It's not all about scuba diving! Non-divers can also join our boats and enjoy snorkelling on the beautiful reefs here in the heart of the coral triangle.

Each trip is designed to give you plenty of time in the water exploring 3 different spots around the island as well as some time to relax! Depending on numbers, our snorkelers will either join our dive boats or have their own dedicated snorkelling boat, either way our staff will be on hand to help you with safety advice, tips on the best places to snorkel as well as helping you identify cool marine life. All snorkel trips are guided by our dive professionals.

Sipadan is not only for divers! In fact, many of the famous sights at Sipadan can be seen whilst snorkelling. The residential school of thousands of jackfish usually hangs out just below the surface, perfect for snorkelling! The school of bumphead parrotfish can also be found at very shallow depths, and it's often snorkelers who get the best experience with them, as they may be too shallow for divers.

You'll be able to swim with thousands of fish, turtles, reef sharks and the coral gardens in the shallow areas are the best around the island! In between snorkel sessions you can lounge on the beach and soak up the sun on this uninhabited paradise island!

Please note, as directed by Sabah Parks, freediving is not permitted within Sipadan National Park. All snorkellers are required to wear a life-jacket when snorkelling within the marine park.

Located just twenty minutes by boat from the world-famous Sipadan and home to both our Mabul Beach Resort and Mabul Turtle Hatchery, Mabul offers snorkelers a perfect balance of snorkelling & beach time. If you are staying at our resort you will have the luxury of snorkelling at our house reef with full gear FREE of charge during your stay.

Just a few steps from our beautiful Mabul Beach Resort you will find our house reef inviting you to jump into its turquoise water where you can spot turtles, cuttlefish, octopus, blue-spotted stingrays as well as a plethora of schooling tropical reef fish without having to venture too far from your sun-lounger. 

Those that dare to leave their sun loungers and join our boat for an EXTRA special day of snorkelling will not regret it for Mabul has much more to offer than just our house reef!

Kapalai is not a true island but rather a sandbar that resorts have built upon to form a true water resort. While it is not possible to go ashore at Kapalai, this world-class diving destination also offers many great snorkeling opportunities for those keen to explore beyond the reefs of Mabul. Home to giant potato groupers, schooling jackfish, bumphead parrotfish, great barracudas, shimmering fusiliers, shy yet highly colourful mandarin fish, green sea turtles, friendly bat fish, and fleeting eagle rays, Kapalai has something to delight every snorkeler. To make sure everyone gets a chance to stretch their legs and soak up some sun, all day trips to Kapalai include a stop off at Mabul for a buffet lunch and a chance to snorkel at one or more Mabul snorkelling sites as well! It is possible to snorkel at both Mabul and Kapalai from either Semporna or our Mabul Beach Resort, trips leave Semporna at 8am and Mabul at 9am.