11 Best Sea-Ventures in Singapore that'll Splash Your Travel Blues Away

So, we’ve more or less accepted the fact that our annual trips to Bali, Cebu or Maldives are likely not happening in 2021. And I’m sure you’ve tried many things to satisfy the travel itch. Re-visiting popular attractions? Check. Staycations? Check. Cafe-hopping? Check.

If you’re in need of fresh ideas, have a go at these sea-ventures! We’re an island after all so there’s plenty of exciting experiences off land — water sports, dining or cruising. Here are 11 fun experiences that will promise you a whale of a time in Singapore. No passport needed!

 

1) Wakeboarding/Cable-skiing

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Getting towed by a boat running up to 40kph is possibly one of the most exciting sports at sea. The learning curve can be pretty steep but losing your balance and crashing into the water is all part of the fun.

If you’re just getting started or can’t find enough kakis to rent a boat, head to Singapore Wake Park instead — it’s Singapore’s coolest (and only) cable-skiing park. Instead of a boat, you’ll be hooked to a line and dragged across the water. Great for both first-timers as well as those looking to perfect their flips and tricks.

Cost: From S$50
Opening hours: 10AM – 9PM, opens at 9AM and closes at 8PM on weekends
Address: 1206A ECP, Singapore 449891 

 

2) Wakesurfing

Photo credit: Wake Musters 

 

To the uninitiated, this doesn’t look very different from wakeboarding. But it’s quite a different experience. Since we don’t get much waves in Singapore, this is a good alternative to those who miss surfing, or want to give it a try. The boat generates waves so all you have to do is catch up! The cool part is that they’re customisable to suit various skill levels, even for those who’ve never tried surfing before!

Cost: From S$160/hr (various boat operators)

 

3) Windsurfing

Photo credit: National Service Resort & Country Club

 

If balancing is your thing — or you just like throwing yourself into challenges, try windsurfing. This exhilarating water sport combines the best of surfing and sailing into one. So apart from riding the waves, you’ll have to learn to move with the wind as well.

Take up a basic windsurfing course at the National Service Resort & Country Club (NSRCC). Within four lessons, you’ll definitely be able to windsurf confidently on your own!

*Pro-tip: NSRCC members get 20% off

Cost: S$360 for basic windsurfing course
Meeting point: 11 Changi Coast Walk, Singapore 499740 

 

4) Kayaking

Photo credit: Klook

 

There are different ways to kayak around Singapore. For a more chill way to enjoy the waters, try leg-pedaling through mangroves for some peace and serenity in nature. It’s a more beginner-friendly way as you’re basically riding a bicycle on the waters. This leg-peddle kayak journey begins at Sungei Simpang Mouth before heading into Khatib Bongsu Mangroves.

Leg Pedal Luxury Kayak Tour in Mangrove and Seletar Island
Cost: ~S$121
Tour timings: 8AM – 12:30PM, 2:30PM – 7PM
Meeting point: 50 Kampong Wak Hassan (Beside Irau Drive Playground)

 

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

For something more adventurous, paddle to the open sea and explore Pulau Ubin’s mangroves. Besides kayaking, this half-day tour includes a unique outdoor lunch of hot instant noodles, eggs and fresh veggies all cooked on a beach — trust us, hot food definitely tastes better when you’re outdoors.

Exotic Guided Kayak Tours in Sembawang Beach, Changi Beach Park or Pasir Ris Park
Cost: ~S$117.50/pax
Tour timings: 10AM – 2PM (incl. lunch)
Meeting point: Varies depending on route and weather conditions (check with operator when booking)

 

 

5) Stand Up Paddle Through WWII Sites

Photo credit: Trip.com

 

They say the best lessons happen outside the classroom. And there’s no better way to learn about World War II than stand-up paddling to the historic sites themselves. 

This history lesson will have you paddling to fortified Pillboxes and Search Light Posts at Fort Siloso and learning about its role duroring the war. Afterwich, the journey continues to Labrador Mangrove where the Labrador Battery still stands. It’s one of the 11 coastal artilleries used to defend the western passageway into Keppel Harbour during the 19th century. 

The lesson ends entering Fort Siloso itself. If you haven’t been there yet, you’ll enjoy seeing all that’s saved from WWII from coastal guns to the remains of various military structures and tunnels.

Cost: From S$120.50
Meeting point: Beach Station, Sentosa

 

6) Feast at a Floating Restaurant

Photo credit: Smith Marine

 

Many Singaporeans don’t know this but between Pulau Ubin and Changi Ferry point is a floating restaurant — The Smith Marine Floating Restaurant. The location is unique and the seafood is fresh as it can be!

