Looking for a unique underwater experience without committing to a full diving certification?
You can now do so in Singapore and float directly above hundreds of sea creatures, including manta rays, hammerhead sharks and goliath groupers.
Fresh off receiving its accreditation as a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) 5-Star Instructor Development Dive Resort, the Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is launching a new PADI Discover Snorkelling programme, marking the nation’s sole surface snorkelling venture hosted inside an oceanarium.
PADI is an international organisation that trains and certifies recreational divers and diving professionals.
Its 5-Star accreditation is one of its highest levels of recognition for dive centres that meet strong standards in training, education, safety and professional development.
No swimming or diving experience required
Open to participants aged 10 and up, the 1.5-hour session is built for beginners and families, taking place along the surface of the attraction’s Open Ocean Habitat.
No prior swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving background is needed. Qualified PADI instructors walk participants through a safety brief, fit all equipment and demonstrate essential surface-breathing skills prior to stepping into the water.
Participants are also provided with wetsuits and flotation aids for buoyancy, allowing them to drift comfortably across the habitat.
The PADI Discover Snorkelling session costs $109 per person and is inclusive of a one-day admission ticket to the Singapore Oceanarium.
A bird’s-eye view of marine life
Rather than peering through the glass to see the aquatic creatures, visitors peer directly down from above to watch giant manta rays, sharks and fish schools glide through the water.
Various marine life, especially manta rays, often come up to the surface seemingly to say hello.
Some encounters are much closer than others and we’re reminded to not touch the marine life and respect their distance.
Educational elements covering ocean ecology, creature care and marine conservation are also weaved in during the experience.
Prefer going underwater? Try scuba diving instead
For those wanting to dive below the surface and experience underwater breathing, the oceanarium also offers the PADI Discover Scuba Diving programme.
While this programme isn’t new, it’s certainly still very beginner friendly. No previous diving experience nor certification is required for this too.
Designed as a hands-on introduction for non-certified beginners aged 10 and up, this small-group trial allows participants to submerge into the habitat under the direct guidance of a PADI professional.
After learning essential safety concepts and basic scuba skills in a controlled briefing, participants get to dive below the surface.
There, get up-close or even face-to-face with the marine life gliding through the vast Open Ocean Habitat.
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