Lazarus Island has quietly become one of Singapore’s most appealing beach escapes, and its growing water sports scene now gives visitors a full day’s worth of ways to get out on the water. From affordable one-hour kayak rentals to Mega SUP boards that fit a whole group of friends, Lazarus Sea Sports Centre has turned this once sleepy cove into an easy, eco-friendly adventure playground just 30 minutes by ferry from Marina South Pier.
Where Lazarus Island’s Water Sports Hub Is – And How To Get There
Lazarus Sea Sports Centre sits on Pulau Seringat, directly behind Lazarus Beach on Singapore’s Southern Islands. The water sports base is a short walk from the main Lazarus beach lagoon, close to the small cluster of new facilities that now includes the Tiny Escape cabins and a bicycle rental kiosk. The centre is positioned on a calm stretch of water that looks back towards Singapore’s skyline in the distance, giving paddlers sheltered conditions with a surprisingly wild, offshore feel.
To get there, most visitors take a ferry from Marina South Pier, which is linked to the rest of Singapore by its own MRT station on the North-South Line. Marina South Ferries runs multiple daily services. On weekdays, typical departures from Marina South Pier to the Southern Islands include morning and early afternoon sailings such as 10:00 and 14:00, with return boats around 13:00 and 17:00. On weekends and public holidays, services are more frequent, commonly starting around 09:00 with several departures through the morning and afternoon until early evening, often up to about 18:00.
As of April 2025, all ferries that previously stopped at St John’s Island main jetty have been rerouted to the Pulau Seringat jetty on Lazarus itself due to repair works at St John’s. That change has effectively turned Lazarus into the primary landing point for the Southern Islands route, which makes walking to the sea sports centre straightforward. From the jetty, it is typically a 10 to 15 minute walk across the causeway and paths to reach Lazarus Beach and the cluster of facilities where the water sports centre operates.
Travellers should build the ferry schedule into their planning. A practical pattern for a water sports focused day trip is to catch a morning boat from Marina South Pier between 09:00 and 10:00, arrive on Lazarus Island around 09:30 to 10:30, enjoy two to three hours of water activities late morning, break for a beach picnic or rest in early afternoon, and then slot in another one-hour session before boarding a 15:00, 17:00 or 18:00 return ferry, depending on the day’s timetable.
Core Activities: Kayaks, SUPs, Mega SUPs and Sea Bicycles
Lazarus Sea Sports Centre focuses entirely on non motorised craft, which keeps the bay relatively quiet and reduces wake for beginners. The core rental options are single kayaks, double kayaks, triyak three-person kayaks, standard stand up paddleboards, a Mega SUP for larger groups and sea bicycles, sometimes marketed as water bikes. All are designed for casual use rather than high performance paddling, which suits families and first-timers well.
Standard single kayaks are currently listed at around S$20 for a session. These sit-on-top designs are stable and forgiving, and most visitors treat them as a relaxed way to explore the sheltered waters between Pulau Seringat and Lazarus Beach. Double kayaks are priced from about S$32, and triyak three-seaters around S$40, which works out cheaper per person for small groups. A common pattern is for parents to take a double or tri yak with a younger child seated in the middle, sharing the paddling effort while keeping everyone in close reach.
Stand up paddleboards are similarly priced to kayaks, with a single SUP session from roughly S$20. For pairs or small groups, there is a larger multi-person board listed at about S$40 that can take up to three paddlers. The headline option for groups is the Mega SUP, which can handle up to seven people and is priced around S$110 per session. Friends often treat the Mega SUP as a social platform, kneeling or sitting to begin with and only gradually standing up together as confidence improves.
Sea bicycles, sometimes described as sea bikes or water bikes, are another distinctive option. These are paddle-powered craft with bicycle-style seats mounted on twin floats. At Lazarus Sea Sports Centre, listings show sea bicycles from about S$30 per person. They appeal to visitors who want the novelty of cycling on water without needing to master a paddle stroke. For mixed groups, one or two people may hire sea bikes while others opt for kayaks or SUPs, then all converge in the calm bay near the shore for photos and breaks.
Programmes and Packages: From Introductory Kayaking to SUP Yoga
Beyond simple hourly rentals, Lazarus Sea Sports Centre offers a small but growing menu of structured programmes and combinations that suit visitors looking for more guidance or variety. The flagship for first-timers is a two-hour Kayak Introductory Programme, which typically covers basic paddling strokes, manoeuvring, capsize awareness and simple water safety. The session is usually led by an experienced instructor and run in sheltered waters close to the beach, making it suitable for complete beginners who may feel uneasy about heading out alone.
For those who are already comfortable standing on a board or who want a slower paced, wellness-oriented experience, the centre lists SUP yoga sessions. These use stable, wide SUP boards and a floating yoga dock platform that can accommodate up to eight participants. Prices for a single participant SUP yoga class are listed in the high tens of dollars, around S$80 to S$90 per person, reflecting the inclusion of an instructor and a longer, guided session compared to basic rentals.
