advance, but it's part of the package along with drinking water throughout the day.