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Ultimate Guide to Scuba Diving in Singapore with Stunning Diving Spots
My husband has always been a beach bum, while I’m more of a “let’s pitch a tent in the woods” kind of person. But ever since I met him, I’ve developed a real appreciation for the ocean, thanks to his obsession with scuba diving.
He got his PADI certification ages ago and has been doing refresher courses ever since. Of course, he dragged me along for the ride—and honestly, now I’m hooked! Exploring the underwater world has this cool, almost magical vibe to it.
So, if you’re curious about what it’s like to dive into the deep blue, here’s a handy guide to scuba diving in Singapore to help you get your feet wet!
Top Scuba Diving Spots in Singapore
Pulau Hantu
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Pulau Hantu, just a 30-minute boat ride from Singapore’s mainland, is the city’s most popular scuba diving destination. This spot features two islands: Hantu Kecil and Hantu Besar.
These scuba diving spots feature mild currents and easy navigation, which makes Pulau Hantu a great spot for beginners. You’ll find lots of marine life here, including healthy corals, cuttlefish, bamboo sharks, giant groupers, and even butterflyfish!
Labrador Reef at Labrador Nature Reserve
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If you’re looking for a lesser-known dive spot in Singapore, Labrador Reef is a true hidden gem. I find the experience during high tide magical, especially with schools of tuna weaving through the waters!
Note, though, that this spot is part of the Labrador Nature Reserve, so dive training isn’t allowed. You’ll need permission from the National Parks Board before diving here, but trust me, the effort is worth it for the beauty and tranquillity of this underwater haven.
Sister’s Island Marine Park
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I’m always on the lookout for hidden gems, and Sisters’ Islands Marine Park is one of my favourite discoveries. The National Parks Board organises regular diving sessions, so it’s easy to dive in and experience the magic firsthand.
You’ll find parrotfish, eels, turtles, and even clownfish in this scuba spot. There’s even the Iran Sarai wreck sitting 18 metres below the surface if you’re looking for something hauntingly beautiful to explore under the sea!
Pulau Jong
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Pulau Jong, just 6 kilometres off Singapore’s southern coast, is one of the last untouched gems around here. At 6,000 square metres, it’s a peaceful spot with little to no tourist development, and the reef is absolutely stunning!
It’s a great spot for scuba diving, away from the crowds and snorkellers. While the currents can be strong, the vibrant corals, nudibranchs, and kelp forests make it well worth the dive.
St. John’s Island
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Another secluded scuba diving spot is St. John’s Island. With its peaceful mangrove forests, clear waters, and smooth, silty bottom, this dive site offers a unique experience for divers of all skill levels.
The reefs here aren’t super obvious, though, until you head north and dive around 7 metres deep. You’ll eventually find the scattered reefs soon enough with a little patience (I recommend getting a guide for this dive, though!).
Top Scuba Diving Schools in Singapore
Orpheus Dive
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Address: 16 Zion Rd
Contact Details: +65 6887 3631
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Course Fee:
- Private class: $1,495 per person
- Standard class: $1,295 per person
For a quick and flexible way to learn scuba diving in Singapore, I highly recommend the PADI Open Water Diver course at Orpheus Dive. Perfect for those with busy schedules, this exclusive course lets you master the basics during your free time.
The training starts with remote learning through easy-to-follow modules, followed by pool sessions to practice skills in a controlled environment.
The grand finale? Four exhilarating ocean dives, all conveniently scheduled on weekends. It’s the perfect balance of learning, flexibility, and adventure!
Tips:
- Note that the courses don’t include dive insurance, which is very important before taking the courses. I recommend you ask for assistance from the dive school about getting insurance if you’re booking a course. They can help you with finding one that suits your needs and budget.
- If any of your kids between the ages of 10 and 15 want to join the course, they can only enrol into the private class. The school will only allow teaching young divers 1-to-1 and not in the standard 1-to-3 classes.
- Make sure to get your medical clearance done before the class starts. This is a very important document to secure before you dive!
