Scuba & Snorkeling in Semporna District
THE 10 BEST Semporna District Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Scuba & Snorkeling in Semporna District
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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What travelers are saying
- 馨方 張4 contributionsWhat an awesome trip!
It was so lucky to meet with Ken and his team. We were there for four days including two days in Sipadan.
Ken was reliable and eager to arrange itinerary with our expect. His team was experienced and provide sufficient support along way.
Strongly recommend to everyone who visit Semporna and Sipadan.
Ken和他的團隊非常專業,我們在半年前就預定這個行程,其中來來回回溝通了很多細節、也更改過人數,因為團隊人有人要使用side mount,Ken也很用心幫忙安排設備。
導潛、船上點心、午餐,以及每一個潛點的路線都很完美,非常推薦給來仙本那和西巴丹潛水的夥伴們!Written March 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - hayles65York, UK3 contributionsI have done many volunterring projects around the world but I must say TRACC is one of the best. I was there for 3 weeks and learnt so much in that time. I initially had reservations about going due to my limited mobility issues but the team were amazing and I really felt like I contributed to this amazing cause. If you love diving and are interested in turtle and coral conseevation then this is a must....
I will definately be back.Written February 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ditte v2 contributionsWe had a 2 day snorkling trip with seabunny. One of the best things we've done in Borneo. We have seen so many fish, turtles and coral. We highly recommend snorkling (or diving) with seabunny. The staff is really friendly, they respect nature, know a lot about the fish you see and the area's you go for snorkling. They also make you feel really comfortable and safe as they continuously guide you while in the water. After the snorkling trip we'll even receive the pictures and video's that they made while snorkling. So you don't even have to bring your own go pro or something like that. Thank you Seabunny!Written November 11, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- micosennaSan Francisco, CA3 contributionsGreat dive operation, the best I’ve seen. Staff were excellent. I want to mention Andy, our Dive Master for taking such good care of us. We had the most memorable dives! Andy was able to troubleshoot a few issues during my dives with ease. I hope you get to dive with Andy you won’t regret it! Truly an experience! Another Dive Master named Mal..I can never say thank you for finding my phone in 15-20ft of water. Like how did you do it? I gave up but you kept going! They have several boats, always prompt and they make sure you have everything you need. 5 stars for dive operations and anticipating our needs. Michael and Lucas, thank you for your time and patience. They also helped with my partners equipment repair, so useful to have this in their resort. I knocked the stars to 4 bc of the food. As much as they try their best, perhaps needing a refresh on their menu. (We stayed 9 days and we’ve had about every chicken dish imaginable) my favorite part of the resort is the jetty area. So relaxing after the dive. There is no WiFi on the resort, no tv, they do have a bar area / gathering room above the dining hall where we all gathered in the evening. Staff in general all were great and so helpful. Small dive group ratio, lunch included in Sipadan. Truly amazing diving on the island!Written August 22, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- eevenc1 contributionBig John Scuba is a great place surrounded by wonderful people. The rooms are descent, clean and comfortable. The meals prepared by the locals are luxurious, as compared to other places. You will get a pretty balanced diet during your stay here.
The divemasters/instructors are friendly and willing to show the best of each dive sites has to offer. They are also very generous when it comes to sharing their knowledge and experiences in diving. They share great knowledge of the sea condition, local marine life etc.
You also get to enjoy great sunset view everyday as they are located on the west of Mabul Island. The most significant thing about this place is their people, they make you feel welcome. This is a great place to disconnect with the outer world and reconnect with people. Not too sure if this is a great place for couples that are looking for a romantic getaway, but if you enjoy going back to the basics of life, this is definitely a place for you to visit. My friend and I are already planning our next trip as we really enjoyed our stay throughout (5D4N).Written March 23, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - RamGurugram (Gurgaon), India294 contributionsHi, What follows is might be a long review, but I have tried to cover as many points as I think are necessary for the reader to take a decision.
1) Agency
The Dive-the-world team is one of the most efficient agencies that I have ever come across. They are prompt, efficient and professional. A great plus is the fact that they’re approachable almost every hour of the day through their chat service. I haven’t compared their rates with other agencies, so can’t really say much on that front. But I would dive again through/with them for sure.
2) Boat
The older boat has its fair share of bad reviews on the internet and maybe rightfully so. But the Celebes Explorer 9 is positively luxurious. Huge lounge/dining area, sunning deck and the common rooms are almost worthy of a 5-star resort. It probably helped that we were 4 guests on a boat meant for 14 and so really had lots of space. The housekeeping crew are warm attentive and helpful. The chef cooked up a variety of simple but delicious dishes during the 4 nights I spent here. Cookies, bananas, milk, tea and coffee are almost on tap. Fresh fruits are served with every meal and during the surface intervals.
