Diving in Singapore

Southern Islands

Look, Singapore diving isn't the Maldives. Let's get that out of the way. But the Southern Islands, just a short boat ride from the city, offer a surprising amount for a quick fix. We’re talking about those fringing reefs and a few decent wrecks, often with stronger currents, which means more action. Drop into Pulau Hantu and keep your eyes peeled for common seahorses swaying gently in the current, or maybe a bearded flathead goby hunkered down on the sand. The vis can be temperamental, shifting from a murky five metres to a respectable ten or twelve metres on a good day, but that just adds to the hunt. We’ve had some fantastic encounters with spotted sea catfish cruising in formation, and the blue and yellow groupers are always a welcome sight against the soft corals. Our favourite insider tip? Dive here on an incoming tide. You’ll get better vis and usually, a more vibrant reef. The currents can pick up, so be ready for a bit of a workout, but that’s often when you spot the larger schools of Indian scad zipping past. It’s not pristine, but it’s real, and it’s right on Singapore’s doorstep.