Semporna fishing: how a day on the boat works
Semporna fishing starts at the Semporna Tourist Jetty, also called Jeti Pelancong. The half-day and full-day trips return to the same jetty.
The half-day trip uses bottom fishing with fresh bait. The catch is usually small fish, which suits a relaxed first outing rather than a trophy hunt, and no catch is guaranteed. On the full day, a fish finder and GPS help the skipper locate a fishing spot, reached by a speedboat ride of about 50 minutes each way.
Which Semporna fishing trip fits you
All prices are per person and as of November 2026.
Half-day trip, from $79
This 3.5 hour outing leaves from the jetty in the morning or the afternoon, with check-in at the operator's office. Fishing gear, bait, a cool box, water, a guide and a boatman are included, and you keep what you catch. It has a 4.8 rating from 3 reviews. It is the shortest way to fish from Semporna without giving up a whole day.
Full-day trip, $158
Seven hours on the water with the same jetty start. Beyond gear and bait, it adds an ice box, a fish finder, GPS, a professional guide, a first mate, lunch and drinking water, and you keep your catch. Beginners are welcome. Choose it if you want a full day out with lunch on board.
What explains the price gap
The half day costs $79 and the full day $158, so the extra hours roughly double the price. Per hour, the half day works out at about $23 and the full day at about $23, so the choice is mostly about how long you want to stay out, not about value. The full day adds a fish finder and lunch, which the half day does not offer.
Season, weather and what to bring
The northeast monsoon runs from November to March and brings heavy rain to eastern Sabah. The southwest monsoon is not reliably dry either, so no month is a guaranteed fishing season. Trips can be moved or cancelled when the weather or safety conditions call for it.
For the half-day trip, bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, snacks, cash and any personal medication. Some boats have no toilet. Take all your rubbish back to shore and leave the sea life undisturbed.
If you would rather swim than fish, Semporna snorkeling trips compares five reef days from the same jetty.
Our picks: fishing trips
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of November 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Full-day fishing trip with equipment and lunch
Fishing gear, bait, an ice box, a fish finder, GPS, a guide, a first mate, lunch and drinking water are included, and you keep your catch. The crew explains the gear and helps beginners.
Check availability →
Half-day fishing trip with equipment
Fishing gear, bait, a cool box, water, a guide and a boatman are included, and you keep your catch.
Check availability →Semporna fishing trips
Half-day and full-day fishing trips from the Semporna jetty, with live prices and availability.
Semporna fishing: frequently asked questions
How much does a fishing trip in Semporna cost?
The half day costs $79 per person and the full day with lunch $158, as of November 2026.
Do I need fishing experience?
No. The full-day trip is open to beginners, and the crew explains the gear and helps you fish.
Can I keep my catch?
Yes. Both the half-day and the full-day trip let you keep your catch, and the boats carry a cool box or ice box. No catch is guaranteed.
How long does the trip take?
3.5 hours for the half day and 7 hours for the full day. On the full day, the speedboat ride to the fishing spot takes about 50 minutes each way.