Snorkeling Excursions

Maratua Guesthouse Snorkeling Trips

Snorkeling with Manta Rays, Whale Sharks & Stingless Jellyfish

Make the most of your stay at Maratua Guesthouse

Book your Excursions Early!

You've crafted the ultimate paradise escape! To make the most of your stay, be sure to reserve ample time for the fantastic snorkeling options available when staying at Maratua Guesthouse. To accommodate variations in weather and sea conditions, we recommend staying three days longer than the number of days you plan to snorkel. For instance, if you're planning two days of snorkeling, we suggest staying a minimum of 4 days, to allow space for you to have the best conditions for your snorkeling trips.

During your stay, take advantage of free days to explore the island by motorbike, relax on our private white sand beach, and leisurely snorkel our House Reef. Don't miss the chance to swim with the turtles right in front of Maratua Guesthouse. Enjoy every moment of your tropical getaway!

Whale Shark Encounter - Full Day Trip

Full Day Snorkeling: $150 per person
Minimum Snorkelers: 2
Equipment: Snorkel and mask provided

The whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean, reaching up to 12 metres in length, yet these magnificent gentle giants feed only on plankton and tiny fish - making them completely safe to snorkel alongside. The Celebes Sea off the coast of Kalimantan is one of the few places in the world where whale shark encounters are reliably possible. Our boat captain keeps close tabs on our population of whale sharks and has a very good track record for finding the feeding grounds of the whale sharks.

Our expert boat captains have years of experience finding whale sharks in these waters. The best time to encounter them is during the darker phase of the lunar cycle - away from the full moon - when the whale sharks are drawn closer to our shores following the plankton blooms that gather in the darkness.

This is a full day excursion from Maratua Guesthouse and is open to snorkelers of all levels.

Sangalaki & Kakaban Islands - Full Day Trip

Full Day Snorkeling: $70 per person
Minimum Snorkelers: 2
Equipment: Snorkel and mask provided

This full day trip visits two of the most extraordinary islands in the Derawan Archipelago.

At Sangalaki Island, graceful manta rays congregate in the warm blue waters, gliding effortlessly through the current in one of the most reliable manta ray snorkeling spots in Southeast Asia. Sangalaki is also home to a sea turtle sanctuary, where you can meet and hold tiny baby turtles before they begin their journey to the ocean.

Kakaban is something else entirely. This ancient island contains a landlocked saltwater lake of prehistoric origin, home to four species of stingless jellyfish - moon jellyfish, spotted jellyfish, upside-down jellyfish, and box jellyfish. Cut off from the open ocean for millions of years, these jellyfish evolved in complete isolation and never developed the need to sting. Swimming among them is one of the most magical and surreal experiences in the natural world. The coral reef off the coast of Kakaban is equally spectacular, teeming with turtles, reef sharks, starfish, puffer fish, and a dazzling array of marine life.

Around Maratua Island - Full Day Trip

Full Day Snorkeling: $70 per person
Minimum Snorkelers: 2
Equipment: Snorkel and mask provided

Spend a full day exploring the spectacular marine life right on our doorstep. This trip takes you to two contrasting highlights of Maratua Island.

In the morning, we head to the northern reef where blacktip reef sharks patrol the shallows alongside vibrant coral gardens teeming with reef fish. In the afternoon, we journey south to Turtle Town near Payung-Payung, where sea turtles drift lazily through crystal-clear water and are so accustomed to snorkelers that you can observe them at very close range. Our skilled boat captains know every reef and current, ensuring you see the very best of what Maratua has to offer.

Half Day Snorkeling - Northern Reef or Turtle Town

Half Day Snorkeling: $50 per person
Minimum Snorkelers: 2
Equipment: Snorkel and mask provided

Perfect for guests who want a taste of Maratua's stunning underwater world without a full day on the water. Choose your destination:

Northern Points: Explore the dramatic northern reef of Maratua Island, where blacktip reef sharks cruise alongside colourful coral gardens and an abundance of reef fish.

Turtle Town: Head south to Payung-Payung, where friendly sea turtles glide through crystal-clear water in one of the most accessible and rewarding snorkeling spots on the island.

Your captain will advise which location offers the best conditions on the day.

a group of stingrays swimming in the water

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