Kota Kinabalu: Seawalking, Snorkelling, Leisure Beach

Traveling to Sabah’s coastal jewel, Kota Kinabalu, and looking for a day packed with underwater adventures and relaxing moments? This tour promises just that, blending Seawalking, snorkelling, and leisure time on a pristine beach—all within a well-organized 7-hour trip. The fact that you don’t need any diving experience makes it a perfect pick for families, beginners, or anyone curious about exploring the ocean without the fuss of complex equipment.

What truly grabbed our attention are the small group sizes, which mean personalized attention from guides; the unique underwater walk on the ocean floor, offering a completely different perspective of marine life; and the delicious local buffet lunch that makes the day feel even more special. However, it’s worth noting that water clarity can vary, as one review mentioned less-than-ideal visibility, which could impact underwater viewing.

This experience is tailored for those who want a safe, fun, and memorable introduction to Sabah’s marine environment. If you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable, and hassle-free adventure with plenty of opportunities to relax afterward, this one’s likely to be a hit.

Key Points

• Accessible Marine Experience: No diving license required, making it perfect for beginners.
• Personalized Attention: Small groups and professional guides ensure safety and tailored experiences.
• Diverse Activities: Seawalking, snorkeling, and optional add-ons like parasailing and jet skiing.
• Gourmet Lunch: Enjoy a tasty buffet with live music, adding a cultural touch.
• Prime Location: Private island with crystal-clear waters ideal for marine exploration.
• Flexible Cancellation & Payment: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with the option to reserve and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction to the Tour Experience

Our review of this Kota Kinabalu tour begins with the promise of a day full of marine fun and leisure. While we haven’t done it ourselves, detailed descriptions and traveler reviews paint a vivid picture of a well-rounded adventure suitable for all ages. The tour combines underwater exploration, snorkeling, and beach relaxation, making it appealing to those who want variety without multiple bookings or complicated logistics.

Three standout features make this experience worth considering: the Seawalking activity, which allows you to stroll along the sea floor wearing a helmet, the crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, and the delicious local buffet lunch that many reviewers have praised. A potential downside? The water clarity isn’t always perfect, which might impact visibility during the underwater walk or snorkel—something worth considering if your main goal is stunning marine scenery.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate guided excursions that prioritize safety and small group intimacy, as well as those who want to enjoy marine activities in a relaxed, fun environment without diving experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Seawalking experience is the centerpiece of this tour. Walking on the ocean floor with a helmet and oxygen supply isn’t just novelty; it’s a practical way to encounter marine life up close without needing to learn diving techniques. The small group setting ensures guides can focus on individual safety and comfort, which is reassuring for first-timers.

The snorkelling component extends the underwater adventure, giving more opportunities to see the vibrant marine ecosystem. According to one reviewer, “We can make snorkelling, kayak included,” which highlights the flexibility and variety of activities available.

After the aquatic activities, you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant. Multiple reviews mention how tasty the food is, with some describing it as “buffet and delicious,” topped with live music that adds a lively, cultural vibe.

The tour also offers the chance to relax on white sandy beaches, with options to indulge in additional activities like parasailing or jet skiing for an extra fee, providing an adrenaline rush or added fun.

The Itinerary: Step-by-Step Breakdown

Starting Point: Star Marina

All adventures kick off at Star Marina, where the crew will meet you—it’s best to follow the provided Google Maps coordinates (5.9566, 116.0441) to avoid delays. Early arrival is recommended, as latecomers aren’t accommodated.

More Great Tours Nearby

Speedboat Ride to Sepanggar Island (1 hour)

The boat ride itself offers a scenic start to your day, cruising across the waters toward the private island. The anticipation builds as you get closer to the clear waters and vibrant marine environment. The boat ride is reasonably timed, giving passengers a chance to relax and enjoy the breeze.

Sepanggar Island: Sightseeing and Safety Briefing (1 hour)

Once on the island, you’ll receive a safety briefing—crucial for activities like Seawalking and snorkeling—and a chance to explore or take photos. The island’s natural beauty makes for a great introduction before heading into the water.

Secret Stop for Snorkelling and Exploring (2 hours)

This is where the real underwater magic begins. According to reviews, the waters are clear enough to spot various wild fish and rock formations. One guest shared, “We can make snorkelling, kayak included,” emphasizing the variety of options during this time. Note that water visibility can vary, so don’t expect perfect underwater vistas every time.

Extended Stay at Sepanggar Island (4 hours)

Back on the island, you can relax, swim, or simply soak in the scenery. This downtime is ideal for sunbathing, taking photos, or just unwinding before returning to the mainland.

