Langkawi sits in the Andaman Sea, where the temperature rarely drops below 24°C or climbs above 35°C, no matter when you visit. To try all the activities, you need to know the best time to visit Langkawi.
The island has two seasons: Wet and dry. Understand these seasons to plan better and enjoy the water activities in Langkawi.
- November to March: It is the dry season and the peak travel period. It’s perfect for all water activities, but travel becomes more expensive.
- September & October: Travellers visiting Langkawi mainly for water activities should avoid this wet season. Expect frequent rain, cancellations, and afternoon thunderstorms. However, it is the cheapest time to travel.
- April to August: This shoulder season can be the best, as it gives you a balance of both wet and dry seasons, but expect unpredictable rains. The cost of accommodation, activities and flights is cheaper than peak season but a bit higher than wet season.
So, what makes Langkawi famous?
Of course, endless water activities, duty-free shopping, and beautiful scenery. Limestone cliffs, lush mangroves, and untouched beaches are a go-to place for relaxation.
The clear water and rich marine life attract divers and snorkellers from all over. If you love nature or want a break from other touristy cities in Malaysia, head to Langkawi.
The Best Water Activities in Langkawi
Langkawi’s beaches aren’t only for sunbathing. There’s real adventure waiting out on the water. This guide provides details on the Langkawi water sports.
Including where to try, how much water activities cost in Langkawi, and whether it’s safe to try, know everything before going.
Jet Skiing
If you’ve ever wanted to speed across the sea with the wind in your face, jet skiing is the way. You sit on the machine, treat it like a motorcycle, grab the handlebars, and off you go.
The staff will show you the basics of starting, stopping, and turning in a short 5 to 10-minute briefing.
The jet ski’s stable, so you’re not going to tip over, and you’ll have a life jacket on the whole time.
If you are very new to it, stick close to the shore and take it slow. With proper training, you can go a bit faster or even ride to nearby islands by booking a longer session.
Where to go for jet skiing in Langkawi?
Cenang Beach, Tanjung Rhu, and Pantai Kok are the best spots, as you get a few good rental places. Here are a few operators to consider,
- Red Ray Watersports
- Wave Quest Watersports
- Sea Adventure Jet Ski Mangrove
- C Pro Watersport Rental and Tour
Cost: Approximately 3,250 INR
Parasailing
For something more relaxed but still thrilling, try parasailing.
This is how parasailing works: Get strapped into a harness, hooked to a parachute, and then a speedboat lifts you into the sky.
You don’t have to drive or do anything, just sit tight and enjoy the view. You will float up gently until you’re about 150 to 300 feet above the water.
As long as you weigh at least 45 kilograms, you can do this. Either go solo, or if you are a bit scared, you can always go with a partner.
Operators for Parasailing in Langkawi
- Langkawi Gliders
- Wave Quest Watersports
- Toro Sportz
Cost: Approximately 3,000 INR
Banana Boat Rides
If you are looking for pure fun, go for a ride on this banana-shaped, yellow, inflatable boat. These banana boats are perfect for groups and families.
You need to hang on to the side handles because it bounces and twists, and that is what makes the ride so much fun.
Kids around six years old can join, as long as they ride with adults. You don’t need any special skills; all you have to do is wear a life jacket. Non-swimmers can also try this safely.
Best locations in Langkawi for banana boat rides
- Pantai Tengah Beach
- Cenang Beach
- Paradise 101 (temporarily closed, but check before you visit)
Cost: Approximately 870 INR per person (in a boat, 7 to 10 people can ride)
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is an adventure that takes you directly into the underwater world. Wear the provided mask to see clearly, a buoyancy control device (BCD), an air tank, and use fins to swim more easily.
Most dives last about 30 to 45 minutes, letting you descend anywhere from 12 to 30 meters, depending on your training.
If you’ve never dived before, start with a scuba diving class. You’ll spend a couple of hours in the pool learning how to breathe underwater. Once you get the hang of that, jump in the ocean and feel the real thing.
The reefs in Langkawi are packed with life, such as parrotfish, angelfish, and sometimes a reef shark or a ray will glide past.