3) Diving Operations
On the days the boat is anchored overnight at Mabul, the boat left for Sipadan by about 6 AM. This is how a typical day looked like
- Get kitted out by 7 and land at Sipadan Island
- Finish registration formalities at the Sipadan park office (daily)
- First dive at around 7:30 AM
- Breakfast and surface Interval
- Second dive at around 11:30 AM
- Lunch and surface interval
- Third dive at around 3 PM
- Head back for Mabul at around 4
We dived at Barracuda point and Hanging Gardens more than once. But since the dive sites in Sipadan are practically on top of each other, we probably covered more than 1 dive site in a single dive. I can’t really complain about that, but me and the other guests on board did feel that the diving operations were run a little loosely. No dive briefings, Partially filled cylinders (180 Bar), Avoidable delays (wrong permit taken ashore, refuelling delays) & Dive guides not being the last out of the water are just a few examples. There was a general tardiness when it came to planning departure schedules and dive timings. I never felt unsafe diving with the guides, but the absence of these issues would have made it more professional. But this is Asia and such is island life. So you need to take it in your stride and not get too hassled about it. Also, it would have helped, if they had at least 1 fish id book onboard.
4) Diving
Diving in Sipadan is truly world class. The currents are gentle here allowing for relaxed dives. The marine life is diverse and bountiful. Healthy corals (for now) and beautiful vistas made for good diving. The visibility was not always crystal clear, but we 10-15m visibility on an average. Sharks and turtles are a given on almost every dive. Barracudas, schools of jack, humphead parrotfish, batfish etc are abundant and make this a wonderful place to dive at.Written March 2, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Evy L33 contributions
Experience the sea at 360 degrees with maximum safety, tranquility and with a good team. Recommended not only for all those who approach the sea for the first time, but also for the most experienced and ambitious who want to go further and have dreams to achieve!
Thanks for everything
Can’t wait to come backWritten June 28, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Pirates foreverSão Miguel, Portugal257 contributionsHighly recommend this diving shop…
Very clean and new equipment…
I went for 3 dives and was so good and also they provide photos and videos thanks again to my instructor Edwin 😉
See you and for sure 🙂Written December 27, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - George GHersonissos-Crete40 contributionsBe sure you get early your permissions for to dive in Sipadan. You can lodge is Seborna or Mabul. Sipadan is grate experience and one of the best diving sites in the worldWritten August 10, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- libreviajanteTrapani, Italy12 contributionsWe arrived in Semporna after a very long and tiring trip, and off we went asking around to get an understanding of available options for accomodation and diving. We were soon overwhelmed and disoriented by the number of operators, the wide range of price tags applied, and the language barrier coming uop most of the times to complicate things further. We were then lucky enough to stumble upon Semporna Blue Reef, where a bright smile, warm and gentle manners, patient and clear explanations and excellent english skills welcomed us and provided us with the comprehensive and unbiased general information about locally available options that we needed. The super friendly young lady that welcomed us, as well as the rest of the family, got literally out of their way to help and assist us and provided support and advice even about some of the competitors that we might have wantedto check out based on our specific needs prior to making any choice. These folks are truly professional, impressively honest and genuinely friendly and helpful, which is most appreciated and commendable. We unfortunately did not end up going with one of their trips due to last minute arrangements, but I would recommend their outstanding services to anyone interested in what the Semporna archipelago has to offer. If that is you, then do yourself a favor and drop by to say hello. Thanks a lot, and keep up the great work! :)Written February 21, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Floor v1 contributionBeautiful dives! Super professional dive centre and the equipment were in very good condition! We had a lovely time with our fun and professional divemaster Sam! Thank you again Captain and Sam "your princesses"! :)Written November 1, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Valliappan C2 contributionsExcellent crew.. Did a good job ensuring you have a good dive at Sipadan Islands. Malik and the rest of the crew have a good knowledge about Sipadan which is really helpful.Written August 16, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Uwe PShanghai, China22 contributionsSipadan has already been on our scuba-dive to-do list for some time, thus my wife and I spent 5 days / 4 nights on MV Celebes Explorer in early May to get access to this exceptional dive site. It turned out to be our best diving experience so far, we were able to do 13 dives and were able to encounter all kinds of fish (e.g. large schools of barracudas, bumphead parrot fish, jacks,... whitetips, grey sharks, lemonsharks, ... turtles, octopus, ... nudibranchs ... unfortunately no really big pelagic like hammerhead, whaleshark, etc.).
MV Celebes Explorer is an old ship which provides no luxury, our cabin was quite smelly so we even slept on deck for two nights to escape the odor.
However, there was a very friendly and nice atmosphere during the trip, both because of the friendly crew and the other divers from all over the world.
Furthermore, food was excellent and divers.
If you want to do multiple dives in a short time at Sipadan MV Celebes Explorer is the only dive operator to provide this service.Written July 19, 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Aeophylus1 contributionWe had a most amazing day hosted by Ken and Shirley. They were very professional and everything went smoothly. We were brought to many sites which were great for snorkelling and diving. The dive sites were phenomenal with much of the corals alive. Ken and Shirley were incredibly attentive to our young children’s safety and comfort. We highly recommend Ken and Shirley for a guaranteed brilliant day.Written December 2, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Semporna District
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- These are the best places for budget-friendly scuba & snorkeling in Semporna District:
- Tropical Research And Conservation Centre
- Scubaholics
- Seabunny Scubacations
- Big John Scuba
- Billabong Scuba
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