Singapore Now Lets You Snorkel Above Sharks and Manta Rays Without Diving Experience

Visitors to Singapore can now snorkel above sharks, manta rays and schools of fish without needing previous swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving experience.

The new PADI Discover Snorkelling programme at Singapore Oceanarium, located at Resorts World Sentosa, offers a guided experience inside its Open Ocean Habitat. Participants can observe marine life from the water's surface instead of viewing the animals through the aquarium glass.

Priced at S$109 per person, the 90-minute experience is open to participants aged 10 and above. The fee also includes a one-day admission ticket to Singapore Oceanarium, making it an option for travellers looking to add a different activity to their Singapore itinerary.

What to expect from the snorkelling experience

Image credit: singapore oceanarium | Website

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Unlike a conventional aquarium visit, the programme allows participants to enter the water and observe marine animals from above.

The Open Ocean Habitat is home to a variety of marine life, including manta rays, hammerhead sharks, goliath groupers and schools of fish. As participants float at the surface, they can watch these animals move through the habitat from a different perspective.

Before entering the water, participants receive a safety briefing and an introduction to basic snorkelling techniques. Qualified PADI instructors provide the necessary equipment and guidance throughout the session.

Wetsuits and flotation aids are also provided to help participants stay buoyant while exploring the habitat.

The programme is designed for beginners, so no previous snorkelling or scuba diving experience is required. However, participants must follow the instructors' safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from the marine animals. Touching the animals is not permitted.

The experience also incorporates educational elements about marine ecology, animal care and ocean conservation, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about the underwater environment alongside the activity.

How much does it cost?

The PADI Discover Snorkelling programme costs S$109 per person, inclusive of a one-day Singapore Oceanarium admission ticket.

The session lasts approximately 90 minutes and is available to participants aged 10 and above. According to the attraction's dedicated programme page, sessions are scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10.30am, with a maximum of eight participants per group.

Participants should arrive at the designated meeting point at least 30 minutes before their scheduled session. Those under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present to complete the required forms.

As schedules and availability may change, visitors should check the official booking page before planning their visit.

Prefer scuba diving? There is another option

Travellers who want to go beyond surface snorkelling can also consider Singapore Oceanarium's PADI Discover Scuba Diving programme.

This separate experience introduces beginners to scuba equipment and underwater breathing under the supervision of a PADI professional. Participants learn basic safety procedures and scuba skills before entering the habitat for a guided underwater session.

Like the snorkelling programme, it does not require previous diving experience or certification, and participants must be at least 10 years old.

However, the two activities offer different experiences. Snorkelling allows visitors to remain at the surface and observe marine life from above, while scuba diving lets participants submerge underwater.

Those interested in pursuing diving further can also explore the attraction's other training programmes, including its PADI Open Water Diver Course.

A different way to explore Singapore's marine life

Image credit: singapore oceanarium | Website

Singapore Oceanarium's new snorkelling programme gives visitors another way to experience the destination beyond its shopping districts, urban attractions and well-known waterfront landmarks.

It may appeal to families travelling with older children, first-time snorkellers and marine life enthusiasts who want a guided aquatic experience without committing to a full diving course.

For travellers planning a visit to Resorts World Sentosa, the activity can also be combined with other attractions on Sentosa Island.

The PADI Discover Snorkelling programme is available through Singapore Oceanarium's official website. Visitors should review the latest requirements, session times and booking conditions before reserving a slot. Official booking page.