Lazarus has also seen the introduction of combined land-and-sea packages that pair bicycle rental with kayaking. One such option, often marketed as a cycle and kayak or pedal-and-paddle programme, offers around two hours of cycling plus one hour of kayak use. Visitors typically collect bicycles near the jetty or main facilities, explore the causeways and viewpoints around Lazarus, St John’s and Kias, then return to the sea sports centre for a final hour on the water. Prices for these packages vary but tend to sit above a simple one-hour water sports rental, reflecting the extra equipment and time.
Families and small groups who want maximum flexibility can also look at “all access” style passes when available. These passes usually bundle multiple activities such as kayaks, SUPs and sea bicycles into a single block of time, allowing participants to swap between craft during the session subject to availability and safety guidelines. On a typical weekend, a group might start with one hour of kayaking, shift to SUPs as confidence builds and then finish with 30 minutes on sea bicycles for photos in the late afternoon light.
Prices, Session Length and What Works Best for Beginners and Kids
Most of Lazarus Sea Sports Centre’s basic rentals are priced per hour, which keeps planning straightforward. As of mid 2026, headline prices on official listings include single kayaks and single SUPs from S$20, sea bicycles from S$30, double kayaks from S$32, triyak three-seaters from S$40, three person SUP boards from S$40, the Mega SUP from S$110 and SUP yoga sessions from around S$87 per participant. Introductory kayaking programmes and cycle-plus-kayak packages are generally priced higher to reflect instruction and longer durations, though detailed rates may change seasonally or with promotions.
For first-time visitors who are new to paddling, a one-hour session is usually enough to explore the sheltered bay, take photos and get a feel for the craft without becoming too tired. Many families book back-to-back sessions or add a second activity if everyone is enjoying themselves. More experienced paddlers, or those joining a guided programme such as the two-hour kayak introduction, may prefer a longer window to travel slightly further along the coast towards St John’s and back.
Children are common around the centre, but practical age and height limits apply. Young kids often share a double kayak or triyak with adults rather than paddling solo. On SUPs, staff typically recommend that beginners start kneeling or even lying on the board close to shore, standing only once they feel stable. Sea bicycles can be a good alternative for families where not everyone is confident in the water, as the seating position and handlebar-style steering feel more intuitive to those who can already ride a regular bicycle.
When comparing value, travellers should look not just at the sticker price but at how the activity fits into the day. For instance, a one-hour single kayak at S$20 is one of the most budget-friendly options and can be easily slotted between swims or a picnic. A group of six or seven friends might find better value in splitting the S$110 Mega SUP if they intend to stay out for most of the hour and are treating it as the main event. Visitors keen on trying both land and sea activities may see the appeal of a combined bicycle-plus-kayak package: while the headline price is higher, it effectively covers a half day of structured activity.
Bookings, Safety, Weather and Practical Tips
Lazarus Sea Sports Centre operates primarily from Friday to Sunday, with typical opening hours around 10:00 to 17:00 and last one-hour rentals starting at 16:00. Weekdays are generally reserved for private group bookings and schools, although specific arrangements can sometimes be made. Because capacity is limited and weekend demand has risen since the opening of new glamping tents and cabins on the island, advance booking is highly recommended, especially for popular slots between 10:00 and 14:00 and for higher-value activities such as Mega SUP or SUP yoga.
Walk-in rentals are sometimes possible on quieter days, but visitors should not assume availability, particularly during school holidays or on public holiday weekends. A sensible approach is to secure at least one key activity in advance, then remain flexible about adding a second session on the day if there is spare capacity. Group leaders planning birthday outings, corporate trips or school excursions should contact the operator ahead of time to align ferry arrival and departure times with activity windows, minimising idle time on the jetty.
From a safety perspective, the centre focuses on calm, inshore waters and supplies buoyancy aids, paddles and basic briefings for all participants. Even so, Lazarus is an offshore island and visitors should treat the environment with respect. Strong midday sun, reflected off the water and pale sand, can quickly lead to dehydration or sunburn, so wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved rash guards, sunglasses with straps and reef-safe sunscreen are sensible. Sporadic box jellyfish sightings in Singapore waters mean it is wise to heed any local advisories posted on the islands and to avoid swimming in areas not recommended by staff.
Weather is another key consideration. While sessions can continue in light rain, activities will usually be paused or cancelled in the event of lightning, poor visibility or strong winds. Travellers planning a full day on Lazarus should keep an eye on the forecast and build in a back up plan, such as a longer picnic, beach games or a walk to nearby viewpoints, in case conditions deteriorate. For bookings that are weather dependent, checking the specific cancellation or rescheduling terms at the time of reservation helps avoid surprises.
Planning Your Day: Matching Activities to Different Travellers
With a bit of planning, it is possible to design a Lazarus Island itinerary to suit very different types of visitors. For a couple on a budget day out, a realistic plan might involve catching a mid morning ferry, walking to the beach for a swim, then booking a single SUP or kayak for one hour at S$20 in late morning when the water is usually calmer. After a picnic under the trees, they might either relax on the sand or consider adding a spontaneous second water session if rentals are available.
