Bigfin Divers

Bigfin Divers provides a dual-location experience in Sabah, catering to different styles of diving through their two primary bases. In Kota Belud, the centre is nestled in the jungle facing Pulau Pandan, offering a peaceful environment with views of Mount Kinabalu. This location is perfect for those seeking quiet, uncrowded reefs and a sense of isolation from the busier dive hubs.

For those targeting the famous macro life of the Semporna region, the centre operates water bungalows on Bum Bum Island. This location puts you directly on the edge of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, providing immediate access to both protected reef environments and the legendary muck diving sites that have made this area famous among underwater photographers.

As a PADI 5 Star dive centre, Bigfin Divers maintains a high standard of professional instruction and safety. They operate with a personalised approach, ensuring that training and exploration are conducted in small groups to maintain a high level of attention for every diver.

The centre maintains a strict ratio of one guide per diver or snorkeller for those requesting solo guidance. This ensures that whether you are working on your buoyancy or searching for a specific nudibranch, you have dedicated support throughout the dive.

Bigfin Divers offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses suitable for all experience levels. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, with progression available through to the Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver certifications.

For those looking to refine their skills or specialise, the centre provides several PADI Specialty courses. These include Peak Performance Buoyancy, Deep Diver, and Night Diver, as well as specialised training in Drift Diving, Search and Recovery, and Digital Underwater Imaging. Divemaster training is also available for those looking to move into professional diving.

The centre provides a full range of rental equipment for those not travelling with their own kit. This includes regulators, wetsuits, fins, and masks, ensuring you are fully equipped for the local conditions.

For night dives, torches are available for hire. The centre also provides refreshments on board, including water, tea, coffee, and a buffet lunch during the day.

The marine life at these sites is incredibly diverse, ranging from large pelagics to tiny, specialised organisms. In the shallower reef areas and seagrass meadows, you will frequently encounter green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles. The reefs are also home to various rays, including spotted eagle rays and marbled rays, alongside bamboo sharks and catsharks.

For those diving the walls and coral gardens, the scenery is defined by healthy hard corals and spectacular black coral bushes. You may also spot large groupers, barracuda, and various species of butterflyfish patrolling the reef structure.

The macro life is a primary draw, especially for photographers. The sandy bottoms and muck sites are home to a vast array of creatures, including the elusive ghost pipefish, pygmy seahorses, and the Lembeh dragon sea dragon. You can also find various nudibranchs, such as the translucent Melibe colomani, as well as mimic octopuses, wonderpus, and flamboyant cuttlefish.

Seasonal highlights include the presence of whale sharks from February to March. During this time, plankton blooms may also occur, which can significantly impact the local ecosystem.

Diving conditions vary between the two locations. The Semporna Straits and muck diving sites are best experienced at twilight or during night dives to see the most active macro species. The Kota Belud sites offer a more tranquil experience, often away from the larger crowds found in other parts of Sabah.