Lunch Break at a Local Restaurant (1 hour)

The included buffet lunch is a highlight for many travelers. The variety and quality of the food, along with the live music, create a convivial atmosphere. It’s a great way to fuel up before more fun activities or just to enjoy some local flavors.

Return Journey (45 minutes by speedboat)

After lunch, scenic boat ride back to Star Marina wraps up the day. You’ll have time to reflect on your marine adventures or plan your next activity in Kota Kinabalu.

Optional Water Activities

Once back, there’s an opportunity to add on extra fun—parasailing, jet skiing, or banana boat rides—though additional charges apply. Many travelers find these add-ons enhance their day, especially if seeking adrenaline.

Leisure Beach Time

The tour concludes with leisure time on the beach, ideal for soaking up the sun or enjoying a cold drink. It’s a perfect way to wind down after a busy underwater morning.

Practical Details & Considerations

Transportation & Group Size

Travelers are picked up at the Star Marina, with the tour designed for small groups to ensure personal attention. The modest group size means less waiting and more tailored experiences—great for those who prefer a more intimate setting.

Duration & Timing

The full tour lasts approximately 7 hours, with flexibility depending on weather and sea conditions. Starting times vary, so checking availability and confirming the schedule is recommended.

Price & Value

While explicit costs aren’t provided here, the tour combines multiple activities—Seawalking, snorkelling, lunch, and optional add-ons—for a comprehensive day out. For its price point, the inclusion of small group guidance, delicious food, and diverse activities suggests good value.

Weather & Safety

The experience is weather-dependent; if conditions are unsafe, the tour can be rescheduled or refunded. Safety is clearly prioritized, with guides present during all water activities and proper gear provided, including life jackets.

What to Bring & Restrictions

Pack essentials like swimwear, towel, sunscreen, waterproof camera. Notably, touching marine life isn’t allowed, and the experience is designed to avoid any harm to wildlife. The activity is suitable for ages 8 and up, but pregnant women, those with heart or respiratory issues, or claustrophobia should consider the risks.

Real Traveler Insights

One reviewer from Vietnam praised the guides for their helpfulness and friendliness, noting that although the water wasn’t always crystal clear, the sea walking activity was still enjoyable. They also particularly loved the delicious buffet lunch and live music, which added a festive touch. Another reviewer remarked that the guides made the experience safe and fun, emphasizing the importance of small group sizes for personalized attention.

What to Expect During the Underwater & Snorkel Experiences

The Seawalking activity allows you to walk comfortably on the sea floor, wearing a helmet that supplies oxygen, giving the sensation of floating above marine life. Even with less-than-ideal water clarity, the vibrant fish and rock formations are visible, and the guides are attentive to ensure safety.

Snorkelling offers another chance to see the underwater scene more freely, with some participants enjoying kayaking as well—perfect if you’re looking to switch between activities. The guides’ focus on safety and their local knowledge enhance the experience, making it informative and enjoyable.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For those seeking a combination of adventure, relaxation, and good food in Kota Kinabalu, this tour hits many marks. The Seawalking experience is a fun, novel way to explore the marine environment without diving certification, while the snorkelling and beach time add layers of enjoyment. The delicious buffet lunch with live music creates a memorable cultural touch.

The small group size and attentive guides mean you won’t feel rushed or lost in a crowd, making it ideal for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a relaxed yet engaging day. The optional add-ons like parasailing also make it suitable for thrill-seekers looking to extend their adventure.

However, water visibility can sometimes be less than perfect, which might slightly limit underwater scenery. Always consider weather conditions, as safety is paramount.

All-in-all, this tour offers great value for a full day of marine discovery and leisure. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate guided, well-organized tours with a mix of activities and local flavors.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for ages 8 and up, making it family-friendly. Always check individual comfort levels with water activities.

Do I need any diving experience?
No diving experience is required. The Seawalking activity is designed for beginners and non-divers.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera to capture underwater moments.

Can I touch the marine life?
No, touching marine life is not allowed to ensure protection of the wildlife.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions are unsafe, the tour may be rescheduled or refunded, depending on the situation.

Are there additional costs?
Additional charges apply for extra activities like parasailing, jet skiing, or banana boat rides.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 7 hours, including transportation, activities, and leisure time.

Where do we meet?
Meet at Star Marina, Tanjung Aru Resort, using the provided Google Maps coordinates.

Is it safe to do Seawalking?
Yes, guides are present during all water activities, and proper safety gear is provided.

What is included in the lunch?
A delicious buffet with local dishes and live music, enjoyed at a local restaurant.

In essence, this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experience. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a safe, enjoyable day exploring Kota Kinabalu’s vibrant underwater world and scenic beaches without the need for prior diving experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: