Description
Maratua is an island situated in the Derawan Archipelago, off the north coast of East Kalimantan.
It’s a large tropical island partially encircling a massive lagoon on one end and fringed with sheer rocky walls and coral reefs along the other end. This giant upside-down U-shaped island covers about 384 square kilometers of sandy white beaches and mangrove forests.
Freedive Trip to Maratua Freedive Trip to Maratua
Scientists say its waters contain the world’s third-highest level of marine biodiversity after Raja Ampat and the Solomon Islands. Intriguing, right?
Maratua Island
The Derawan Island Chain includes the islands of Derawan, Sangalaki, Maratua, and Kakaban. It is home to one of the world’s only saltwater lakes, as well as one of the largest green turtle nesting sites in Indonesia.
Maratua Freediving Turtles in Maratua Island
These waters are filled with Green Turtles. The island is a nesting ground where Green Turtles return each year to lay their eggs. Maratua is sometimes named the “Turtle Capital of Indonesia”.
These islands are situated within the Coral Triangle, with all the richness and beauty within its exotic underwater landscapes that one would expect from such a location.
Maratua Freediving
But it offers much more than expected.
Here, you can get all the freediving experiences that Indonesia offers in one place:
Swimming with Whale Sharks in Talysayan
Encounter Manta Rays near Sangalaki Island
Swim in the stingless jellyfish lake in Kakaban Island
Dive with the endless number of turtles
Explore beautiful reefs, walls, dive with schools of baracudas
Explore and dive into the cave
Whale Sharks Freediving in Maratua Manta Rays Maratua
Freediving Maratua Rich Reefs
Despite its remote location, Maratua is easily accessible thanks to regular ferries connecting the island with the mainland. You also can reach it by private speedboat.
We’ll travel by speedboat to reach the best dive spots around Maratua, allowing us to quickly explore remote areas and spend more time in the water. Our group size is limited to 8 people for a more personalized experience.
Maratua Trip by speedboat Freediving in Maratua
Included in the Trip
7 days 6 nights accommodation with breakfast
Meals during day trips
All car and boat transfers
All fees and tickets
Rental of freediving equipment
Freedive Trip to Maratua
Excluded / Additional Costs
Flights to Berau (East Kalimantan)
Single room upgrade (4.000.000 IDR)
Additional Meals
Travel Insurance
Freediving in Maratua
Trip Schedule
Day 1
Arrival to Berau airport at 13:45
Transfer to the harbor
Boat ride to Maratua
Check-in in the hotel
Maratua Freedive Trip
Day 2
Kakaban. Full day diving around the island.
We’ll spend the day diving along its steep coral walls, spotting reef sharks, swirling schools of fish, and vibrant sea life. The highlight? A swim in the island’s famous Jellyfish Lake, just like the one in Misool, where you can float among thousands of stingless jellyfish.
Kakaban Kakaban Jellyfish Lake
Day 3
Talisayan. Freediving with whale sharks
We start our day at 4am to go to Whale Shark spot and freedive with them on the sunrise. Almost all year round, except during the full moon, huge whale sharks gather around traditional fishing platforms called bagans to feed on sprat. It’s an experience you won’t forget, swimming side by side with these gentle giants.
Sangalaki. Visiting Manta Point
Sangalaki is the place where we will swim with Manta Rays. These huge, graceful creatures are unique to the area and glide through the crystal-clear waters, especially around Manta Parade. It’s the perfect place to get up close to marine life.
Manta Point Maratua Freediving with whale sharks
Day 4
Barakuda Point
Second Channel Barrakuda
Bulituatan Reef
This place is famous for large schools of barracudas we will swim among. Divers often encounter these impressive fish up close, creating a thrilling underwater experience. The site also features vibrant coral reefs, with reef sharks, manta rays, and tropical fish. The drift dive here is smooth, with excellent visibility and a rich marine ecosystem.
Barakudas
Day 5
We’ll take a break and dive on the home reef full of green turtles.
Maratua Freediving Freediving with turtles
Day 6
Visiting several caves by car:
Hallo Tabung Cave
We will swim through crystal-clear waters as sunlight filters down, casting a magical glow on the cave’s walls. It’s a perfect spot for freediving, snorkeling, and exploring.
Abel Cave
Gumantung Cave
Cave Freediving Maratua Maratua Cave Freediving
Day 7
Boat ride to the mainland
Car transfer to Bearau airport
Flight at 14:25
Maratua Island
Our trip includes daily freediving excursions to the best sites of the archipelago. Each dive will be tailored to the group’s experience level, ensuring everyone gets the most out of their time in the water.
Our professional guides will share their knowledge and passion for freediving and the incredible marine life of Indonesia. With years of experience in Indonesia’s waters, we’ll ensure you have a safe and unforgettable experience!
Whale Sharks Freediving in Maratua
Booking and Payment
To book the trip we ask you to pay a deposit of IDR 8.000.000. This deposit is non-refundable unless the trip will be canceled from our side. The remaining payment can be made via PayPal, Wise, card or in cash (USD or IDR using the exchange rate on the day of payment).
Full payment is due 14 days before the start of the trip.
Cancellations and Refund
In case of cancellation by the customer, a cancellation fee of IDR 8,000,000 applies. For cancellations 14 days before the start of the trip, we’ll refund payments above this amount.
For the trip, a minimum number of 8 bookings is required.
Up to 14 days before the start date, Freedive Nusa may cancel the trip. In this case, the customers receive a full refund of all payments. By booking the trip, you agree that Freedive Nusa will not be held liable for any other travel arrangements made by customers, including but not limited to flights and transportation bookings, reservations for accommodation, and so on.
Itinerary changes
Sailing itineraries and daily programs are subject to change due to weather and sea conditions, availability of safe anchorage, government regulations, and other factors. Every effort will be made to carry out the program as planned. Program changes may take place during the cruise to attend local cultural events, to adapt to the sailing conditions, or in response to other factors. Only if the duration of the trip or event is adversely affected shall Freedive Nusa refund the difference between the agreed tour price and the cost of services actually provided.
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