Dive Lab
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Address: 1093 Lower Delta Rd, #03-07
Contact Details: +65 8813 5278
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Saturday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Course Fee: $689 per person
Website
Dive Lab is another open water dive school that offers basic courses for divers of all ages. They run lessons strictly on weekends, so consider booking their course if you only have time to spare on those days!
They offer pool lessons at the Raffles Marina before you can test out all you’ve learned in the open sea. While they’re known for their beginner courses, they also offer more advanced lessons for experienced divers as well.
Tips:
- If you already have experience diving in Singapore waters, you can sign up for the school’s speciality courses, which include diver propulsion, side mount, dry suit, and deep diving. They can only teach licensed divers or divers who have completed the beginner’s course for these special lessons, though.
- The school provides exclusive access to the Shearwater dive computer, a top-notch device with a vibrant full-colour LCD display. Its bright screen ensures you can monitor your oxygen levels clearly, even in murky waters. Included in the school’s rental equipment, it’s a game-changer for any diver. I highly recommend using one!
The Dive Company
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Address: 90 Eu Tong Seng Street #01-03 C.I.D.C Blk A, 90 Eu Tong Sen St
Contact Details: +65 6396 0946
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Course Fee: Starts at $749 per person (basic course)
Website
If you’re on the hunt for a dive school that takes you to some stunning underwater spots, The Dive Company should be on your radar. From Tioman to Pulau and even Hantu, they offer year-round diving adventures that cater to all levels of experience.
Thinking about getting certified? This PADI 5-Star IDC school has you covered with courses that prepare you to dive confidently into a variety of depths and destinations.
And for first-timers, rest easy knowing you’ll be guided by certified Emergency First Responders. With pros like these by your side, you’re diving with confidence!
Tip: Note that if you’re not keen on getting a licence but simply want to try scuba diving for the time being, you can book the Singapore Weekend Diving experience for just $180 per person. The package already comes with dive equipment rental and insurance, but bookings are only available from November to February. Plan your dive session during those months in advance to secure a slot (they tend to run out very quickly!).
Blue Reef Scuba
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Address: 12 Bussorah St, The House
Contact Details: +65 6635 8422
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Course Fee: Starts at $689 per person
Website
Blue Reef Scuba is a top-notch dive school and centre, perfect whether you’re looking to earn a license or dive just for the thrill of it. They offer a wide range of courses, including rescue diving, open water diving, and even Master Diver certifications.
Their flexible setup lets you complete training modules online before progressing to open water dives, going as deep as 18 meters.
I recently took a refresher course here and had a fantastic experience—not only brushing up on my skills but also connecting with new friends from across the globe.
Tip: For their diving course, they offer a 3-day, 2-night excursion at Pulau Tioman, Malaysia. Diving here will be the culmination of all the training you get from the course and already includes accommodation, two-way land and sea transportation, meals, and up to 5 open water scuba dives. Equipment is also included, so just bring along other cool tools you want to use.
Cuddlefish Divers
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Address: 101 Upper Cross St, #02-80, People’s Park Centre
Contact Details: +65 8292 6684
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Saturday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Course Fee: Starts at $135 per person
Website
If you have friends who are willing to dive deep into Singaporean waters, try booking a local dive session with Cuddlefish Divers. They offer half-day boat trips for groups who simply want to experience scuba diving for the first time.
These experiences aren’t courses, so you don’t have to worry about committing to fixed schedules for lessons. You’ll have a dedicated guide to help your group get accustomed to the depth and waters (you also have the option to book a private session, too!).
Tips:
- If you want to take a break from scuba diving, the operators also offer snorkelling sessions for $100 per person. The fee doesn’t include rental equipment, though.
- Just a heads-up: wetsuits aren’t provided, but with Singapore’s balmy waters averaging 30°C, you might not need one. I’d suggest wearing a long-sleeve rashguard or skin suit for protection from jellyfish and other stingers. Don’t have one? No worries, they’ve got sets for sale, and you get to keep them for future dives!