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Singapore Underwater at 60: From Murky Myths to Macro Marvels

  • Writer: Cuddlefish Divers
    Cuddlefish Divers
  • Aug 10
  • 3 min read

By Cuddlefish Divers – Your Gateway to Singapore’s Secret Seas

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When people think “diving in Singapore,” many imagine endless murk and nothing to see. But if you’ve ever joined Cuddlefish Divers for a Pulau Hantu dive on the right tide, you’ll know the truth—our waters are brimming with hardy corals, quirky critters, and stories of resilience that match our nation’s own journey.


As Singapore celebrates 60 years of independence, we’re taking you on a dive through time—exploring how our underwater diversity has changed, how scuba diving grew here, and why today is the best time to explore our local seas.



1960s–1980s: Nation-building above water, pressure below it

In the early independence years, land reclamation and coastal development reshaped our shores, reducing natural reef cover. Sediment levels rose, forcing marine life to adapt.

Yet, unlike fragile reefs elsewhere, many of Singapore’s corals evolved to thrive in low-visibility, high-sediment waters—setting the stage for future recovery and making them uniquely suited to our challenging environment.


1990s–2000s: Awareness leads to action

By the 1990s, researchers and divers began experimenting with coral rehabilitation and artificial reef structures. Pulau Hantu emerged as the training ground for local divers—often the first “ocean classroom” for those certified here.

At Cuddlefish Divers, we still love Hantu for its macro photography potential—nudibranchs, seahorses, and the occasional cuttlefish for those with keen eyes and steady buoyancy.


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Shaun the Sheep Nudi @Hantu West


2010–2015: Discovering what’s still here

The Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey (CMBS) mobilised scientists and volunteers to count and catalogue our marine life. They found over 300 species new to Singapore, and 37 species new to science—proof that biodiversity was surviving (and even thriving) beneath the surface.


Broad-banded velvetchin, Hapalogenys analis, one of the fascinating discoveries made.
Broad-banded velvetchin, Hapalogenys analis, one of the fascinating discoveries made.

2014–2018: The first marine park

In 2014, Sisters’ Islands Marine Park (SIMP) was created, becoming a hub for reef research, conservation, and guided eco-dives.

For recreational divers, it was a turning point—proof that Singapore’s marine habitats were worth protecting and exploring.


2024–2025: Scaling up protection

Last year brought two major announcements:

  • Lazarus South–Kusu Reef Marine Park will protect coral-rich habitats and restoration zones.

  • The next phase of CMBS began, promising even more insight into how our reefs are changing.


Singapore unveils plans to designate second marine park at Lazarus South, Kusu Reef, Both Lazarus South and the coral reefs off Kusu Island were found to be especially rich in coral biodiversity.
Singapore unveils plans to designate second marine park at Lazarus South, Kusu Reef, Both Lazarus South and the coral reefs off Kusu Island were found to be especially rich in coral biodiversity.

How scuba diving grew in Singapore

  • Military roots, recreational bloom: The Naval Diving Unit formed in 1975, paving the way for modern dive training in Singapore.

  • Recreational expansion: Dive shops and clubs multiplied, with Pulau Hantu as the go-to site for weekend divers.

  • Community conservation: Volunteer groups like The Hantu Blog began reef walks and guided dives, inspiring a new generation of eco-conscious divers.


The diver’s perspective: 60 years of change in 60 seconds

  • Visibility: Still variable (1–5 m), but great for macro life.

  • Corals: Hardy, stress-tolerant species dominate—massive and encrusting types that survive sediment.

  • Biodiversity: Seahorses, nudibranchs, cuttlefish, and pipefish—yes, all in Singapore.

  • Protection: Marine parks and restoration projects are expanding, offering better prospects for the future.


Why now is the time to dive Singapore

If you’ve been putting off diving locally because you think it’s “just murky water,” now’s the time to change your mind. With marine park expansions, restoration success stories, and a dive community that’s never been stronger, there’s no better moment to explore our hidden reefs.


Dive with Cuddlefish Divers – and see it for yourself


At Cuddlefish Divers, we:

  • Time our trips for the best possible visibility.

  • Specialise in macro-focused dives at Pulau Hantu.

  • Teach low-impact diving skills so our reefs stay healthy.

📅 Join our SG60 Local Dive Specials – weekend trips to Pulau Hantu with guided tours, critter-spotting challenges, and underwater photography tips.


 
 
 

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