Frequently asked question

1. What is the best time to visit Maratua Island?

The best time to visit Maratua Island is during the dry season, which typically runs from March to October. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities, diving, and exploring the island’s natural beauty. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

    • Dry Season (March-October)
      • Weather : Sunny, minimal rainfall, calm seas.
      • Best for :
        • Diving & Snorkeling: Visibility is excellent, and marine life (e.g., manta rays, turtles, and coral reefs) is abundant.
        • Island Hopping: Easier access to nearby islands like Derawan, Sangalaki, and Kakaban.
        • Beach Activities: Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and photography.
      • Peak Month :
        • June to August: High tourist season with perfect weather but slightly higher prices and crowds.
        • March to May & September to October: Shoulder season with fewer tourists and better deals on accommodations.
    • Wet Season (November – February)
      •  Weather : Frequent rain, rough seas, occasional storms.
      • Best for :
        • Fewer tourists and lower prices for accommodations.
        • Lush, green landscapes for photography.

And here’s more information for time specific activities :

  •  Manta Ray Season : Peak sightings from March to October
  • Turtle Nesting : Peak sightings from June to September
  • Whaleshark visit : Every months except full moon (usually occurs on middle of months approx 11st-19th) 
  • Fishing : Best time to fish is from  March – July and October-December. when the weather is calm, water visibility is high, and the tides are more predictable, making for better fishing conditions overall. 
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2. How to get to Maratua Island?

There are 2 routes you can take to get to Maratua Island which are from Tarakan and Berau/Tanjung Redeb. Here’s the detail for the regular boat price and schedule :

  1. Tarakan – Maratua (Friday only)
    • Indonesian price IDR. 350,000/person
    • Non-Indonesian IDR. 650,000/person
  1. Berau/Tanjung Redeb – Maratua (Everyday, 10:00 AM)
    • Indonesian price IDR. 310,000/person
    • Non-Indonesian IDR. 510,000/person
  1. Maratua-Tarakan (Monday only)
    • Indonesian price IDR. 350,000/person
    • Non-Indonesian IDR. 650,000/person
  1. Maratua-Berau/Tanjung Redeb (Everyday, 10:00 AM)
    • Indonesian price IDR. 310,000/person
    • Non-Indonesian IDR. 510,000/person

3. Where is the best dive site in Maratua Island?

Maratua Island has one of the best dive site in Indonesia, renowned for its pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life (Manta rays, turtles, sharks and more), crystal clear waters and diverse dive sites. 
  1. Big Fish Country
    • Why it’s the best : Known pelagic species, this site is a hotspot for manta rays, sharks, and barracudas. The strong currents make it perfect for drift diving.
    • Depth: 10–30 meters.
    • Best For: Advanced divers and thrill-seekers.

     2. Channel Point

    • Why It’s the Best:
      This channel is famous for its coral walls, reef sharks, and schools of fish. The underwater topography and strong currents create an exhilarating dive experience.
    • Depth: 15–40 meters.
    • Best For: Experienced divers and underwater photographers.

    3. Turtle Traffic

    • Why It’s the Best:
      A cleaning station for green and hawksbill turtles, this site offers calm waters and excellent visibility. It’s a must-visit for turtle lovers.
    • Depth: 10–20 meters.
    • Best For: Beginners and marine life enthusiasts.

    4. Manta cleaning station

    • Why It’s the Best:
      As the name suggests, this site is a manta ray hotspot, especially during the dry season (March–October). The gentle currents and shallow depths make it accessible for all divers.
    • Depth: 5–15 meters.
    • Best For: Snorkelers and divers of all level

    5. Fusilliar Alley

    • Why It’s the Best:
      Frequent sighting of barracuda schooling, giant sting ray, eagle ray, leopard shark and grey reef shark.
    • Depth: 40 meters.
    • Best For: Advanced divers

    5. Kelapa dua (Kakaban Island)

    • Why It’s the Best:
      Frequent sighting of manta ray, leopard shark, and vibrant coral reef teeming with colorful fish, nudibranchs, and small critters. It’s perfect for relaxed diving and macro photography.
    • Depth: 40 meters.
    • Best For: Advanced divers
Maratua Dive Map