Can you tell me where it is? What do you think? Should we ask Dora the Explorer? Marvelous Maratua...not known to many, this secluded island could be the divers' paradise you've been searching for.
So where is Maratua afterall?
You will discover this remote island in the sapphire waters of Indonesia. Located within the infamous Coral Triangle, the world's center of marine biodiversity, you will find the Derawan Archipelago. In this chain of 31 islands off the northern coast of East Kalimantan (Borneo), only 4 of the islands are accessible to humans, Maratua being one of them. This upside-down u-shaped tropical island encircles a massive lagoon with raised coral walls on the northerly end and beautiful ring of submerged reefs enhancing the aquamarine color of the water along the southerly end. This huge atoll is sparsely populated, with only 5 small fishing villages scattered around the island. It is because of this, the marine environment remains in its remarkable condition. Visitors to this tropical island will enjoy mangroves, palm-fronted white beaches, and crystal clear waters.
Maratua's rich underwater landscapes exhibit an abundance of colorful soft and hard corals, and crustaceans of all sizes, such as the giant clam. Prolific pelagic and reef fish inhabit this garden under the sea, including barracuda, snapper, dogtooth tuna, spanish mackerel, jacks, surgeonfish, scalloped hammerhead, thresher, nurse, grey reef and white tip reef sharks, and manta and eagle rays. As if that weren't enough, the Derawan Island chain boasts of being home to one of the largest green turtle nesting sites, leading to it being nicknamed the "Turtle Capital of Indonesia".
Diving opportunities are incredible!
Diving opportunities around Maratua are incredible. There are 21 dives sites circling Maratua. "The Channel" is one of the more advanced dives due to the high probability of strong currents. Those experienced with reef hooking will love to hang around and watch the action, ranging from grey reef and white tip sharks, schools of barracuda, fusiliers and jackfish, giant groupers, surgeon fish, rainbow runners, and if you are lucky, a big school of large size mullet fish. At other sites you can enjoy the beauty of humongous cabbage coral, black coral, staghorn coral, and sea fans. Enjoy batfish, lionfish, crocodile fish, leopard sharks, groupers, bumphead wrasse, and eagle rays to name a few. And lots of nudis! The list is endless.
In addition to diving around Maratua, the island of Kakaban is home to a remarkable jellyfish lake where you can snorkel with "stingless" jellyfish, and nearby Sangalaki island is where you can enjoy diving with marvelous Manta rays. Both islands are just a short boat trip away.
About diving in Indonesia...
The island nation of Indonesia straddles the Equator making it a year-round destination. It basically has a tropical climate with two seasons, wet and dry. In most regions of Indonesia, the dry season spans from May to September, with the wet season ranging from October to April. Water temperatures across most of the archipelago range from the high 70s to mid 80s. A skin suit to 3mm wetsuit is generally adequate, but divers who get chilly might want to pack an extra layer like a hooded vest or take a 5mm wetsuit because you will be diving multiple dives daily.
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Like what you've read? Want to learn how to better enjoy your scuba diving vacation? Maybe you'd like to travel with Delightful Departures on an upcoming adventure? Become part of the Delightful Departures community. Discover different destinations and travel tips in our biweekly newsletter. In addition, you'll receive our FREE "Know Before You Go" guide just because. Join today.
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