5 Snorkelling Sites Near Singapore Where You Can Swim With Cute Marine Life

If you are looking to getaway from the bustling city life in Singapore, I got something installed for you. Here are some snorkelling sites nearby Singapore for you to swim and explore marine life like Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Grab your swimsuits and goggles so that you can hang with some cute fish.

1. Bunaken Island, Indonesia

Bunaken Island, Indonesia

[Image credits : @jaakkobunaken]

Many of you may not have heard of this island, but there is a direct flight from Singapore to Manado, the closest city to Bunaken Island. The island's major attraction is a 2 km-long reef that encircles its southernmost point and is home to healthy coral reefs and schools of fish.

Bunaken Island, Indonesia

[Image credits : @jaakkobunaken]

The ocean's deepest point is roughly 1,360 metres, so you won't have to venture far from the coast to find giant sponges and anemones. Don't worry, as even in seas just 5 metres deep, there is a tonne of marine life to see. Which makes Bunaken Island a fantastic snorkelling location for beginners.

2. Mabul Island, Malaysia 

Mabul Island, Malaysia

[Image credits : @lester_deepblue_studio]

If you think that you have heard of every tourist destination in Malaysia, I am sure you have never heard of Mabul Island in Sabah. Sea turtles are also frequently sighted around the island. There are benefits to being a little out of the way, such as less traffic and clear seas.

Mabul Island, Malaysia

[Image credits : @aril_69]

Many of the resorts in Mabul Island provide kayaking excursions in addition to snorkelling tours to surrounding attractions. More experienced divers should check out Barracuda Point, which is just a stone throw away from Sipadan Island, which is well-known for barracuda sightings.

3. Coron Bay, Philippines

Coron Bay, Philippines

[Image credits : @miriam_yeh]

Coron Bay is one of the most popular snorkelling locations on this list. It is possible to witness underwater marine life and rock formations in the lagoons with their crystal-clear waters, Kayangan Lake being one of the ideal spots. Barracuda Lake, which is encircled by soaring limestone cliffs, is another attraction.

Coron Bay, Philippines

[Image credits : @explorebycompass]

Several WWII Japanese naval fleet wreckage sites have been found in Coron Bay.  As a result, expert divers frequently swarm to the bay to go wreck diving. If you are confident in your diving skills, you should definitely check the wreck site and you may be lucky enough to swim away with a treasure chest.

4. Atauro Island, Timor-Leste 

Atauro Island, Timor-Leste

[Image credits : @compassdiving]

Top on the list is Atauro Island in Timor-Leste, which is south of Indonesia and is a real undiscovered gem. You can pretty much count on seeing an amazing underwater sight because the waters are home to hundreds of species and thriving coral reefs because they are a part of the Coral Triangle. 

Atauro Island, Timor-Leste

[Image credits : @elle_yude]

Watch out for manta rays, tunas and mackerels, if you are lucky you might even spot the elusive Dugongs! Numerous diving resorts offer reasonably priced PADI courses, starting from $100 for you to obtain your open water diving licence if the Timor-Lestean seas urge you to take things further.

5. Similan Island, Thailand

Similan Island, Thailand

[Image credits : @pellehvenegaard]

The Similan Islands is a slice of heaven on Earth, with its white sand beaches and turquoise seas. The waters, which are teeming with vibrant schools of fish and coral reefs, are also the habitat of turtles and stingrays. 

Similan Island, Thailand

[Image credits : @thayse.felicio] 

Take a speedboat day excursion from Phuket to the greatest snorkelling locations to save time. Do note that the islands are only accessible to visitors from November to April to escape the rainy season. 

6. Panglao Island, Philippines

Panglao Island, Philippines

[Image credits : @jolynnn_dvb]

Panglao Island might be considered a one-stop resort for nature enthusiasts who wish to do more than simply snorkel. There are beaches, springs, waterfalls, and caverns there for nature lovers out there. 

Panglao Island, Philippines

[Image credits : @apnea.ph] 

Head to Cliff Dive to catch a glimpse of the stunning sardine run, which takes place at snorkelling depth. The sardine run takes place at somewhat deeper depths near Napapling Reef, so be sure not to miss it!

7. Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

[Image credits : @phuquoc_sandbox]

With ten nearby islands that are good for snorkelling, Phu Quoc gives you the most bang for bucks. The An Thoi Archipelago in the south is where people are most likely to see bamboo sharks. 

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

[Image credits : @onbird_phuquoc]

You can also see stones the size of houses underwater at Dragon Rock, which is another attraction at Phu Quoc. Turtle Island has shallow seas that are less than 10 metres, making it a good choice for people who are hesitant to go too far out into the ocean.

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