It’s definitely a sea-venture of its own but if you’d like to maximise your day, this tour offers a fully guided trip that starts off exploring Pulau Ubin before having lunch at The Smith Marine Floating Restaurants and even ending off with a live cooking class and afternoon tea!

Restaurant GPS Coordinates: 01'23'52"N - 103'57'42"E

I Love Unique Singapore 1-Day Tour
Cost: S$138 (Eligible for SingapoRediscovers Vouchers)
Tour timings: 10AM – 5PM on Mon, Wed and Fri
Meeting point: 1 Park Rd, People's Park Complex, #02-121, Singapore 059108

 

7) Dash through an aquatic obstacle course

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Remember those bouncy castles we used to love when we were kids? Hydrodash is similar but better, and overgrown-kid approved! It’s Singapore’s first floating aquatic park so if balancing on bouncy inflatables aren’t enough of a challenge, you’ll be slipping and sliding on this one.

There are two courses to pick: a child-friendly course, and a more challenging course for those aged nine and above. Whichever you choose, you’re bound to have a splashing good time!

Cost: S$20 (Eligible for SingapoRediscovers vouchers)
Opening hours: 12PM – 6PM, 10AM – 7PM on weekends & PHs
How to get there: Take an MRT to Harbourfront Station, then take the Sentosa Express to Beach Station, walk 10mins towards Palawan Beach

 

8) Get your Open Water Dive Certification

Photo credit: Dive Degree

 

It’s a whole new world under the seas and one of the best ways to explore is by diving! If you haven’t gotten your dive certification, now’s a good time and yes, you can get it in Singapore!

A popular dive spot in Singapore is Pulau Hantu, a 30-minute boat ride away.

 

Photo credit: @lighthouseadv.co via Instagram

 

The basic Open Water course lasts two days. This includes a pool session, theory session, and four open water dives! Time to curate your dive bucket list for when the borders are open again!

Cost: From S$145
Meeting point: Raffles Marina

 

9) Fine-dining on a pirate ship

Photo credit: Royal Albatross

Get on board the Royal Albatross! This stunning superyacht has four grand masts and 22 sails, resembling an old-school pirate ship.

Watch the sun set as you have a scrumptious three-course meal on this beauty of a ship — doesn’t get any more romantic than this!

Cost: From S$125 (Eligible for SingapoRediscovers Vouchers)
Dinner timings: Departure varies from 5PM – 7PM
Meeting point: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269 .

 

10) A 2D1N Sail-cation

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

A change of environment instantly puts you in a better mode so why not take it up a notch and have one on the waters! This 2D1N staycation comes with a twist. Instead of checking into a swanky room with 4 walls, you get a swanky private yacht, plus a captain that serves as your cook too! You’ll even learn the ropes of sailing as you make your way to Lazarus Island.

Cost: From S$208 via UOB Travel
Meeting point: ONE ̊15 Marina Sentosa Cove

 

 

11) Cruising to nowhere

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

This is perhaps the furthest we can get away from Singapore without having to serve a hefty and tedious quarantine! We promise, the discomfort of a swab test is worth it!

Currently, there are two boats offering cruises with no port of calls, ranging from 3D2N to 5D4N.

 

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

The World Dream Cruise is great for the variety of classes — there’s Muay Thai classes, Ballroom dance classes and even a chance to battle zombies at a VR arcade! You could even dedicate an entire day to pampering yourself at Crystal Life Spa before ending your night with world-class performances ?

World Dream Cruises
Cost: From ~S$299

 

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

For the thrill seekers, check out Royal Carribean’s Quantum of the Seas. There’s an iFly — anindoor skydive simulator, Flowrider — a surf simulator, a rock wall for climbing and a rink for bumper cars, all on one ship! The real stunner is their North Star Observation Deck — soak in the sunset views 100m above sea level.

Royal Carribean’s Quantum of the Seas
Cost: From ~S$289

 

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Exclusive Sea-venture discounts for UOB Cardmembers

If there’s anything Covid has taught us, it’s that we don’t need a plane ticket for adventures. Be it riding waves or having a Southern Islands staycation, spice up your weekends and annual leaves with these sea-ventures — especially if you’re a UOB Cardmember!

To really enable you to try all things new, UOB Cards is giving you exclusive discounts when you book with its merchants. Enjoy up to 35% off any activities whether on land or at sea!

But at the end of the day, if a quiet staycation is all you need, UOB Cards has got you covered with up to 25% off all accommodations. More details here.