Ever wondered what it would be like to snorkel alongside manta rays and sharks? At Singapore Oceanarium, you can experience its Open Ocean Habitat from a different perspective: in the water, looking down at the marine life swimming beneath you.
PADI Discover Snorkelling at Singapore Oceanarium is a 90-minute guided experience at Resorts World Sentosa, designed for participants aged 10 and above. No previous swimming, snorkelling or diving experience is required, making it an accessible introduction to exploring marine life from the water’s surface.
Snorkel with Manta Rays, Sharks and More at Singapore Oceanarium
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One of the highlights of PADI Discover Snorkelling is getting to see the marine animals of the Open Ocean Habitat while floating on the water.
During our session, we loved being able to snorkel alongside manta rays Mika, Mako and Manja, whom we had previously only seen from outside the habitat. There were also spotted eagle rays, zebra sharks, hammerhead sharks and plenty of other marine life to look out for.
Seeing these animals from above the water offered a completely different perspective from viewing the habitat through its underwater viewing panels. Instead of looking upwards at the animals, we could look down into the habitat and watch them swimming below us.
Most of the animals were visible at a comfortable distance, going about their own business. Occasionally, a curious little fish would venture closer to the surface, seemingly checking whether feeding time had arrived early!
The experience was relaxing and not physically demanding at all, giving us time to appreciate the many animals and enjoy the unique perspective.
What Happens During PADI Discover Snorkelling?
The session begins with a safety briefing before participants enter the water. Snorkelling equipment is provided, along with changing facilities and lockers.
Once in the water, participants are required to hold on to a safety bar throughout the experience. An instructor remains present to guide the group, while land-based safety officers provide additional support.
Each group is capped to a small number of eight participants, and we appreciated how everyone was checked on and looked after throughout the session. The instructors were attentive, and their experience also meant they could redirect curious marine animals if they came closer than a participant was comfortable with.
Most of the session is spent snorkelling and observing the habitat. Our group was already familiar with snorkelling, but beginners can ask questions and receive guidance on the fundamentals.
Learn About Marine Life and Conservation
Beyond the chance to see manta rays and sharks, PADI Discover Snorkelling also incorporates learning about marine ecosystems and ocean conservation.
Our guides shared information about the different species swimming past us, making the session feel like an educational tour as well as a snorkelling experience. We also learnt more about the conservation work being carried out at Singapore Oceanarium.
This added another dimension to the experience, encouraging participants to appreciate not just the animals themselves, but also the importance of understanding and protecting the marine environment.
For those who discover an interest in underwater exploration, Singapore Oceanarium offers other dive programmes, including PADI Discover Scuba Diving for beginners and the PADI Open Water Diver Course for those working towards an internationally recognised qualification.
What to Bring for PADI Discover Snorkelling
Remember to bring your own swimsuit to wear under the wetsuit, as well as a towel, toiletries and a change of clothes. These personal items are not provided.
Snorkelling equipment, changing facilities and lockers are available for participants to use.
The programme costs S$109 per person and includes a one day admission ticket to Singapore Oceanarium. You can use the admission ticket to explore the rest of the oceanarium before or after your session, making it possible to enjoy more of the attraction on the same day.
PADI Discover Snorkelling at Singapore Oceanarium
Whether you are looking for a new family activity or simply want to see Singapore Oceanarium from a different perspective, PADI Discover Snorkelling offers an opportunity to get into the water and experience its marine life in a new way.
More information can be found on the Singapore Oceanarium website here.
