Where is the best place for kayaking in Singapore?

Our favourite place is Pulau Ubin and its neighbouring islands. Here you can see the biodiverse wildlife if you're lucky (such as otters, grey herons and sea eagles), get close to the gorgeous mangrove forests (it feels like Lord of the Rings!), and see a completely different part of Singapore. You'll also get to see the floating fish farms, and houses on stilts that still home indigenous peoples today. It's a great day out in nature!

Do I Need A Permit To Kayak In Singapore?

No, you don't need any special certifications or licence to kayak in Singapore.

Can A Beginner Do Kayaking?

Contrary to popular belief, kayaking isn't a difficult sport to learn. You don't even need to know how to swim - you can try kayaking so long as you're comfortable in the water with a life vest! It's great for everyone and simple to pick up, even for beginners. You'll need to learn a few basic paddling skills to safely navigate waters. It also helps to engage with a professional guide or instructor for entering and exiting a kayak, performing the forward and sweep strokes, and familiarising yourself with kayak safety.

What do you wear for Kayaking in Singapore?

We would recommend wearing a hat, and light-weight long sleeves, and trousers for kayaking to avoid sunburn. You should also avoid wearing flipflops as they may come off easily in the water - instead, you should wear light sneakers. Also do bring a small waterproof bag (a ziplock bag will do!) to keep your phone and other valuables from getting wet.

Can You Kayak Anywhere In Singapore?

There are permitted areas for kayaking in Singapore - you can go kayaking in the sea at Pulau Ubin or Sentosa, or you can kayak closer to land at Macritchie Reservoir, and Siloso Beach. We would recommend sea kayaking as it's more of an adventure - you'll get to see wildlife and get closer to nature that way!

6 Best Kayaking Adventures in Singapore [2026]

These are the best ways to explore Singapore's nature by kayak!

by Jacinta

Last updated: 12 Aug 2026 - 3 min read

Kayaking in Singapore is one of our favourite things to do - on a weekend, with our team and even on a date! It's incredibly chilled and you get so close to nature that you otherwise wouldn't be able to do on a hike. Even a few hours kayaking through mangroves feels like being away on a proper nature getaway! You can kayak to the gorgeous mangroves in Ubin, explore the secret island no one has heard of, or even go kayak fishing! Check out our picks below :)

Mangrove Kayaking in Ubin (with Doggo!)

This is one of our faves because you get two adventures in one. Paddle through Ubin’s mangroves and past local kelongs, then swap the kayak for a hike up Puaka Hill for some of the best views on the island. Even better, it’s pet-friendly, so your furbaby can come along too. The guides are brilliant - warm, outdoorsy and genuinely obsessed with nature and dogs.

SerendipET

Mangrove Kayaking in Ubin (Age 4+) | Pet Friendly

From US$ 59.56 / person

Kayak to a fish farm + hidden island

If you want more than the usual Pulau Ubin paddle, this one takes you deeper into the island. You’ll kayak through mangroves, visit a working fish farm to learn about aquaculture, then land on little-known Frog Island to see Ubin’s tallest heritage tree. It’s beginner-friendly, full of local stories, and feels much more like an adventure than a standard kayaking route.

Small group kayaking through green mangrove channels in bright daylight, wearing life jackets on a guided trip around Pulau Ubin

PEERS Outdoor

Kayak to a Fish Farm + Hidden Island near Ubin

From $76.55 USD / person

Kayak Fishing in Sentosa

If you're still new to kayak fishing, this is a great intro experience to it. Light-paced like a chill morning stroll, physical fitness is not an issue here! You'll be fishing along the shores of Sentosa and catching bottom fishes like parrots, groups and snappers! Your guides are also there to ensure enjoyment at your own comfy pace and share nuggets of history about our island shores along the way.

Fever SG

Kayak Fishing along Sentosa | Mid Pace

From $132.02 USD / person

Try Kayak Fishing... at Night!

Love kayaking but not so much the Singapore sun? We've got just the thing for you - night kayak fishing! Take your fellow kayak buddy on an after-work (TGIF!) fishing trip where you'll get to sail the seas in the cool breeze of the night. PS: the night-time is when larger fishes like Barramundis and Groupers start lurking about - so you'll be in for a big treat! It's truly a kayak fishing experience like no other 🎣🌌

Night on Singapore waters as anglers paddle orange fishing kayaks under bright spotlights, with multiple boats in the dark

Fever SG

Night Kayak Fishing + Seaside Feast

From $132.02 USD / person

Kayak + Cycle in Pulau Ubin

If you want to make a full day of Ubin, this combines two of the best ways to explore it. Start by kayaking through Sungei Jelutong’s mangroves and past traditional kelongs, then hop on a bike to discover Ubin’s quieter trails, historical landmarks and wildlife. It’s a great pick if you want more than just a paddle and like your adventures a little more active.

Kayaker in a bright red canoe paddling on a calm lake, surrounded by green forest during the trip on Pulau Ubin

Adventures by Asian Detours

Full-Day Kayak & Cycle Around Pulau Ubin (Age: 7+)

From $179.67 USD / person

Kayak Hidden Spots (with Field-Cooked Lunch!)

By now, we're all familiar with the hot kayaking routes like Ubin or Sentosa. But here, you'll be discovering hidden islets you may not have even heard of - the route you'll get is also a surprise 🤫 Then, enjoy a field-cooked meal via a kayak kitchen! Having lunch (prepared by your amazing guides!) in the middle of the mangrove forests just takes things to another level. And of course, your pets get to experience this with you! This is a private trip so it's great for a family or group of friends!