Thinking about trying scuba diving on your trip to Borneo? The RAID Try-Dive in Kota Kinabalu offers a friendly, safe, and beautifully laid-back way to dip your toes into the underwater world. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just want a taste of what diving could be like, this tour packs a lot of value into a single day.
What we particularly like about this experience is the small-group setups that ensure personalized attention, the stunning coral reefs teeming with marine life, and the chance to enjoy a relaxed island lunch after your first taste of the underwater. Plus, the professional guides have a reputation for making sure everyone feels safe and confident, which is key for new divers.
One consideration? If you’re not comfortable in the water or have respiratory issues, this might not be the best fit. Also, since it’s a half-day adventure with transfers, it’s best suited for travelers looking for a manageable, fun intro rather than a comprehensive diving course.
This tour is ideal for those curious about scuba, families with teens, or anyone wanting a memorable underwater experience without committing to a full certification. Now, let’s take a detailed look at what makes this experience stand out—and what you should keep in mind.
- Includes two leisure dives up to 12 meters (around 40 feet) in protected reef areas.
- Small group sizes ensure personalized and friendly instruction.
- Boat transfers are on high-quality boats, making the journey comfortable.
- All gear and refreshments are included, making it a seamless experience.
- A relaxed island lunch in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park adds to the day.
- A great value at just $112 per person for a full day of underwater fun.
- Qualified guides are experienced and speak multiple languages, including English, Malay, and Chinese.
- Pre-requisites include being over age 10 and comfortable swimming.
The experience is designed to be as approachable as possible, giving you a real sense of what scuba diving is like, without the need for certification. The day kicks off early, with a meet-up at Jesselton Point Jetty at 9:00 AM, a central spot within walking distance from most hotels. From there, a friendly Borneo Dream team member will escort you to the boat, which departs for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a cluster of five islands famous for their clear waters and vibrant corals.
The Journey to the Reefs
The boat ride itself is a highlight—lively, comfortable, and with the promise of underwater adventures ahead. The tour uses the best diving boats in Kota Kinabalu, ensuring a smooth and safe ride. Along the way, you’ll get a brief introduction to scuba and the day’s itinerary, with guides explaining what you can expect.
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First Confined Water Skills Session
Once at the first island, you’ll go through a short, structured skills session, similar to what you’d find in a beginner course but simplified for this experience. This confined water portion takes place in shallow, protected bays, perfect for a gentle introduction. Expect to practice breathing through your regulator, buoyancy control, and basic hand signals—important skills that help you feel confident underwater.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kota Kinabalu.
The First Dive
After mastering the basics, you’ll set out for your first leisure dive. Reviewers like Amanda noted, “We saw a turtle twice in our diving session,” which underscores the marine life’s diversity around these reefs. The reef is teeming with colorful corals, exotic fish such as clownfish (or “Nemo”), and other marine creatures. The shallow depth of around 12 meters allows you to enjoy the scenery without feeling overwhelmed, making it ideal for beginners or those with limited experience.
Lunch and Relaxation
Midday, you’ll have a well-earned break on one of the islands—Pulau Sapi or Pulau Mamutik—where a simple, fresh lunch is provided. This is a chance to relax, soak up the sun, and swap stories with other travelers. Reviews highlight the high quality of the included lunch, which adds great value to the experience.
The Second Leisure Dive
In the afternoon, after a briefing, you’ll gear up for a second dive. This dive also reaches a maximum of around 40 feet (12 meters), exploring different reefs or sections of the island’s coral matrix. Yuka and Cynthia praised guides for their professionalism and the stunning views, emphasizing how well-organized and enjoyable the second dive was. It’s a relaxed way to further enjoy the underwater landscape, with plenty of marine life to spot.
More Great Tours NearbyReturn and Reflection
By 15:30, the boat winds back to Jesselton Point, bringing the day’s adventures to a close. The whole experience offers a blend of education, fun, and beautiful scenery—all wrapped into a manageable 7-hour window.
