Leisure Diving | Fun Dives | 3 Dives in TARP, Kota Kinabalu

Imagine spending a full day exploring the vibrant underwater world of Borneo’s famed marine park, all without the hassle of organizing gear or worrying about the basics. That’s what this Leisure Diving tour offers — a thoughtfully curated experience for those who love to explore underwater but prefer to keep things simple and stress-free. With three dives included, guided by certified professionals, and all equipment provided, it’s a fantastic option for seasoned divers looking to maximize their time in the water.

What really makes this tour shine is the focus on small group sizes — a maximum of 5 divers — which allows for a more personalized and relaxed experience. Plus, the inclusion of a tropical island lunch and seamless transfers from Jesselton Point Jetty make it feel like a truly care-free day out. However, one thing to consider is that this experience is best suited for those with moderate physical fitness and previous diving experience; beginners might find the depth and duration a bit challenging, but seasoned divers will love the extended underwater time.

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who want to explore Kota Kinabalu’s underwater treasures without the fuss of logistics. Whether you’re a certified diver eager for more ocean time or a seasoned water enthusiast wanting to discover Borneo’s marine biodiversity, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Equipment, permits, boat transfers, and lunch are included, saving you time and stress.
• Small Group Experience: Max 5 divers ensures personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Expert Guides: PADI-certified guides like Didi and Alex are praised for their attentiveness and marine spotting skills.
• Three Dives in One Day: Get maximum underwater time, with dives reaching depths of up to 82 feet.
• Beautiful Marine Life: Expect colorful coral gardens, turtles, and potential sightings of sharks and rays.
• Ideal for Experienced Divers: Suitable for those with moderate fitness and previous diving experience.

A Complete Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, which is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to meet your crew. The pickup process is straightforward, and you’ll be transferred directly to the boat for a day packed with underwater adventures. The small group size—no more than 12 travelers—means you’re unlikely to be stuck in overcrowded boats, allowing for a more intimate and comfortable day on the water.

The Marine Park and Dive Sites

Once on the boat, you’ll head out to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a collection of islands known for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant ecosystems. Reviewers highlight the abundance of colorful reefs, with coral gardens that are both stunning and teeming with life. The marine environment here is described as teeming, suggesting a rich diversity of fish, sea turtles, and possibly even sharks.

The Dives

You’ll get three separate guided dives, each offering a different perspective on the underwater landscape. The first two dives are usually in the morning, with a break for lunch on one of the islands. Reviewers mention dives at sites like Hanging Garden and Sapi, where marine residents such as green turtles and stingrays have been spotted. The depth of these sites reaches up to 82 feet, providing plenty of room for exploration without feeling overwhelming.

The Island Lunch

After two dives, you’ll hop onto a tropical island for a complimentary restaurant lunch. This is more than just a meal; it’s a chance to relax, dry off, and enjoy the island scenery before heading back underwater for the final dive. Several reviewers appreciated the included lunch and drinks, emphasizing how it adds to the overall value and convenience.

The Final Dive and Return

Post-lunch, you’ll go for your third dive, often described as the most memorable, thanks to the variety of marine life and coral formations. The entire day wraps up with boat transfers back to Jesselton Point, leaving you exhausted but exhilarated.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Knowledgeable and Attentive Guides

Reviews consistently praise the guides—particularly Didi, Alex, and Desmond—for their patience, attentiveness, and marine life spotting skills. One reviewer noted how Didi “took time to point out things on the dive,” which means you’re likely to see more and learn more about the marine environment. Guides like Alex are credited with making less experienced divers feel comfortable and secure, often going “above and beyond” to ensure a memorable experience.

Seamless Equipment and Safety Standards

All diving gear is provided, and the professionalism of the crew is evident. Reviewers mention feeling safe and well-briefed before each dive, with some highlighting the attention to safety standards. This makes the experience accessible to seasoned divers and reassuring for those who appreciate comprehensive safety protocols.

Small Group and Personalized Attention

With a maximum of 5 divers, this isn’t a crowded, rushed tour. Many reviewers say they appreciated the personalized service and less hectic environment, which enhances the overall enjoyment and safety.

Flexibility and Convenience

The tour’s mobile ticket and inclusive transfers mean less pre-planning. You don’t have to worry about sourcing equipment or permits, as everything is sorted beforehand. The full-day format allows for more underwater exploration than shorter trips, making the cost of $105 per person a good deal for the value of time and experience.

Analyzing the Value: Is It Worth It?

Given the price point, this tour offers an excellent balance of value and quality, especially considering the all-inclusive nature—from equipment to lunch to permits. Multiple reviews mention the high safety standards, the expert guides, and the quality of marine sightings, all of which elevate this experience well beyond a basic snorkel trip.

Compared to other activities in Kota Kinabalu, this tour stands out for its focus on small groups and personalized service. For divers craving more underwater time and those who want a hassle-free day with all logistics taken care of, this is a compelling choice.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for experienced divers who want to spend the day exploring multiple sites without the hassle of organizing gear or navigating logistics. If you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and diving to depths of up to 82 feet, you’ll find the schedule matches your energy level.

It’s also perfect if you value personalized attention, as the small group setting means guides can focus on your needs and marine spotting. While beginners may find it a bit challenging without prior experience, confident snorkelers or those with some diving background will enjoy the extended underwater time.

This experience may not be suitable for travelers with limited mobility or those who prefer a more relaxed, less physically demanding outing. Also, those who haven’t booked at least 17 days in advance might need to plan ahead, as spots can fill quickly.

Final Thoughts

Opting for this Leisure Diving tour in Kota Kinabalu means enjoying Borneo’s spectacular marine environment with the help of knowledgeable guides, all necessary gear provided, and a seamless, well-organized experience. The combination of three dives, small groups, and a scenic island lunch makes this a top choice for those eager to explore underwater without the fuss.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver eager to extend your underwater adventures or a water enthusiast wanting to see more of what the Coral Triangle offers, this tour delivers both quality and convenience. The strong reviews and consistent praise around safety, guides, and marine life sightings attest to its reliability and appeal.

In short, if you’re looking for an authentic, well-organized, and value-packed underwater experience in Kota Kinabalu, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQ

Do I need previous diving experience to join this tour?
Yes, this tour is designed for those with a moderate physical fitness level and previous diving experience, as the dives go down to 82 feet. Beginners might want to consider this, but experienced divers will enjoy the extended underwater exploration.

Are all the diving equipment and permits included?
Absolutely. The tour provides full diving gear, permits, and park fees, so you won’t need to worry about additional costs or sourcing equipment yourself.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 5 divers, which allows for personalized attention and less crowding on the boat and at dive sites.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a complimentary restaurant lunch on the island is part of the package, along with drinking water. It’s a great way to relax and refuel between dives.

How long does the tour last?
The full-day experience is approximately one day, starting with pickup at Jesselton Point and returning after the final dive and transfer.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if needed.

Is this tour suitable if I haven’t booked far in advance?
It’s recommended to book around 17 days in advance, as the tour is popular and spots fill quickly. However, if you plan ahead, you’ll secure your place for an unforgettable underwater adventure.

To sum it up, this leisure diving tour offers an excellent way to explore Kota Kinabalu’s underwater marvels with trusted guides, all logistics handled, and a focus on quality over quantity. Perfect for seasoned divers and water lovers who want a hassle-free, memorable day in Borneo’s marine park.