Families with school age children often find double kayaks or triyaks more manageable. A realistic pattern is for one adult and one child to share a double kayak at S$32 while the other adult and sibling take a second craft, keeping the whole family on the water together. If grandparents or less confident swimmers are part of the group, a sea bicycle at S$30 can act as a stable base for taking photos and supervising. Those with teenagers or young adults may get the most laughs out of the Mega SUP, where the challenge of everyone staying upright together becomes its own form of entertainment.
Visitors staying overnight in glamping tents or tiny cabins can spread their activities across two days, making it easier to fit in a structured programme such as the two-hour kayak introduction or a SUP yoga session at sunrise or late afternoon. For these guests, combining a morning of guided paddling with an evening cycle around the causeways and viewpoints can create a fuller sense of being away from the mainland, even though the skyline remains visible on the horizon.
More experienced paddlers sometimes use Lazarus as a starting point for longer guided routes, such as Southern Islands paddle trails that skirt around St John’s or Kusu before returning to base. These trips usually require pre booking, clear weather and minimum fitness or experience levels. They are not everyday offerings for casual visitors, but they highlight how the water sports centre can cater to both beginners and more adventurous guests if conditions and schedules align.
FAQ
Q1. How much does it cost to rent a kayak or SUP on Lazarus Island?
Typical listed prices at Lazarus Sea Sports Centre start around S$20 for a single kayak or single stand up paddleboard per hour, S$32 for a double kayak, S$40 for a three person triyak or three person SUP, S$30 for a sea bicycle and about S$110 for a Mega SUP that can take up to seven people. Exact rates and promotions can change, so it is worth checking current listings before you travel.
Q2. Are the water sports on Lazarus Island suitable for beginners?
Yes. The centre’s craft and programmes are designed with beginners in mind, using wide, stable kayaks and SUPs in a sheltered bay. Short safety briefings are provided before each session, and complete novices can join a two-hour introductory kayaking programme or opt for sea bicycles if they prefer something that feels more like cycling than paddling.
Q3. Can children take part in kayaking and SUP activities on Lazarus?
Children regularly join sessions, especially at weekends. Younger kids typically share a double kayak or triyak with adults rather than paddling alone, and on SUPs they are encouraged to start kneeling or sitting close to shore. Parents should check any age, height or life jacket fit guidelines when booking and remain on the water with their children throughout the activity.
Q4. Do I need to book water sports in advance, or can I just walk in?
Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly for weekends, public holidays and popular slots between late morning and early afternoon. While walk in rentals may be possible during quieter periods, capacity is limited and certain activities such as Mega SUP or SUP yoga often sell out. Groups and schools should always arrange sessions ahead of time.
Q5. What are the usual opening hours for Lazarus Sea Sports Centre?
The sea sports centre generally operates from Friday to Sunday, with typical opening hours around 10:00 to 17:00 and last one hour rentals starting at 16:00. Weekdays are usually reserved for private or group bookings. Schedules can vary during special events or off season periods, so visitors should confirm current operating days and times before planning a trip.
Q6. How do ferry timings affect my water sports booking?
Ferries from Marina South Pier to Lazarus run on fixed schedules that differ between weekdays and weekends, with more frequent services on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. When booking a kayak or SUP session, you should allow at least 30 to 45 minutes after your ferry’s scheduled arrival to walk from the jetty to the centre and get ready, and avoid scheduling your last activity so close to the final return ferry that you feel rushed.
Q7. What should I wear and bring for water sports on Lazarus Island?
Lightweight, quick drying clothing or a swimsuit, a long sleeved rash guard for sun protection, secure footwear such as water shoes, sunglasses with a strap, a hat and reef safe sunscreen are all advisable. Bringing a refillable water bottle and a dry bag for phones and valuables will make the experience more comfortable. Life jackets and paddles are provided as part of the rental.
Q8. Are there safety concerns such as jellyfish or strong currents?
Lazarus Sea Sports Centre operates in a sheltered bay and provides buoyancy aids and briefings, but it remains an offshore environment. Box jellyfish have occasionally been reported in Singapore waters, so visitors should pay attention to advisory signs and staff guidance. Strong sun and heat are more common concerns, making hydration and sun protection essential during any session.
Q9. Can I combine cycling with kayaking or SUP on Lazarus?
Yes. Bicycle rentals are available on the island, and the sea sports centre and its partners offer cycle and kayak style packages that might include around two hours of cycling plus one hour of kayaking. This allows visitors to explore the causeways and viewpoints linking Lazarus, St John’s and nearby islets before finishing with time on the water, all within a single booking.
Q10. Is Lazarus Island a good destination for a full day trip from Singapore?
For most visitors, Lazarus makes an excellent full day escape, especially when you combine beach time with one or two water sports sessions. A realistic plan is to catch a morning ferry, book a one or two hour kayak or SUP session late morning, enjoy a relaxed picnic and swim in the early afternoon, then either join a second activity or simply unwind on the sand before sailing back to Marina South Pier on a late afternoon ferry.