Best snorkeling spots around Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban, and Sangalaki

The Derawan Islands offer some of the best snorkeling spots in Indonesia, particularly around Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban, and Sangalaki. Highlights include diverse marine life, dense coral reefs, and easy access for snorkelers of all levels.

Top sites: Derawan Island, Maratua, Kakaban, Sangalaki
Best seasons: March to November
Prices: Trips start around $30 per person

Introduction to the Derawan Islands

Best snorkeling spots around Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban, and Sangalaki

The Derawan Islands, located in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, are renowned for their rich marine biodiversity and colourful underwater ecosystems. Comprising several islands, each offers unique snorkeling experiences that cater to both beginners and seasoned snorkelers. This blog post will outline the best snorkeling spots around Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban, and Sangalaki, complete with practical information on accessing these sites.

Derawan Island

Derawan Island is the most developed of the group and serves as the main hub for snorkeling and diving activities. The island is surrounded by striking coral reefs and offers a variety of marine life.

Best Snorkeling Sites on Derawan Island

Derawan House Reef: Located just off the beach, this site is ideal for beginners. Expect to see clownfish, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish.
Marlin Point: A bit farther from the shore, this site is known for larger fish species like barracudas and even occasional sightings of manta rays.
Seagrass Beds: The shallow waters near the island are home to green sea turtles. Snorkelers can often spot them grazing on seagrass.

Maratua Island

Maratua Island is famous for its pristine waters and diverse marine ecosystems. It is less crowded than Derawan, making it a perfect spot for a more tranquil snorkeling experience.

Best Snorkeling Sites on Maratua Island

Maratua Drop Off: A must-visit for experienced snorkelers, this site features steep drops and rich coral formations. Look for large pelagic species, including tuna and reef sharks.
Teluk Maratua: A shallow bay that is perfect for families. The calm waters allow for easy snorkeling, and children can safely enjoy the colorful marine life.
Karang Mutiara: Known for its colourful coral gardens, this site attracts a variety of fish species, making it a photographer’s sanctuary.

Kakaban Island

Kakaban Island is unique due to its brackish lagoon, home to a variety of jellyfish. The island is less frequented, providing a peaceful snorkeling experience.

Best Snorkeling Sites on Kakaban Island

Kakaban Lagoon: Famous for its non-stinging jellyfish, this lagoon allows snorkelers to swim among these gentle creatures. It’s an singular experience.
Coral Gardens: This site offers an range of hard and soft corals, teeming with life. Expect to see butterflyfish and parrotfish in abundance.
Shark Point: For those looking for a thrill, this spot is known for occasional sightings of reef sharks. It’s a favorite among adventurous snorkelers.

Sangalaki Island

Sangalaki Island is primarily known for its turtle conservation efforts. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, making it another excellent snorkeling destination.

Best Snorkeling Sites on Sangalaki Island

Sangalaki Turtle Point: This site is ideal for spotting green and hawksbill turtles. The shallow waters make it accessible for all levels of snorkelers.
Inside Sangalaki: Renowned for its dense coral reefs, this area attracts a variety of fish species and is perfect for underwater photography.
Giant Clam Garden: A unique spot where snorkelers can see giant clams in their natural habitat, surrounded by colorful fish.

Best Seasons for Snorkeling

The best time to visit the Derawan Islands for snorkeling is from March to November. During these months, the weather is generally dry, and visibility underwater is at its peak. Water temperatures hover around 28-30°C (82-86°F), creating ideal conditions for snorkeling.

Cost of Snorkeling Trips

Prices for snorkeling trips around the Derawan Islands vary depending on the provider and package. On average, you can expect to pay around $30 to $50 per person for a day trip, which typically includes equipment rental and lunch. More comprehensive packages that include multiple islands or diving can range from $100 to $250, depending on the number of days and activities included.

Practical Tips for Snorkeling in Derawan Islands

Equipment: Most tour operators provide snorkeling gear, but you can also bring your own for comfort.
Sun Protection: Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life and wear a rash guard or wetsuit to shield yourself from the sun.
Stay Hydrated: Always drink plenty of water, especially in the tropical heat.
Respect Marine Life: Do not touch or disturb marine creatures, and avoid stepping on coral reefs to preserve their health.

Exploring Marine Life at Maratua Island

Maratua Island is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, making it a must-visit for snorkelers. The island’s clear waters are home to a wealth of colorful fish, sea turtles, and dense coral reefs. Snorkeling here offers a unique opportunity to witness marine life up close. For those considering a trip, detailed guides and pricing options are available on our derawan Snorkeling Pricing & Cost Guide page, ensuring you make the most of your underwater adventure.

To fine-tune your plans, check out Derawan Snorkeling for comprehensive insights on budget and itinerary suggestions.

Exploring the Unique Marine Ecosystems of the Derawan Archipelago

The Derawan archipelago offers a diverse range of marine ecosystems, each providing a unique snorkeling experience. One of the most intriguing aspects is the contrast between the open sea environments and the enclosed ecosystems, such as Kakaban’s jellyfish lake. The lake, accessible via a wooden boardwalk, is a brackish water body harboring thousands of non-stinging jellyfish. This unusual ecosystem evolved in isolation, allowing snorkelers to swim among jellyfish without fear of stings—a rare opportunity found in only a few places worldwide. The surrounding seaward walls, like Kakaban Wall and Barracuda Point, offer a striking shift to dramatic drop-offs teeming with larger marine life, providing an exhilarating contrast for snorkelers who venture beyond the lake.

For those seeking encounters with larger marine creatures, Maratua’s Big Fish Country and Sangalaki’s manta ray sites are must-visits. Maratua is renowned for its strong currents that attract pelagic species, including sharks and barracudas, offering a thrilling experience for those comfortable in dynamic water conditions. Meanwhile, Sangalaki’s Manta Avenue and Manta Run are celebrated for manta ray aggregations, especially during the drier months from April to October. These sites provide snorkelers with the chance to observe mantas at cleaning stations, where they glide gracefully through the water. Despite the seasonal and somewhat unpredictable nature of manta sightings, the possibility of encountering these striking creatures draws marine enthusiasts from around the globe.

Visit Kakaban’s jellyfish lake for a unique snorkeling experience with non-stinging jellyfish.
Explore Maratua’s Big Fish Country for encounters with pelagic species like sharks and barracudas.
Snorkel at Sangalaki’s Manta Avenue to see manta rays at their cleaning stations, especially during the dry season.
Plan trips during the dry season (April-October) for better sea conditions and increased chances of marine sightings.