Wildlife Safaris
( 13 days from £1,955)
( 14 days from £1,995)
( 16 Days from £2,185)
Ideal for non-divers & snorkellers alike
Diving
( 12 days from £1,690)
( 14 Days from £1,935)
( 18 days from £2,885)
( 16 days from £2,290)
( 12 days from £1,795)
( 14 Days from £2,075)
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The stunning Derawan archipelago ecosystem is characterized by its exceptional biodiversity, with several hundred coral species and over 870 species of pelagic and reef fish. It also has a rich grouping of invertebrates, ranging from giant clams on its reefs to feisty coconut crabs on the islands themselves.
The Derawan archipelago is a group of islands in the Sulawesi Sea off the Indonesian coast of Kalimantan (Borneo), formed by Derawan, Sangalaki, Kakaban, Maratua, Panjang, and Samama, as well as several submerged reefs and small islets. These islands appear as hidden gems within the archipelago, often with wide lagoons and broad expanses of high-quality coral reef. Derawan is most easily reached via and Balikpapan, followed by a one hour flight to Berau and a two hour boat ride to the island, where, if lucky, you may spot the secretive
Irrawaddy dolphin along the way, playing in the coastal waters.
Although still largely unknown, people do visit the Derawan and do so for four very different reasons: the breath-taking tropical settings of the idyllic islands; some exceptional coral reefs; the chance to see mass gatherings of large and graceful manta rays, congregating in large numbers in the bays, gliding through the waters to feed in the rich coastal waters and; the opportunity to encounter a thresher shark whilst diving. This is one of the few places on Earth where these majestic ocean wanderers regularly visit, coming in to feed and use the reef cleaning stations. At up to 6 m long, meeting a thresher on a dive is an awe-inspiring experience.
The area is also noted as being the largest breeding site for marine turtles within and encountering several turtles during a dive is common. During the night it is possible to watch turtles laying eggs on the beach and with a bit of luck it is even possible to watch the nestlings crawl over the beach into the water.
The Maratua atoll is set within the archipelago and is known for its large expanses of healthy and vibrant corals on its reefs, stretching around the atoll and for its outstanding and picturesque settings in crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. It is around Maratua where the best opportunities for seeing manta rays can be found - these giant, inquisitive rays swirling around the lagoons and bays throughout most of the year. Diving at Maratua really is an explosion of colour and a kaleidoscope of species, mixing tiny bright nudibranchs and hairy orangutan crabs nestling in the branches of delicate corals. It is a wonderful place to find both the small and bizarre such as frogfish and lionfish, and pelagics such as manta rays and thresher sharks. |
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