As an island nation, Singapore offers abundant, exciting water activities that promise fun and adventure for everyone. Whether you’re a local or a visitor seeking thrills, this vibrant city has something to offer.
From the thrill of water sports to the serenity of swimming, we’ve compiled a list of the best water activities in Singapore that guarantee maximum enjoyment.
Dive into our guide to discover the perfect way to beat the heat and make the most of Singapore’s aquatic playgrounds. Get ready to explore and have some splashing fun!
1. Indoor And Open Water Swimming
Swimming is one of the most popular water activities in Singapore. It offers both relaxation and exercise. For those looking to enhance their skills, private swimming lessons are readily available at many of the indoor swimming pools and open water spots across the city.
These locations ensure you can swim regardless of the weather, making it easy to enjoy and improve your swimming year-round.
Indoor Swimming Pools
Facilities such as the Singapore Sports Hub provide state-of-the-art indoor pools for those who prefer a controlled environment.
These venues are perfect for lap swimming, water aerobics, and swimming lessons. The well-maintained pools ensure a clean and safe experience, making them ideal for families and serious swimmers.
Open Water Swimming
East Coast Park is a fantastic option if you enjoy the natural feel of swimming in open waters. The park’s beach area is a popular spot for open-water swimming, offering beautiful views and a refreshing experience.
For an even more exhilarating adventure, head to Sentosa, where you can swim in its various beaches’ clear, calm waters. These locations provide an excellent opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying a refreshing swim.
Before all other water activities, swimming is the baseline for people to feel comfortable and have fun in the water. If you or your kids don’t feel as confident yet, Swimwerks offers Singapore’s best private swimming lessons to get you started!
2. Diving
Diving enthusiasts will find a variety of options to explore the underwater world around Singapore. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, the city offers plenty of opportunities to dive and discover marine life.
One of the most popular diving spots is Pulau Hantu, a small island south of the mainland. Despite its name, which means “Ghost Island” in Malay, Pulau Hantu is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity. Divers can explore coral reefs, encounter diverse marine species, and experience the thrill of underwater exploration.
Several dive schools in Singapore offer training and certification courses for those new to diving. These schools provide comprehensive programs that include both theoretical knowledge and practical diving skills. Whether you’re aiming to get your PADI certification or just looking for a discovery dive experience, Singapore’s dive schools cater to all levels.
3. Surfing
Surfing in Singapore offers an exhilarating experience for those seeking a thrilling adventure. While the natural waves around Singapore may not rival those in traditional surfing destinations, innovative solutions like wave pools provide ample opportunities for surfers of all levels.
An excellent venue is Wave House Sentosa on Sentosa Island, which boasts a simulated surfing experience with its FlowRider and FlowBarrel wave machines. These attractions create artificial waves that mimic the ocean, providing a safe and exciting environment for practising surfing techniques. It’s a perfect spot for a fun day out with friends or family.
4. Yacht Tours
Exploring Singapore’s stunning coastline and nearby islands on a yacht tour offers a luxurious and relaxing way to enjoy the water. Yacht tours provide a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings, allowing you to experience the beauty of the region from the comfort of a private vessel.
This marina is a popular starting point for many yacht tours. It offers a range of charter services, from sunset cruises to full-day excursions. Sailing around the Southern Islands, including Lazarus Island and St. John’s Island, provides a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The crystal-clear waters and picturesque landscapes make for an unforgettable experience.
Yacht tours are also a great option for corporate events or private celebrations. Many yacht charter companies offer tailored packages that include gourmet dining, water sports, and entertainment options. It’s an excellent way to host an event while enjoying the scenic views of Singapore’s coastline.
5. Dragon Boats
Dragon boating is a culturally significant and physically demanding water sport that has gained immense popularity in Singapore. It is a thrilling activity that fosters teamwork and camaraderie.
The Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA) organises regular training sessions and competitions for various skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to try out the sport or an experienced paddler, the SDBA provides opportunities to participate in this exciting activity. Dragon boating is a fantastic way to build fitness and enjoy the vibrant community spirit.
Participating in or spectating at dragon boat festivals is another way to experience a unique adventure with this traditional sport.
These festivals feature teams competing in colourful dragon boats, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. The most notable event is the annual Dragon Boat Festival held at Marina Bay, which attracts teams from around the region and showcases impressive displays of strength and coordination.
6. Sailing
Sailing in Singapore is a serene and picturesque way to experience the city’s beautiful waterscapes. Several clubs and schools offer lessons and rentals, making sailing accessible to enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Located in the northeast of Singapore, Changi Sailing Club is known for its laid-back atmosphere and excellent sailing conditions. The club offers courses for beginners and rents boats to more experienced sailors. Its location away from the busier parts of the city makes it ideal for a peaceful day on the water.
Raffles Marina offers a more upscale sailing experience at the western end of Singapore. With its world-class facilities, it hosts international sailing events and regattas.
Raffles Marina has something for everyone, whether you want to learn the ropes or participate in competitive racing. The marina also offers stunning sunset views, making it a perfect location for evening sails.
7. Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in Singapore and its surrounding waters offers divers a chance to explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. While Singapore itself has limited diving spots, nearby islands provide excellent opportunities for underwater adventures.
Just a short trip from Singapore, Pulau Tioman in Malaysia is a popular destination for Singaporean divers. The island is surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life, offering visibility up to 30 metres on good days. Dive shops on the island cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced divers.