Here are the recommended dive sites in Langkawi
- Coral Garden: This is an Insta-famous spot. Get mesmerised with soft corals in wild purples and blues, like something out of a sci-fi movie.
- Kaca Wrecks: See old fishing boats that are now filled with coral. It’s the only wreck dive site on Malaysia’s west coast.
- Grouper Farm: There are massive groupers, enormous in size, swimming beside you.
- House Reef: This is where you will see “Mustafa,” the barracuda legend that’s on every diver’s photo frame. Also, have the best chances for spotting seahorses.
- Pulau Segantang: This is for experienced divers; it has leopard sharks and way better visibility.
- Operators: Ninety Nine Islands Diver, Scuba Duckling Langkawi, Langkawi Scuba, and Scuba Club Langkawi.
Cost: Starts from approximately 5,900 INR
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is the easiest way to see life under the sea. You just put on a mask, breathe through a snorkel sticking out above the water, and slip on some fins so swimming feels effortless. You don’t dive deep; simply float face down and watch the underwater world.
Most of the good snorkelling spots in Langkawi are shallow, about 2 to 5 metres deep, and the water’s usually calm.
That lets you spot bright fish weaving through coral, like clownfish, blue tangs, parrotfish, and, occasionally, a chance to see a sea turtle as well.
Even if you do not know how to swim, you can still try snorkelling with a life jacket.
On any island tours you book, snorkelling is a significant activity included. Or book snorkelling separately.
Here are a few of the best snorkelling spots in Langkawi
- Pulau Payar Marine Park: This is Malaysia’s best marine park, and only 100 people are allowed in each week. It feels like VIP access.
- Datai Bay Beach: You can only access it if you’re staying at the luxury resorts of Datai. There are pink anemonefish and Moorish idols everywhere, and you won’t have to dodge crowds, as this is a secluded area.
- Tanjung Rhu Beach: At low tide, walk to tiny islands and snorkel in clear water. Feels like you’re nowhere near Malaysia.
- Pulau Beras Basah: Only a 15-minute boat ride, and super easy for beginners. The water near shore stays clear, even if other spots get fuzzy.
- Pulau Timun (Cucumber Island): This one wins for best budget spot. Cheapest trips leave from Kuah Jetty, the beaches are T-shaped, and the water is see-through.
- Pulau Dangli: This uninhabited island has no shops or facilities, offering a true castaway feel. Join a guided trip, and you’ll see reefs that few others do. It’s where the hardcore fish fans end up.
Cost: Approximately 4,000 INR
Kayaking
One of the easiest water activities is kayaking. You paddle a small boat with a double-ended paddle, and you can go solo or take someone with you.
Just stretch your legs out and paddle on both sides; in a couple of minutes, you will understand how it works.
The main area for this is the mangrove forests at Kilim Geoforest Park. The water’s flat and easy to handle, and there are no waves.
You will wind through narrow channels under overhanging mangroves, and you can admire limestone cliffs and even go into caves. Keep your eye out for monkeys, eagles, and lizards.
Where should one go for kayaking in Langkawi?
- Dayang Bunting Lake/Lake of the Pregnant Maiden
- Kilim Geoforest Park (mangrove kayaking)
- Tanjung Rhu Beach
- Pantai Cenang Beach
Cost: Kayaking tours in the mangrove will cost approximately 5,500 INR. But beach kayaking can cost anywhere from 1,000 INR.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
SUP means standing on a large, sturdy board and paddling. The board’s super stable, much easier than regular surfing. Most people start kneeling, then slowly stand up once they find their balance.
Don’t stress if you fall a few times at first; it will be super easy for you after a few tries.
Tip: Slightly bend the knees and focus on the board and the water. The main thing is to avoid focusing on your feet. Once you’re upright and steady, paddling feels relaxing and works your core muscles.
To do stand-up paddleboarding in Langkawi, go here:
- Tanjung Rhu Beach
- Pantai Cenang
- The Datai Langkawi
- Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
Cost: Approximately 1,200 INR
Fishing Trips
For a laid-back vibe in Langkawi, don’t miss the fishing experience. You hop on a boat, head out to fishing spots, and the captain and crew handle all the gear, rods, bait, lines, and you don’t have to worry about it.
