Maratua Diving is a boutique dive-travel atelier arranging land-based stays and liveaboards across Maratua atoll and the Derawan Islands of East Kalimantan. We hand-build trips to signature sites like The Channel, Big Fish Country, Sangalaki’s manta cleaning stations and the Kakaban jellyfish lake, for first-time and logged divers alike.
- Diving: year-round, water 28–30°C, visibility commonly 10–30 m and 40 m+ at Maratua.
- Access: fly to Kalimarau (BEJ) via Balikpapan, then a 2–4 hour boat to Maratua.
- From ~US$90–150 per 2-tank day dive; liveaboards ~US$220–450 per night.
Few corners of Indonesia reward divers like Maratua. This remote atoll on the eastern edge of Borneo wraps a turquoise lagoon in steep coral walls and fast channels, where barracuda gather in silver tornadoes and grey reef sharks patrol the blue. At Maratua Diving, every itinerary is curated by hand, so your days underwater are spent exactly where the action is.
The Signature Dives of Maratua Atoll
Maratua Atoll offers a curated selection of signature dive sites that captivate even the most seasoned divers. The Channel is a renowned drift dive where strong currents carry you along a spectacle of large barracuda schools, rays, and the ever-impressive grey reef sharks. Meanwhile, Big Fish Country, often referred to as Big Fish Channel, is famed for its dramatic barracuda tornadoes. Divers here may also encounter grey reef sharks, schooling eagle rays, and even the elusive thresher shark.
Further exploring the atoll, Barracuda Point offers thrilling encounters with schooling barracuda, often accompanied by tuna and various shark species. The Lighthouse site boasts pristine corals and vibrant reef life, where sightings of sharks and turtles are common. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, Cabbage Patch presents a shallower, easier dive adorned with lush corals. Lastly, Twin Pillars, a house-reef style site, provides accessible exploration from shore or brief boat excursions, making it a favored spot for divers staying at Maratua Paradise Resort.
Sangalaki & Kakaban: The Day-Trip Triangle
Just 30 to 45 minutes by boat from Maratua, Sangalaki and Kakaban form a day-trip triangle that divers should not miss. Sangalaki is celebrated for its manta cleaning stations, where manta rays gracefully aggregate, offering year-round encounters that are nothing short of mesmerizing. Meanwhile, Kakaban is home to a unique jellyfish lake, where you can swim amongst non-stinging jellyfish in a serene freshwater setting. The surrounding reefs of Kakaban are equally enchanting, populated by barracuda, trevally, and the occasional grey reef, blacktip, or even hammerhead shark.
When to Dive Maratua
Diving in Maratua is a year-round affair, with each season offering its own distinct underwater experiences. Although the rainy season extends from November to March, divers continue to enjoy excellent conditions throughout the year. Sangalaki’s manta rays are a constant presence, ensuring thrilling encounters no matter when you visit. With water temperatures typically between 28-30°C (82-86°F) and visibility often exceeding 40 meters at Maratua, divers are guaranteed clear, warm waters.
- Best Season: Year-round
- Rainy Season: November to March
- Water Temperature: 28-30°C (82-86°F)
- Visibility: 10-30m, often 40m+ at Maratua
Getting to Maratua
Reaching Maratua begins with a flight to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) at Berau, typically via Balikpapan. From there, a boat transfer of approximately 2 to 4 hours, depending on conditions and departure points, will bring you to the atoll. While there is a small airstrip on Maratua for limited flights, most travelers find the journey by air to Berau and then by boat an integral part of the adventure. Once on the island, dive sites such as The Channel are a convenient 20 to 30 minutes from many resorts.
What a Trip Costs
Maratua offers a range of diving experiences to suit various budgets. Land-based 2-tank day dives at local resorts start from approximately US$90-150 per day, with additional surcharges of US$60-120 for trips to Kakaban or Sangalaki. For those seeking a more immersive experience, liveaboards range from US$220-450 per night, with 4-8 day trips typically costing around US$1,500-4,000 in total. Resort dive packages, spanning 4-7 nights including diving, are available from roughly US$250-350 per night, amounting to US$1,000-2,500. For newcomers, a PADI Open Water course in the Indonesian market is priced at US$350-550.
- Land-based Day Dives: ~US$90-150/day
- Liveaboard: ~US$220-450 per night
- Resort Packages: ~US$250-350/night
- PADI Open Water Course: ~US$350-550
For a tailored quote, we invite you to message the Maratua Diving concierge on WhatsApp.
Diving Maratua With Us
Maratua Diving caters to both first-time divers and those with extensive logs, offering PADI and SSI-certified guides who ensure a safe and enriching experience. Our boutique arrangement guarantees small-group diving, with hand-built itineraries that reflect the unique needs and desires of each guest. Whether you seek the thrill of drift diving or the tranquility of pristine reefs, our team is dedicated to crafting an unforgettable underwater journey.
Trips are curated by Dewi Thompson, our Chief Diving Experience Curator, who pairs each guest with the right sites, boats and guides for their certification and travel window. Our dive guides are PADI- and SSI-certified, group sizes stay small, and logistics — Berau flights, boat transfers, permits and surcharges to Sangalaki and Kakaban — are arranged for you, so the only thing left to plan is which descent you want to remember most.
Plan Your Maratua Dive Trip
Tell our Maratua concierge your dates, certification level and budget, and we’ll hand-arrange a tailored land-based or liveaboard itinerary with a verified quote.
Maratua Diving: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to dive Maratua?
Diving in Maratua is excellent year-round, with water temperatures between 28-30°C (82-86°F). The period from November to March is rainier, but diving conditions remain favorable.
How do I get to Maratua Island?
To reach Maratua Island, fly to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Berau via Balikpapan. From Berau, a boat ride of approximately 2-4 hours will take you to the island. Alternatively, a small airstrip on Maratua allows for direct flights.
What will I see diving Maratua?
Diving in Maratua offers encounters with diverse marine life. Signature sites include The Channel, Big Fish Country, and Barracuda Point. Nearby, Sangalaki is known for manta rays, and Kakaban features a unique jellyfish lake, both accessible by a 30-45 minute boat ride.
How much does diving in Maratua cost?
Land-based diving in Maratua typically costs between US$90-150 for a 2-tank day dive. Liveaboard options range from approximately US$220-450 per night, offering extended access to various dive sites.