At $112 per person, this experience provides excellent value. It includes all necessary gear, boat transfers, instructor guidance, and refreshments, meaning you won’t have to worry about extra costs or logistics. The inclusion of an island lunch and conservation fees enhances the feeling that this is a well-rounded, thoughtfully organized outing.
The small group size—typically no more than a handful of participants—means you get personalized attention. Reviewers like Cynthia appreciated the guides’ professionalism, noting the “fairly amazing” sites they visited and the overall care taken to make everyone comfortable and safe.
One of the real highlights is the chance to see a wide range of marine life, thanks to Sabah’s location in the Coral Triangle. While the main focus is on beginner-friendly activities, the reefs are biologically diverse, and lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of a turtle or an array of colorful fish.
Guides are attentive, patient, and well-versed in safety standards—crucial for first-timers. The provided gear is high-quality, and instruction sessions adhere to PADI standards, ensuring safety and comfort for all skill levels.
- Timing: Check availability as the tour runs with varying start times, usually around 9:00 AM.
- Duration: The full experience lasts about 7 hours, making it a good half-day plan.
- Group Size: Small groups mean more personalized attention, which many reviewers found helpful.
- What to Bring: Comfortable swimwear, a towel, and sun protection are recommended. All diving gear and refreshments are included.
- Health Requirements: Participants should be in good health, comfortable swimming, and at least 10 years old. Those with respiratory issues should consider if this activity suits them.
- Post-Dive Safety: Remember, you need a minimum of 18 hours free after diving before flying—plan your travel accordingly.
This tour is perfect for beginners eager to explore the underwater world without a long-term commitment. Families with pre-teens or teenagers can also enjoy it, especially with the knowledgeable guides ensuring safety and fun. It’s also an excellent choice for travelers who appreciate scenic boat rides and island lunches combined with marine encounters.
For those curious about diving but not ready for certification, this is a gentle, enjoyable first step—no pressure, just plenty of memorable sights.
The RAID Try-Dive in Kota Kinabalu offers a balanced mix of education, adventure, and relaxation, making it a fantastic introduction to scuba diving. The small group setting, professional guides, and stunning reef environment make for a memorable experience that’s accessible to most.
While not a comprehensive diving course, it’s a genuine taste of what’s possible beneath the waves—perfect for those considering future diving adventures or simply wanting an exciting, safe, and beautiful day on the water. The inclusion of island lunch, high-quality gear, and boat transfers all contribute to a smooth, enjoyable day.
If you’re after a manageable, rewarding way to see Sabah’s marine life and experience a bit of ocean magic, this tour will suit you well.
Do I need any prior experience to join this tour?
No, this experience is designed for beginners and those with no diving experience. It includes a short education session and confined water skills before the first dive.
What is the maximum depth of the dives?
The dives reach a maximum of about 12 meters (roughly 40 feet), ideal for beginners and those wanting a relaxed underwater experience.
Is transportation included?
No, transfers from hotels are not included, but the meeting point is Jesselton Point Jetty, which is within walking or a quick taxi ride from most centrally located hotels.
What should I wear for the tour?
Bring your swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat for the boat and island stops. The gear needed for diving is provided.
Can I see marine life like turtles?
While not guaranteed, reviewers mentioned sightings of turtles during their dives, which is a delightful bonus.
What about lunch?
A simple, good-quality lunch is included on an island in the Marine National Park, perfect for recharging after your first dive.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, you must be at least 10 years old to participate.
How many people are in each group?
The experience is conducted in small groups, ensuring personalized attention from guides.
What safety standards are followed?
Guides adhere to PADI standards, and all participants are briefed thoroughly, making safety a priority.
This RAID Try-Dive is a wonderful way to dip your fins into Sabah’s marine wonderland, blending fun, safety, and stunning scenery into one compact adventure.
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