We provide daily dive trips and dive courses around the Sangalaki Marine Park.
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Sangalaki diving offers adventurous divers the chance to explore a remote corner of Indonesia’s Coral Triangle, where manta rays, sharks, and turtles thrive in their natural habitat. With rich biodiversity and uncrowded sites, it’s no wonder this region is becoming a top destination for divers seeking authentic marine encounters.
Here are the top 5 marine life highlights you can experience when diving with Scuba Junkie Sangalaki.
If there’s one creature that defines Sangalaki diving, it’s the majestic manta ray. These gentle giants are seen year-round in the waters around Sangalaki, gracefully gliding over the reefs and often coming close to divers and snorkelers.
After your dives, you’ll enjoy surface intervals on beautiful beaches—chatting with fellow divers, sharing stories, and soaking in the tropical vibes.
Whale shark encounters are a highlight for many visiting the Derawan Archipelago. While not part of the Scuba Junkie dive trips, local fishermen offer snorkel excursions to see these gentle giants.
These tours are run by the local community, with trips offered year-round depending on weather and sea conditions. Sightings tend to be more likely around new moon periods, but there’s always a chance when you’re in the area.
Bookings can only be arranged once you’re on Derawan, as the location and conditions can change.
⚠️ Please remember: no touching, no flash photography, and maximum respect for these amazing animals.
Shark sightings are a thrilling part of the Sangalaki diving experience. You’ll often see white tip, grey reef and black tip sharks, cruising through the corals. And occasionally leopard sharks.
For the luckiest divers, there’s the chance to spot thresher sharks, and even hammerheads patrolling the deeper blue.
No matter where you dive, sharks remind us why we love the ocean—wild, untamed, and full of surprises.
For macro lovers, Derawan Island is where the magic happens. Here, you’ll find hairy octopus hiding in the sand, alien-like crabs nestled in coral crevices, and nudibranchs in every imaginable color and pattern.
Night dives at Derawan are particularly rewarding, revealing creatures that emerge only after dark, making every dive a treasure hunt.
One of the most unforgettable sights during Sangalaki diving is the sheer number of turtles. On almost every dive, you’ll encounter green turtles and hawksbill turtles gliding gracefully over the reefs or resting on coral bommies. It’s not uncommon to spot turtles right from your water bungalow balcony—a magical reminder of the underwater world that surrounds you.
For a special treat, join our staff for a sunset walk along the shores of Derawan. As the sky turns golden, you might spot baby guitar sharks swimming in the shallows—a rare and beautiful encounter you won’t soon forget.
At Scuba Junkie Sangalaki, we’re more than just a dive center. We’re a passionate team dedicated to sharing the beauty of Sangalaki diving while protecting the ocean we love.
🌴 Stay in our eco-friendly overwater bungalows
🤿 Dive daily with experienced PADI instructors
🌊 Explore the best of Sangalaki, Derawan, and beyond
Ready to dive into an unforgettable adventure? Check out our dive packages here
Sangalaki diving is a hidden gem of Indonesia’s underwater world. From soaring mantas and cruising sharks to the tiniest critters and baby guitar sharks at sunset, every moment is an opportunity for discovery.
What marine encounter are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments, or tag us in your underwater adventures @scubajunkiesangalaki!
