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The best dive sites Derawan archipelago offers are nothing short of spectacular. Nestled in the Coral Triangle off the coast of East Kalimantan, this Indonesian hidden gem boasts manta rays, turtles, sharks, and incredible macro life—all in a remote and uncrowded setting. Whether you’re an experienced diver or an avid marine life enthusiast, these four sites promise unforgettable underwater adventures.
A thrilling drift dive with serious pelagic potential
Welcome to Barracuda Point, one of the best dive sites Derawan archipelago has for all divers. Located off Kakaban Island, this site is all about action. With strong currents that sweep you across the reef plateau, divers often find themselves surrounded by schooling chevron barracuda, pickhandle barracuda, jackfish, and even solitary great barracudas.
Sharks are frequent visitors—white-tip, black-tip, and grey reef sharks are regularly sighted here. Once past the adrenaline-pumping current, the dive transitions into a serene coral wall with spectacular visibility. Keep an eye on the blue—you may just spot a leopard shark, manta ray, or eagle ray cruising by.
Where vibrant sponges and big encounters meet
High Garden, just off Sangalaki Island, is a scenic and vibrant reefscape. The dive begins over a coral hill with a sandy channel beside it. The topography features massive red barrel sponges (Xestospongia testudinaria)—a favorite hiding place for hairy squat lobsters.
Fusiliers flow alongside you, and the site is known for surprise appearances of leopard sharks, giant moray eels, and even manta rays. This is one of the most visually stunning dive sites in the Derawan archipelago and a top pick for underwater photographers.
The ultimate turtle encounter
If you’re dreaming of swimming with dozens of turtles, Turtle Traffic is your dream come true. Located on Maratua Island, this site lives up to its name—on a good day, divers can encounter up to 70 turtles, both green and hawksbill species.
The site is especially magical during low tide when turtles gather to rest on the reef’s gentle slopes and ledges. Besides turtles, you may also come across nudibranchs, reef sharks, and even schooling fusiliers.
📸 Perfect for GoPro footage and relaxed drift diving.
A critter lover’s paradise
Macromania, Derawan Island’s macro haven. Start on the rubble bottom and search for exotic critters: orangutan crabs, decorator crabs, hairy octopus, and bobtail squid. As your no-decompression limit approaches, head back to the reef to find stonefish, frogfish, scorpionfish, and cuttlefish.
This dive site is a must for photographers and lovers of the weird and wonderful. It’s also a great night dive location, making it one of the best dive sites Derawan archipelago has for macro fans.
Scuba Junkie Sangalaki is located right on Derawan Island in the heart of the Sangalaki Marine Park, giving you direct access to all of these incredible sites. As a PADI 5-Star Resort, we offer eco-conscious diving experiences with small groups, personalized service, and a strong focus on conservation.
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Whether you’re looking for fast drifts with sharks or macro dives teeming with life, these four sites represent the best dive sites Derawan archipelago can offer. Each one tells its own underwater story—rich in life, color, and excitement.
💬 Have you dived any of these sites before? Tell us your favorite Derawan dive in the comments below!
