6 Incredible Places for Scuba Diving in Singapore

Singapore is a small island in Southeast Asia, bordered by Malaysia to the north and Indonesia to the south. Known famously for its clean streets, tourist attractions, cultures, city skylines and a lot more, this small country has more on the table when it comes to tourism.

One such advantage is a thriving scuba diving scene that attracts divers worldwide. One of the main reasons that people come to Singapore for scuba diving is its unique geographical location. The island nation is situated at the southern end of the Malay Peninsula, making it an ideal location for diving in the South China Sea. The waters around Singapore are home to diverse marine life, including colourful coral reefs, schools of fish, and even shipwrecks.

Below, we’ve elaborated on the best scuba diving in Singapore and some unique attractions you simply cannot miss.

While Singapore may be known for its urban landscape, it also offers unique diving opportunities around its southern islands where macro marine life thrives. Engaging in scuba diving, even in these calmer waters, carries inherent risks.

Therefore, having international travel insurance that covers adventure activities like scuba diving is essential, ensuring you're prepared for any unexpected events during your dives in Singapore.

1. Pulau Hantu

This beautiful island of Pulau Hantu in Singapore is a great place to explore the underwater world and discover the rich marine life that thrives in the surrounding waters. The island's reefs are home to diverse corals, particularly mushroom corals. The waters here are teeming with life, and divers can expect to see a range of sea creatures during their dives.  

Pulau Hantu is also a site for macro lovers and those of all diving levels. Beginners can enjoy the shallow waters and easy dives, while advanced divers can explore the deeper waters and take advantage of the strong currents. 

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Coral reefs, mushroom corals, clown fish, anemone fish, damselfishes, wrasses, sea turtles, nurse sharks, batfish, cuttlefish, angelfish, giant clam, seahorse, flatworms, sea horses, blue dragons, dancing fish, sea slugs.
  
• Depth: 3m - 18m
  
• Costs: Individual dives – SGD 60 – SGD 460 & Courses – SGD 360 – SGD 760

2. Pulau Jong

Pulau Jong is a small island off the coast of Singapore, known for its stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life. The island has the deepest scuba diving destination, offering some of the best diving experiences amongst reef sharks and turtles. However, it's strong currents mean that divers are recommended to go with someone who knows the area.

The island got its name from ‘Pau’ or Chinese dumplings, from the shape of the land. It has a lush coastal forest that shelters many rare and endangered native plants. It also has interesting rock formations. 

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Corals, reef sharks, parrotfish, turtles, lionfish, angelfish, stingrays, sea anemones, crustaceans, molluscs.
• Depth: 10m - 30m
  
• Costs: Individual dives – SGD 60 – SGD 460 & Courses – SGD 360 – SGD 760

3. Open Ocean Habitat

Open Ocean Habitat is a world-renowned aquarium located in the heart of Singapore. The aquarium is known for its state-of-the-art design and is recognized as an official dive site by PADI. As you descend up to 12 meters, you will be amazed by the majestic manta rays, groupers, and schools of fish swimming in unison. The Open Ocean habitat provides a breathtaking underwater landscape filled with vibrant corals, colourful fish, and fascinating sea creatures.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Hammerhead shark, eagle rays, sting rays, reef mantas, shovel nose rays, blacktip sharks, bowmouth, goliath groupers, leopard rays, barracudas, leopard sharks
• Depth: 3m - 12m
• Costs: Individual dives – SGD 60 – SGD 460 & Courses – SGD 360 – SGD 760

4. Kusu Island

Scuba diving on Kusu Island in Singapore is a short boat ride from the mainland. It is part of St. John's Islands and is one of Singapore's best spots for scuba diving. This island offers a unique diving experience not often found in the bustling city-state.

The island boasts diverse marine life, including corals, fish, and even sea turtles. The diving conditions are generally good, with calm and clear waters, making it an ideal spot for beginners and experienced divers. The underwater terrain is also interesting, with interesting rock formations and swim-throughs. Kusu Island means Tortoise Island in Chinese. Mythically, it is believed that a magical tortoise turned itself into an island to save shipwrecked sailors. 

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Turtles, anemonefish, corals, sponges.
• Depth: 5m - 22m
  
• Costs: Individual dives – SGD 60 – SGD 460 & Courses – SGD 360 – SGD 760

5. Labrador Reef

Scuba diving in Labrador Reef, Singapore, is a unique and thrilling experience for novice and experienced divers. The reef is home to over 30 different types of corals and fish species. The reef is also rich in history. During World War II, the area was a strategic location for defending Singapore, and remnants of the war can be seen underwater. Labrador Reef is a Nature Reserve, and diving permission is required to go scuba diving here.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Sharks, rays, dolphins, corals, jellyfish, nudibranchs, cowrie, critters, crabs, flatworms, anemones, butterflyfish, damselfish, octopus, razorfish.
  
• Depth: 4m - 12m
• Costs: Individual dives – SGD 60 – SGD 460 & Courses – SGD 360 – SGD 760

6. Sister’s Island Marine Park

Sister’s Island Marine Park is one of Singapore's best scuba diving spots. The park is located on two islands, Big Sister and Little Sister, which are only accessible by boat. The park boasts diverse marine life, including coral reefs, sea turtles, and numerous fish species. The waters are generally calm and clear, making it easy to explore the underwater world. Scuba diving in Sister’s Island Marine Park is the perfect way to experience Singapore’s rich underwater ecosystem.

• Unique Underwater Attractions: Seafans, seawhips, giant clams, sharks, turtles, rays, nudibranchs, reef fish, sponges, seahorses, dolphins, corals.
• Depth: 6m - 15m
• Costs: Individual dives – SGD 60 – SGD 460 & Courses – SGD 360 – SGD 760

The best time to go scuba diving in Singapore is from March to June when the waters are calm, and the marine life is blooming.

Before you go scuba diving in Singapore, be sure to carry these essential items: 

• Valid ID proof is a must
• Swimwear, dry bag and towels
• Scuba diving equipment, if you already have
• Hats, sunglasses and sunblock
• First aid kit

Scuba diving operators in Singapore will also provide you with scuba diving equipment. Be sure to check your equipment before you're in the water to avoid malfunctions

• Participants below the age of 10 are not allowed to dive.
• Dive only in designated areas, respect your environment and always pay attention to the guidelines set by your instructor.
• Wait for at least 2 hours after eating before you go scuba diving.
• Avoid diving under the influence of substances or if advised against by a medical practitioner.
• There should be a time gap of at least 12-24 hours between flying and going scuba diving.

Singapore is unique for scuba diving because it is one of the few places in the world where you can dive in a city-state. Despite the urbanization of Singapore, the waters around the island remain relatively untouched and offer divers a chance to explore a unique underwater environment. Additionally, Singapore has several dive schools and tour operators that offer everything from beginner courses to advanced technical diving. 

Scuba diving in Singapore is an exciting experience that allows divers to explore a captivating underwater landscape. However, you must be ready for any unanticipated events that may occur while travelling. For this reason, obtaining International Travel Insurance to Singapore that covers adventure sports like scuba diving is essential before departing on your vacation! You can completely enjoy your scuba diving experience without worrying about money!