Scuba diver above tropical coral reef
Hub

Underwater Sports in Singapore

Underwater sports in Singapore are a smaller world than the surface sports, but a real one. Singapore itself has limited diving sites. The surrounding waters are murky, shallow, and heavily trafficked by shipping. But the island is a major hub for Southeast Asian diving. Courses are well-priced, instructors are qualified, and weekend trips to Tioman, Bali, and the Philippines are routine. Beyond diving, freediving has grown steadily in recent years, snorkelling is an easy family activity at the Southern Islands, and a small but committed underwater hockey and rugby community trains in public pools. This hub lists what we cover.

What this section covers

Underwater sports on the site cover:

  • Scuba diving. Recreational and technical, certification pathways, local and regional dive sites.
  • Freediving. Apnea diving without scuba gear, breath-hold training, certification.
  • Snorkelling. Surface-level underwater viewing, an accessible family activity.
  • Spearfishing. Freediving combined with fishing, regulated in Singapore waters.
  • Underwater hockey and rugby. Niche pool-based team sports played holding your breath.
  • Underwater photography. Pool photoshoots and open water.

Starting underwater

The simplest way to start underwater is snorkelling at Lazarus or Sisters Islands. No certification, no training, just a mask and fins. For a bigger commitment, an entry-level scuba course (PADI Open Water, SSI Open Water, or equivalent) runs 3 to 4 days and costs around S$500 to S$700 in Singapore.

Underwater photography is worth trying at the pool level first. Waterproof phone cases and action cameras are cheap and give you a sense of what works underwater before you invest in real gear.

Scuba diving

Scuba is the biggest underwater discipline in Singapore. The city has numerous PADI, SSI, and TDI dive shops running courses from Open Water through to instructor-level. Local diving is limited. Pulau Hantu, Sisters Islands, and a few spots around the Southern Islands offer training and shakeout dives. Most divers use Singapore as a base for regional trips to Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Dedicated scuba guide coming soon on this site.

Freediving

Freediving is diving on a single breath. Unlike scuba, no tanks. Training focuses on breath-hold techniques, equalisation, and mental calm under pressure. Singapore has a growing freediving community with certified instructors offering AIDA and SSI freediving courses. Pool-based training is done at public swimming complexes.

Dedicated freediving guide coming soon.

Snorkelling

The most accessible underwater activity. Sisters Islands and Lazarus Island have decent snorkelling for Singapore waters. Visibility is limited (typically 2 to 5 metres) but there is more marine life than most people expect. No certification needed.

Dedicated snorkelling guide coming soon.

Underwater team sports

Underwater hockey (also known as Octopush) and underwater rugby are played in swimming pools by teams wearing snorkel gear, holding their breath. Both are World Aquatics-recognised sports with small but committed communities in Singapore. Training happens at ActiveSG pools with affiliated clubs.

Dedicated guides coming soon.

Underwater photography

From phone-case-in-the-pool family shots to professional portfolio sessions in private pools, underwater photography is a growing visual field in Singapore.

For related water sports, see our swimming hub (surface pool and open water), sailing hub, paddle sports, or board sports.