Closer to home, the Southern Islands of Singapore, including Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, are designated marine conservation areas. Here, divers can enjoy guided dives to see protected marine ecosystems. The conservation efforts ensure that the marine biodiversity remains robust, offering divers a chance to see a healthy, thriving underwater world.
8. Kayaking
Kayaking is a fantastic way to explore Singapore’s scenic waterways and get up close to its unique coastal environment. It is suitable for people of all ages and provides a great workout and the opportunity to relax in nature.
Kayaking around Pulau Ubin gives you a glimpse of Singapore’s more rustic side. The mangroves and calm waters around the island make it an ideal location for both novice and experienced kayakers. Guided tours are available, providing insights into the area’s ecological significance and the chance to spot wildlife like otters and kingfishers.
For a more urban kayaking experience, paddling around Marina Bay offers a unique view of Singapore’s iconic skyline. It’s an incredible experience to kayak past landmarks such as the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands. This route is enchanting at night when the city lights create a mesmerising backdrop.
9. Water Polo
Water polo is a dynamic and competitive sport that has gained a solid following in Singapore. It is suitable for those looking for a team-based water activity that combines strength, strategy, and stamina. Sessions are hosted at several aquatic centres across the city.
Singapore Sports Hub is a premier sports facility with an Olympic-sized swimming pool where water polo clubs meet for training and matches. It’s an excellent venue for both beginners interested in learning the basics and seasoned players looking to compete at higher levels.
The Singapore Sports Hub also hosts tournaments and friendly matches, providing a vibrant community for water polo enthusiasts.
10. Mermaid School
Singapore’s unique Mermaid School offers a whimsical and imaginative experience for those looking to try something out of the ordinary. Perfect for children and adults alike, participants learn to swim in specially designed mermaid tails.
Classes are held in the pools at Sentosa Island, providing a safe and controlled environment where you can learn to glide through the water like a mythical sea creature. This activity promotes fitness and sparks creativity, making it a memorable experience for birthday parties or family outings.
11. Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a relaxing way to explore Singapore’s calm waters while getting a full-body workout. It’s easy to pick up, with several waterfront parks offering rentals and lessons.
Known for its gentle coastal waters, East Coast Park is a popular spot for stand up paddling. Beginners can enjoy tranquil paddling sessions, while more experienced paddlers might explore further along the coastline. SUP yoga classes are also available here, combining the challenges of yoga with the soothing motions of water.
12. Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding in Singapore is a thrilling water sport ideal for adrenaline seekers. The rider, standing on a specifically designed board called a wakeboard, is towed behind a motorboat across its wake and especially up off the crest in order to perform aerial manoeuvres. It’s a fun activity where both novices and experts can find something to suit their skill level.
Singapore Wake Park is the only cable ski park in the country. Located at East Coast Park, Singapore Wake Park offers a controlled environment where you can learn wakeboarding under the guidance of experienced instructors. The park caters to all levels, from beginners to competitive wakeboarders, and includes features like jumps and rails for those looking to test their skills.
13. Flyboarding
Flyboarding is one of the newest and most exhilarating water sports to try in Singapore. This activity involves strapping on a jetpack-like device that propels you into the air, allowing you to soar above the water and perform various aerobatics.
Offering flyboarding sessions with stunning views of the city skyline, Marina Bay is the place for this high-octane sport. Instructors are available to guide beginners through the basics, ensuring a safe and thrilling experience. For those seeking an unforgettable adventure, flyboarding provides an unmatched adrenaline rush.
Conclusion On Water Activities In Singapore
Singapore offers an exceptional array of water activities, each providing a unique way to enjoy the island’s vibrant aquatic life. From the serenity of stand-up paddleboarding at East Coast Park to the thrilling heights of flyboarding at Marina Bay, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, embracing these water activities is a perfect way to experience the fun and beauty of Singapore’s waters.
Take the plunge and discover the joy and exhilaration of the water activities Singapore has to offer!
If you want to get your feet wet but aren’t too confident in the water yet, contact Swimwerks today to schedule swimming lessons in Singapore, including private swimming lessons and swimming lessons for kids, to help build your confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Activities In Singapore
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Participate In Water Activities In Singapore?
Thanks to the tropical climate, water activities in Singapore can be enjoyed year-round. However, the best conditions are typically during the dry season from February to October, when the weather is sunnier and the water calmer.
Are There Any Age Restrictions For Participating In Water Sports In Singapore?
Most water activities are suitable for all ages. Still, some, like flyboarding or scuba diving, have minimum age requirements, typically around 12 years old. Always check with the specific provider for their age guidelines and safety requirements.
Do I Need To Be Able To Swim To Participate In Water Sports Like Kayaking Or Stand-Up Paddleboarding?
Basic swimming skills are recommended for safety reasons, even though life jackets are provided and mandatory for activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. Non-swimmers should consult with activity providers for suitable options and additional safety measures.
How Can I Ensure My Safety While Participating In Water Activities In Singapore?
Always choose licensed and reputable activity providers offering safety briefings and equipment like life jackets. Follow all safety instructions and guidelines, and never venture into restricted areas.
Can I Rent Equipment For Water Sports In Singapore, Or Do I Need To Bring My Own?
Most water sports facilities offer equipment rentals, which are included in the activity fee. It is not necessary to bring your own equipment unless you prefer to use it. Check with the provider beforehand to confirm availability and any specific requirements.
Are There Water Activities In Singapore That Are Suitable For Team Building Or Corporate Events?
Yes, many water sports, such as dragon boating, yacht tours, and group kayaking sessions, are popular for team-building and corporate events. These activities promote teamwork and provide a fun, shared experience outside the conventional office environment.