Dive and Snorkelling Sites Around Maratua, Kakaban and Sangalaki Islands
Barracudas at Fusilier Paradise
Our dive and snorkeling sites cover three stunning areas: Maratua Island, Kakaban Island, and Sangalaki Island. Each of these islands offers a unique diving experience, with diverse marine life and beautiful underwater landscapes.
Maratua Island
Maratua covering a relatively large area, has over twenty different dive sites available to visit. The sites are quite varied and have you the chance of seeing a diverse range of marine life in Maratua as well as the beautiful reefs the coral triangle is famous for. A well-known turtle breeding site, Maratua is home to huge numbers of green sea turtles. This has led to the island being nicknamed the ‘turtle capital’ of Indonesia. Turtle Traffic dive site offers the best turtle diving experience with often hundreds of turtles visiting to lay eggs and gliding along in the strong currents which also bring other pelagics such as rays and sharks. When the conditions are good, parts of the site are accessible to both snorkelers and divers.
On the other side of the island one of the most popular dive sites The Channel sits close to the lagoon and experiences strong currents making it an ideal spot to dive with rays, sharks and some spectacular shoals of pelagic fish. Huge groups of barracuda and Jacks can be seen feeding in the deeper waters away from the reef. Similar reef and deep blue water dives can be found at Fusilier Paradise and Lighthouse Reef, the latter being a spot for manta encounters in the winter season. There are also several more relaxed dives available on the reefs, such as Cabbage Coral where sea anemones and curious reef critters are abundant.
With over 25 dive sites, ranging from flat bottoms, gentle slopes to wall, there is so much to see.
Maratua Island Dive Sites
Kakaban Island
Kakaban Island, nestled within the Derawan Archipelago, boasts a vast coral atoll. Its defining characteristic is a sprawling land-locked lake, encompassing nearly two-thirds of the island’s expanse. Within this brackish waterbody thrives a diverse array of endemic marine species, notably millions of stingless jellyfish. The island is ensconced amidst a labyrinth of thick mangrove forests, extending all the way to the water’s edge.
Kakaban Island Dive Sites
Sangalaki Island
Sangalaki Island, spanning approximately 15 hectares within the Derawan Islands, is renowned as a haven for turtles in the region. Serving as the primary nesting ground for green turtles in the Derawan Islands and Southeast Asia, it holds significant ecological importance. The underwater landscapes surrounding the island never fail to captivate all who behold them.
Embark on a diving expedition with our expert team and immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of these islands. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, our meticulously curated dive and snorkeling spots promise an unparalleled underwater journey.
Sangalaki Island Dive Sites
Things to do on dry days
Maratua has so much worth exploring both in and out of the water. For those who enjoy a relaxing day meandering around villages, Teluk Harapan village is the perfect place to encounter some of the local people. The village starts at the Harapan beach area and continues inland. The local food stalls are an atmospheric spot to enjoy a drink in the evening while watching the sunset.
For the more adventurous visitors there are also several lakes and caves to explore. Some are in the jungle areas such as Haji Mangku Lake or Sembat Cave a perfect spot for a dip after a walk in the jungle. If you are feeling particularly brave it is also possible to visit the jellyfish lake on nearby Kakaban Island. Other semi-dry marine encounters are whaleshark watching trips and simply observing the pods of spinner dolphins cruising past the island.
Image Gallery
Check out our favourite images on some of the many dive sites available around Maratua, Kakaban and Sangalaki. Visibility around here is often over 30m.
