20 Water Activities in Singapore to Try
Singapore is an island with reservoirs, rivers and coastline, and there is plenty to do on and in the water. Here are twenty ideas, and what swimming skills each one needs.
Before you go: operators, locations and opening hours change, so check with the provider. Most water activities require you to wear a buoyancy aid and many ask that you can swim. Leave the water when there is lightning.
Paddling
PUB has opened many of Singapore's reservoirs to water activities, with operators such as People's Association Water-Venture offering kayaking, canoeing, dragon boating, pedal boating and stand-up paddling.
1. Kayaking at a reservoir
Reservoirs such as MacRitchie, Bedok, Lower Seletar and Pandan have water sports facilities. Calm water makes them good for beginners.
2. Canoeing
Similar to kayaking but with a single-bladed paddle; many centres offer both.
3. Stand-up paddleboarding
Balance on a large board and paddle standing up, on reservoirs or calm sea at the beach.
4. Pedal boating
A relaxed option for families at some reservoirs.
5. Coastal kayaking
Guided trips along the coast or around offshore islands, for more experienced paddlers.
Team and competitive sports
6. Dragon boating
A team paddling sport with deep roots in the region. Clubs and community groups train at reservoirs and rivers.
7. Water polo
A demanding team ball game played in deep water. Players need strong swimming and treading skills.
8. Competitive swimming
Clubs and masters squads offer structured training and competitions.
9. Artistic swimming
Swimming, dance and gymnastics to music. See what is artistic swimming?
10. Lifesaving sport
Competitive events based on rescue skills. See Singapore Life Saving Society certifications.
Sailing and wind
11. Dinghy sailing
Learn to sail small boats; Singapore has sailing clubs and centres along the coast and at some reservoirs.
12. Windsurfing
A board with a sail, offered by some sailing centres.
13. Radio-controlled sailing
Permitted in designated areas at some reservoirs, such as Bedok, Lower Seletar and Pandan, for a dry way to enjoy the water.
In and under the water
14. Open water swimming
Group swims at recreational beaches. Check NEA's beach water quality first; see our ocean swimming tips.
15. Snorkelling
Often done on trips in the region. See do you need to swim to snorkel?
16. Scuba diving
Needs formal certification from a recognised dive organisation and good swimming skills.
17. Freediving
Breath-hold diving taught by qualified instructors. Never practise breath-holding alone.
Fun for families
18. Water play at public pools
Several ActiveSG swimming complexes have slides and play pools. See where to swim in Singapore.
19. Beach days
Paddling and playing in the shallows at East Coast Park or Sentosa, with close supervision.
20. Fishing from a kayak or the shore
Permitted at designated areas of some reservoirs; check PUB's rules.
Why swimming comes first
Almost every activity on this list is safer and more fun when you can swim confidently, float and stay calm if you fall in. Buoyancy aids help, but they do not replace swimming skills. If you or your child cannot yet swim, start with our kids swimming course, adult swimming course or water confidence course, and read our water safety tips.
More in water safety
- Water safety tips for familiesSupervision, condo and public pools, the beach, lightning and emergencies
- 10 ocean swimming tipsSwimming safely in the sea in Singapore: water quality, weather, sighting and jellyfish
- Where to swim in SingaporePublic pools, family pools, condo pools and beaches
- 18 places for open water swimmingFrom Singapore's beaches to the world's great channels
Sources
- PUB, Water activities at reservoirs. Reservoirs opened to water activities since 2004; operators including People's Association Water-Venture; radio-controlled sailing at designated areas of Bedok, Lower Seletar and Pandan reservoirs.
- National Environment Agency, Water quality at recreational beaches. Water quality grading and weekly updates for popular recreational beaches.
Build the swimming skills for every adventure
Tell us the learner's age, their swimming experience and what activities they want to try. We will suggest a suitable course, format and pool. Lessons run at public swimming complexes, private venues and condominium pools across Singapore.