They’ll show you how to cast and what to do when something pulls on your line.
Expect to catch snapper, grouper, barracuda, or maybe some smaller reef fish. If you want to eat what you catch, some crews will even cook it for you on the boat.
You don’t need any experience, and kids are welcome to join. Just bring sunscreen, a hat, and seasickness pills if you get nauseous.
Some of the operators in Langkawi for fishing trips
Cost: Approximately 5,500 INR
Sailing (Yacht Charters)
Renting a sailboat or yacht in Langkawi is one of the most relaxing ways to experience the island. You have a captain and crew doing all the sailing. You can just sit and enjoy the view.
Trips range from quick 2-hour sunset cruises to full-day outings on the water.
The boat drifts around Langkawi’s smaller islands at a leisurely pace, nothing like the roar of a speedboat. Sit back on deck, take a swim in quiet bays when the anchor drops, and dig into a meal if your package includes it.
A lot of people go for sunset cruises. You head out around 5 PM, watch the sun dip below the horizon, maybe with a drink and some snacks.
Where can you book a sailing trip in Langkawi?
Cost: Starts from approximately 6,500 INR. Also, the cost depends on the boat and the duration.
Island Hopping Tours
Island hopping is simple, and everyone can do it without a second thought. Let the crew take you away to three or four of Langkawi’s smaller islands. No skills needed, just relax and take in the scenery. Trips usually last 4 – 5 hours, with 30 – 45 minute stops at each island.
Common stops on island hopping tours in Langkawi include
- Dayang Bunting Island: The big freshwater lake here is perfect for a swim.
- Beras Basah Island: White sand and clear water, great for swimming or just chilling on the beach.
- Singa Besar Island: Good for spotting wildlife, especially monkeys and sea eagles.
Many tours provide snorkelling gear, and some include lunch, just check before booking. Boats have shade and life jackets, so you’re set for comfort and safety.
Cost: Approximately 1,500 INR per person for a shared tour. For a private boat, it can cost approximately 7,500 INR.
Conclusion
Langkawi offers a wide range of water activities, and each one lets you see the island’s coast from a different angle
If you’re just getting started with water sports, you can keep it easy with snorkelling, kayaking, island hopping, and banana boat rides. There are no special skills required, and they are great for families with kids.
For an adrenaline-filled experience, do jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and parasailing.
To enjoy all this, the season you visit matters a lot, so November and April are best. Most of these activities are available year-round, but expect occasional cancellations due to weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions on Langkawi Water Sports
What water sports can a beginner try in Langkawi?
If you have never tried water sports before, Langkawi’s a great place to start. From parasailing, snorkelling, kayaking, banana boat rides, or an island-hopping tour, you get a fun time doing these.
For most of them, no experience is needed. Just listen to the instructions and follow the steps carefully.
Which water activities in Langkawi are best for families with children?
Island-hopping tours are great for families because kids can walk around the boat, and the stops at different islands keep things interesting. Boats usually have toilets and shaded spots, too. They stop at snorkelling spots like Pulau Payar, which works for kids.
Then, banana boat rides, mangrove tours, swimming, and kayaking are very simple and fun activities to try.
Can you get vegetarian food in Langkawi?
Yes, there are numerous vegetarian choices even in local markets.You can also easily get Biryani, roti, naan, butter chicken, dosa, and more at Indian restaurants in Langkawi.
Some of the best Indian restaurants to go to in Langkawi
- Sufra Restaurant
- Taste of India
- Rockafellers Langkawi
- Kirthika Kitchen
- Taj Palace Restaurant
During the rainy season, what activities should you do in Langkawi?
When it rains or there are thunderstorms, water activities are cancelled. That’s why it’s good to know the best things to do in Langkawi.
- Visit duty-free shopping outlets
- Cooking classes
- Underwater World Langkawi
- Cultural workshops like batik making
- Art in Paradise 3D Museum
